Aviation info

From airnav.com, see the aviator’s relevant data on how to fly into Fort Smith Regional Airport — location of the Fort Smith Air Show this weekend.

VIP Seating — SOLD OUT

VIP seating options for Saturday and Sunday are sold out. Thanks to everyone for supporting the air show by purchasing premium seating.

Still, there’ll be plenty of room for aviation enthusiasts. Bring your entire family, load up some collapsible chairs, hop on a shuttle, and come enjoy the show.

Parking clarification

FREE shuttle service will be available from these locations:

· Southside High School

· Phoenix Village Mall

· Ben Geren Regional Park

Handicap parking and shuttles available at Southside High School

Limited handicapped-accessible parking spaces are also available on airport property. See this map.

Also reference the map for the location of $5 parking on the premises. Proceeds from paid parking will be donated to charity.

Map of air show grounds

Below is a schematic of the air show grounds. You may also download and print the map by clicking here.

The map is courtesy 188th Fighter Wing and City of Fort Smith GIS Department.

Money, money, money, money…

While admission to the air show is FREE, the many food and merchandise vendors on the premises will be accepting cold, hard, cash in exchange for their delicacies and wares.

In the past, the Fort Smith Air Show has been able to secure temporary ATMs so that patrons could access cash quickly. However, after talking with several companies, air show organizers were unable to secure temporary cash machines for the 2008 Fort Smith Regional Air Show.

So bring cash for any concessions or merchandise you and your family may want to buy — and remember there’s plenty of free stuff to do,including family play areas (including romp around inflatables with aviation themes).

Chalet Sponsors

Chalet sales are complete. Response has been TREMENDOUS! Proceeds help fund the non-military portion of the air show so the public can continue to enjoy affordable family entertainment at the Fort Smith Air Show.

A GREAT BIG Air Show THANK YOU to our community chalet sponsors!!!!!!!

• Sam and Jan Phillips
• Alma Aviation LLC
• Arvest Bank/Zero Mountain Inc.
• James Russell M.D., PA
• Alpha Packaging
• Ross Exploration/Ross Drilling
• First National Bank of Fort Smith
• Regions Bank
• OG&E/AT&T
• Weyerhaeuser Company
• TAC Air
• Sparks Regional Medical Center
• Worksource
• New Prospect Company
• Rausch Coleman Homes of Fort Smith
• Carco International/Carco Rentals
• Littlefield Oil Company
• Shamrock Bolt and Screw Co. Inc.
• Bancorp South
• Blake/Beam Construction
• Gerber Products
• Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce
• Wal-Mart
• S.S.I. Incorporated

Affordable VIP Packages

The 188^th Fighter Wing/Fort Chaffee Community Council is also offering bleacher seating for $25 per seat, Sat. or Sun. or a Family Package for $125 which includes 5 seats and 1 VIP Parking Pass (you choose Saturday or Sunday).

Contact (479) 484-5588 to reserve your day passes.

UPDATE:
SATURDAY VIP PASSES ARE SOLD OUT! SUNDAY ONLY AVAILABLE.

SAME GREAT SHOW, SAME GREAT PRICE.

UPDATE II:
SOLD OUT!!! SATURDAY AND SUNDAY VIP SEATING IS FULL.
Thanks to everyone for supporting your air show! Bring your collapsible lawn chairs, hop on the shuttle, and come enjoy the weekend, celebrating Armed Forces weekend.

Parking & Security

Free parking and shuttle bus service is available from:

· Southside High School

· Phoenix Village Mall

· Ben Geren Regional Park

Handicap parking and shuttles available at Southside High School

$5 paid parking on airport grounds:

· Access from South 66^th Street off Phoenix Avenue

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs. Only those that are fully collapsible as opposed to folding will be allowed on the buses.

No backpacks or coolers will be allowed on the Air Show grounds.

Concessions will be available for purchase at the show.

UPDATE/CLARIFICATION:
With the exception of service animals, pets will not be permitted on airport grounds.

Air Show News Release

The Fort Smith Regional Air Show, May 17 & 18, will feature an unprecedented number of demonstrations and static displays, according to Arkansas Air National Guard 188^th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Officer Capt Heath Allen. “This year’s Air Show includes a full slate of aerial demonstrations featuring the United States Air Force Thunderbirds and United States Army Golden Knights.”

As in previous years, the 188^th Fighter Wing will also present their “Fire & Fury” demonstration. This will be the first year that the 188^th will fly their new aircraft, the A-10 Thunderbolt II, commonly referred to as the “Warthog.”

The impressive list of attractions also includes United States Air Force demonstration teams including an F-15 Eagle and an F-4 from the USAF Heritage Flight program, along with the Navy’s F-18 Super Hornet demonstration team. Many acts include warbirds with military significance like the MIG 17 from Fighterjets Inc. a Twin Beech 18 and Super Decathlon provided by Younkin Airshows, and a T-6 provided by Bill Leff. There will be many statics available for viewing including an A-26, a Twin Beech, and a B-25, among others.

“There will be acts and displays for the entire family,” says Allen. “The -Shock Wave Jet Truck, and Franklins Flying Circus are always popular attractions for children and the Tora, Tora, Tora demonstration serves as a tribute to all World War II veterans.”

The Air Show will take place at the Fort Smith Regional Airport, with free parking and shuttle bus service from Southside High School, Phoenix Village Mall and Ben Geren Regional Park. Handicap parking and shuttles are available at Southside. There is also paid parking on the grounds of the Air Show for $5 with access from South 66^th Street off Phoenix Avenue.

Attendees are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, however only those that are fully collapsible as opposed to folding will be allowed on the buses. No backpacks or coolers will be allowed on the Air Show grounds. Concessions will be available for purchase at the show. The 188^th Fighter Wing/Fort Chaffee Community Council is also offering bleacher seating for $25 per seat, Sat. or Sun. or a Family Package for $125 which includes 5 seats and 1 VIP Parking Pass.

Gates will open each day at 8:30 a.m., with performances beginning at 9:00 a.m. pending favorable flying conditions.

The Fort Smith Air Show is presented by the 188^th Fighter Wing of the Arkansas Air National Guard, the Fort Smith Regional Airport, 188^th Fighter Wing/Fort Chaffee Community Council and Sam Phillips.

The Fort Smith Air Show is one of the largest events of its kind in the nation with no admission charge.

The Fort Smith Air Show is Coming!

May 17 & 18

Featuring the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds & the U.S. Army Golden Knights!