Mark your calendars, aviation enthusiasts! The North Alabama AirFest 2025 is set to ignite the skies on September 13-14, 2025, promising a thrilling weekend packed with breathtaking aerial displays, historic aircraft, and inspiring performances. Get ready to witness some of the most incredible pilots and planes from around the country right here in North Alabama!
Your Ticket to High-Flying Fun
General admission to the AirFest is a wallet-friendly $16.90 (including a small fee), making it accessible for everyone. For those looking for an elevated experience, VIP tickets are available for $48.70 (including fee). And in a wonderful gesture, veteran & children tickets are free!
Remember to pack smart: leave your animals, tents, coolers, and outside food or drinks at home. Only clear bags and clear reusable water bottles will be permitted inside the gates, so plan accordingly.
You can find more information and even grab some cool merchandise at Aviate Alabama’s website. They’re also your go-to source for awesome aviation content, from celebrity private jet insights to in-depth commercial airliner info, and they’ve got an unrivaled social media presence for all your planespotting video needs!
Meet the Sky-High Superstars!
This year’s AirFest boasts an incredible lineup, showcasing everything from vintage warbirds to cutting-edge mini-jets and powerful attack helicopters. Prepare to be amazed by these aerial artists:
TITAN Aerobatic Team
The legendary TITAN Aerobatic Team, formerly known as AeroShell, is celebrating 40 years of precision flying! Watch their vintage World War II-era North American AT-6 Texans perform mesmerizingly tight loops, rolls, and perfectly synchronized formation flying. Their commitment to camaraderie and professionalism truly shines through in every performance.
Skip Stewart Airshows
Born right here in Decatur, Alabama, Skip Stewart is a true showman of the skies. He pilots custom-built, “radically modified Pitts S-2S biplanes” named Prometheus and Prometheus 2. Prepare for high-energy routines, including inverted ribbon cuts and jaw-dropping, on-the-deck aerobatics that defy gravity. He’s even been known to race a jet truck!
GhostWriter Airshows (Nathan Hammond)
Nathan Hammond brings the magic with his highly modified 1956 de Havilland Super Chipmunk. By day, he delivers a blazing 350hp aerobatic display with smoke trails and vertical climbs. But when night falls, his plane transforms into a dazzling spectacle, adorned with 4,000 LED lights and hundreds of pounds of pyrotechnics for a choreographed aerial ballet against the dark sky. Don’t miss his incredible skywriting – creating messages visible for miles!
Randy W Ball – FighterJets Inc
Get ready for raw power! Randy W Ball is North America’s top civilian jet demonstration pilot, and he’s bringing his meticulously restored MiG‑17F. Experience the thrill of high-speed passes just 100 feet above the ground, tight high-G turns, and vertical ascents in a routine styled after tactical Viper performances. He’s also a passionate ambassador, inspiring the next generation of aviators.
Flagship Detroit Foundation
Step back in time with the Douglas DC‑3 “Flagship Detroit,” the oldest flying DC‑3 in the world! This historic aircraft, delivered to American Airlines in 1937, played a pivotal role in making passenger air travel viable. The Flagship Detroit Foundation is dedicated to preserving this legacy and educating generations about its significance.
Mini Jet Airshows (Tom “Lark” Larkin)
Prepare for some seriously small but mighty thrills with Tom “Lark” Larkin and his experimental SubSonex JSX003 jet. This fully aerobatic, kit-built jet weighs under 500 lbs but can reach speeds up to 300 mph! Watch “Lark” perform unique maneuvers and high-energy aerobatics in a compact aerial footprint.
Northern Stars Aeroteam
Formed by Royal Canadian Air Force veterans, the Northern Stars Aeroteam flies classic Pitts Special S-2 aircraft in tight, high-energy formations. Their shows feature dramatic opposing passes, solo aerobatics, and tightly choreographed loops and rolls reminiscent of elite military teams. You’ll even get to hear their interplane radio chatter!
Sky Soldiers Demo Team (U.S. Army Sky Soldiers Cobra Demonstration Team)
Witness the power of Army Aviation heritage with the Sky Soldiers Demo Team and their four iconic Bell AH‑1F Cobra attack helicopters. These veteran U.S. Army aviators, with combat experience from Vietnam to Iraq, perform a tightly choreographed, 20-minute tactical flight routine complete with smoke generators and pyrotechnics. They also offer interactive ground exhibits and even helicopter rides!
John Scherff Airshows
John Scherff delivers high-energy excitement in the vintage military trainer aircraft, the North American T‑28 Trojan. Expect smooth loops, barrel rolls, and dramatic “circle the jumper” maneuvers, all showcasing the plane’s power and maneuverability while enveloped in a smoke plume.
Beyond the Air: Giving Back
The North Alabama AirFest isn’t just about aerial marvels; it’s also about community and compassion. We’re proud to highlight:
Smile Awhile Inc.
This incredible 501(c)(3) nonprofit, founded by leukemia patient Brian Land, provides free exotic car rides to cancer patients, primarily from Clearview Cancer Institute and St. Jude. Imagine the joy of a police-escorted ride in a bright yellow, thunderous 2017 Lamborghini Aventador SV! These rides offer a much-needed escape and create unforgettable memories for those battling illness. Look out for their annual charity rally events, with one scheduled for September 2025 near Huntsville, AL. They welcome donations, sponsorships, or even the loan of exotic vehicles to expand their incredible impact.
The North Alabama AirFest 2025 promises an unforgettable weekend for aviation enthusiasts of all ages. From the roar of vintage warbirds to the precision of modern aerobatics, you’ll be treated to a dynamic showcase of aerial prowess and a deep dive into aviation history. Plus, with the heartwarming involvement of Smile Awhile Inc., you’ll know that your attendance is supporting a truly meaningful cause.
Are you ready to experience the thrill of the North Alabama AirFest 2025? What performance are you most excited to see?
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