Rockford AirFest takes flight this weekend, July 31-Aug. 1

The Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (pictured) is a 4.5+ generation carrier-based multirole fighter aircraft. The F/A-18E single-seat variant and F/A-18F tandem-seat variant are larger and more advanced derivatives of the F/A-18C and D Hornet. The Super Hornet entered service with the United States Navy in 1999, replacing the F-14 Tomcat since 2006, and serves alongside the original Hornet.

From staff reports

Rockford AirFest takes flight at Chicago Rockford International Airport Saturday and Sunday, July 31-Aug. 1, with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds headlining.

Gates are open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., with performances beginning at 11 a.m., both days.

Kids 4 and younger are admitted free, and active military members and military veterans are admitted free Saturday, July 31 (see details at end of article).

Adult tickets are $15 at the gate and youth (ages 5-12) tickets are $5 at the gate.

Tickets can be purchased in advance at the airport and online (see details at end of article).

Military performers include the U.S. Army Golden Knights Parachute Team, the U.S. Navy F/A-18 Super Hornet Demo Team, the U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier Demo Team, the U.S. Air Force F-15 Strike Eagle Demo Team, the U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo Team and the U.S. Air Force F-4 Phantom Heritage Flight.

Civilian performers include Aerostars Aerobatic Team, Lima Lima Flight Team, Matt Chapman Airshows, Bill Stein Airshows, Dave Dacy Airshows, Lucas Oil Airshow, Tora Bomb Squad and The Firebirds.

Military static displays include KC-135 Stratotanker, B-52H Stratofortress, P-3 Orion, T-38 Talon, KC-10 Extender, F-4 Phantom, A-10 Warthog, E-6 Mercury Looking Glass, UH-60 Blackhawk Helicopter, MH-53 Sea Dragon Helicopter, T-6 II Texan, F-18 Super Hornet, F-5E Tiger, F-16 Fighting Falcon and T-45.

Civilian/commercial/warbirds static displays include Boeing 747 Dreamlifter, American Eagle ERJ-145, UPS Airbus A-300F, FedEx Airbus A-310F, BAC 167 Strikemaster, UH-1 L.E.A.C. Helicopter, OH-58C L.E.A.C. Helicopter, Ryan International MD-83, Ryan International Boeing 767, MetLife Blimp “Snoopy 2,” L-39, PA-28 Cherokee Tuskegee Airmen, Red Tail P-51 Tuskegee Airmen, Cessna Caravan, Cessna Citation, Gulfstream II and assorted general aviation aircraft.

The airshow will welcome back for the sixth year announcer Herb Hunter. Hunter utilizes many years of experience as a military pilot and captain for one of the major airliners to provide play-by-play coverage of the AirFest’s high-flying action.

Ticket information

Tickets can be purchased in advance at Chicago Rockford International Airport’s terminal or administration buildings between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday-Friday, or online at http://www.flyrfd.com/airfest_tickets.html. Online ticket purchases include a $2 convenience charge for adult tickets and a 50-cent convenience charge for youth (ages 5-12) tickets.

General admission ticket (good for Saturday or Sunday) prices are as follow:

Adults—$12.50 at the airport, $14.50 plus $2 convenience charge online and $15 at the gate.

Youth (ages 5-12)—$5 at the airport, $5.50 plus 50-cent convenience charge online and $5 at the gate.

Kids 4 and younger—Free.

Family Four Pack, Family Flight Line Chalet and Captain’s Club promotions are also available.

Military members admitted free Saturday, July 31

As a special tribute to all the men and women who served or continue to serve in the U.S. armed forces, Chicago Rockford International Airport will offer current members of the military and veterans free admittance to AirFest Saturday, July 31. Armed forces members can receive their free admission ticket by going to the box office on the day of the show.

More information

Chicago Rockford International Airport is at 60 Airport Drive. For more information about AirFest, contact the airport’s administration office at (815) 969-4000 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday-Friday, or visit http://www.flyrfd.com/airfest.html.