Cleveland National Air Show 2023

[MattEv14]

"Strange day" is certainly an interesting way to describe the most entertaining practice day at Cleveland that I have ever seen and honestly I don't think it's even that close. From 10am-1pm and 1:45-3:15 it was literally non-stop action. Most of which were fast movers. We were out on the end of the pier, which was luckily open. I don't recall ever catching that many draw dropping passes that close, that low, and that loud.

Two Rhino demos with the first one undoubtedly including a "mini boom" on the high speed pass. The second demo was due to a new pilot joining the team as it was only his second show ever. Pretty solid demo for a rookie demo pilot. The Thunderbirds having been flying Friday AM practices commonly all year and all of which I have seen with 4 jets. They seem to rotate which pilots are included. Today it was two diamond pilots and two solos. The afternoon demo featured 6 jets in the air, but one appeared to be a photo ship as it orbited high for most of the routine before dropping in behind the team for a few passes. My guess is that had something to due with one of the diamonds missing, but still a great 5 ship high show.

I was hoping to see two Eagles in the air and a few more passes, but a couple of those low approaches full blower right over us more than made up for it. Not sure if two made it to down. I have heard conflicting reports, but it might be single ship fly-bys this weekend.

Other than Huntington Beach you just aren't going to get many shows in 2023 with more modern military crammed into a day. Thunderbirds x 2, Rhino x 2, Raptor demo, Harrier Demo, C-130 Demo, F-15 burner passes, KC-135 fly-by's plus a few civilian acts. Not to mention the weather was absolutely PERFECT. Hell of a day.

Matt

[CharlieBeckner]

Where is a good place for parking? They ran out of parking passes for today so where should I go?

[RyanS]

If you are arriving early, you can get a spot at the terminal parking lot. Probably pricey but very convenient. There are also two big parking garages off of 9th street where it crosses the highway. Or you can go to the Science Center just west of the Rock Hall. If you want something cheaper there is the Memorial Plaza parking garage off of St. Clair Ave which is $10 and about a mile walk to the entry gate.

[CharlieBeckner]

If you are arriving early, you can get a spot at the terminal parking lot. Probably pricey but very convenient. There are also two big parking garages off of 9th street where it crosses the highway. Or you can go to the Science Center just west of the Rock Hall. If you want something cheaper there is the Memorial Plaza parking garage off of St. Clair Ave which is $10 and about a mile walk to the entry gate.

Thank you very much.

[reddevils127]

Where is a good place for parking? They ran out of parking passes for today so where should I go?

We ended up parking right outside the gate on the road you drive to for the pier. $30 for parking but right off the freeway

[dzirzow]

You can park in the muni lot across the street for $20.00 It's also a decent place to pack some food and watch the show from there too.

[kalamazookid]

Fun show! I can see why this one is popular with photographers. Cool setting and great lighting. Might have to come back here in the future. I parked on site and got in and out extremely easily. I doubt it took 15 minutes to get on the highway afterwards.

Fighters and Harrier were awesome! The F-22 power loop and pedal turn flare dumps were SICK! Can't wait to see what some real photographers (a.k.a. not me) got. Always good to see the Super Hornet and the Harrier demo was satisfying, especially considering that was the primary reason I initially made plans to go to this. Any day with F-15 action is a good day, and the "Bayou Militia" provided a solid beat-up. Even the C-130 demo was one of the better I've seen recently. Some fun paint schemes in the statics area, too.

Only downside was a single pass from the KC-135. If they were late, it shouldn't have mattered because they ended up with a bunch of downtime with nothing in the air afterwards. Oh well. Maybe more tomorrow.

Few favorites.

[jaosciak]

Ready to head into town for the Sunday show. Do you need a paper copy of your ticket to get in? It says you need it for parking but no mention for general admission. Hoping just to use the download on my phone.

[nosaints24]

No F-15s on todays schedule???

[nosaints24]

Well Eagles went home last night.