PHOTOS: The pilots who will be doing flips in the air this weekend along the lakefront
Usa today news
Pilots prepared to take flight for this weekend’s 2025 Chicago Air & Water Show at the Gary Jet Center in Indiana. The United States Air Force Thunderbird F-16 Fighting Falcons conducted their site survey of the lakefront and stunt pilots, like Ed Hamill and Susan Dacy, stood next to their planes that will be doing flips in the air.
The two-day spectacle will feature groups like the U.S. Airforce Thunderbirds, Warbird Thunder Airshows, civilian performers and a commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the United States Army, according to the city’s Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events.
Planes will take off from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, and they will be most visible along the lakefront from Fullerton Avenue to Oak Street.
Don’t know what to expect this year? Take a behind-the-scenes look at the Chicago Air & Water Show’s media day before the planes roar over the city.
United States Air Force Thunderbird F-16 Fighting Falcons taxi Thursday at Gary/Chicago International Airport after conducting their site survey of the Chicago lakefront ahead of the 2025 Chicago Air & Water Show in Gary, Indiana.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Four members of the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds walk toward Gary/Chicago International Airport’s main building Thursday after conducting a site survey of the lakefront ahead of the 2025 Chicago Air & Water Show in Gary, Indiana.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
A U.S. Air Force Thunderbird F-16 Fighting Falcon lands at Gary/Chicago International Airport Thursday after conducting their site survey of the Chicago lakefront ahead of this weekend’s show. | Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
U.S. Air Force Thunderbird F-16 Fighting Falcons take off in formation Thursday to conduct their site survey of the Chicago lakefront ahead of this weekend’s show. | Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
U.S. Air Force Col. Nathan Malafa stands next to the aircraft he’ll be flying at the 2025 Chicago Air & Water Show.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III lands Thursday at Gary/Chicago International Airport in Gary, Indiana. The flight commander of this aircraft is Tim Wilson, of Lake Forest.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Pilot Tom Larkin stands next to his Mini Jet during media day Thursday for the 2025 Chicago Air & Water Show at Gary/Chicago International Airport in Gary, Indiana. It’s the first time Larkin will fly the Mini Jet for the show.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
A U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III is seen Thursday at the Gary/Chicago International Airport.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Stunt pilot Ed Hamill stands Thursday next to the “Folds of Honor” biplane that he’s flown for three years.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
A U.S. Air Force Thunderbird F-16 Fighting Falcon slows to its parking spot Thursday at the Gary/Chicago International Airport.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
U.S. Air Force Col. Nathan Malafa climbs out of his F-16 Fighting Falcon after conducting a site survey Thursday of the lakefront ahead of the 2025 Chicago Air & Water Show.
Tyler Pasciak LaRiviere/Sun-Times
Flight crews work to maintain the U.S. Air Force Thunderbird’s F-16 Fighting Falcons after they landed Thursday at the Gary/Chicago International Airport.
