We would like to welcome you to the Lynchburg Regional Airshow website. Whether you’ve been an aviation enthusiast your entire life or are interested in introducing your family to this world for the first time, this is the show for you. These notes are dedicated to those individuals whose tireless efforts are bringing this incredible show to central Virginia. Without our volunteers this event would not be possible.

We would like to thank and recognize the Lynchburg Regional Airport, the city of Lynchburg, The Lynchburg Airport Commission, Campbell County and the citizens of central Virginia for allowing this event to occur.

We are proud to announce the appearance of the US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, The Blue Angels. 2011 is the Centennial of Naval Aviation (CoNA). The Blue Angels are only performing in 35 locations in the entire US, this year. Lynchburg is proud to have been selected as one of  those sites. The last time the Blue Angels appeared in Lynchburg was 1982, 29 years ago. Please join us either May 21 or 22, on this momentous occasion with co-encides with Armed Forces Day. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you and your family.

We also owe a great debt of gratitude to the “Flying Circus Airshow” of Bealeton, Virginia, all the show pilots, cast and staff. Without their dedication, this show and concept would not be possible. They are giving much of themselves; this is one of the very rare occasions that they have left their home aerodrome and brought their entire “circus” on the road. They have been honing their act for over 40 years. While the cast has changed, the spirit of this group of people has not. They deserve the key to our city; they will definitely win the key to your heart.

Lynchburg Regional Airshow is also proud to present the United States Army’s Special Operations team, The Black Daggers, from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, and much more.

All we ask in return is for all to embrace the concept of the 2011 show. Imagine it is the 1930s, “the Golden Era of Aviation.” Aviation technology is accelerating rapidly, records are being broken, aviation figures are the celebrities of the day, as much as any movie stars. Local legends such as aviators Vincent “Squeek” Burnett and Woodrow “Woody” Edmondson and; aerial showmanship and exploits are attracting as many front page newspaper stories as presidential elections of the day. Local mechanic airplane Frank “Pop” Hatcher is maintaining local aircraft. These aviation pioneers are gone now, but their legacy remains. Now you will see their spirits come alive.

May 21 – 22 we will return to this era, and for a few fleeting moments we will try to recreate this period of time. You, the audience, will be part of the large cast for this production. While not the largest airshow in the world in 2011, it may just prove to be one of the most unique.

Please support us by going online and purchasing your tickets early and consider a donation to this nonprofit event. The more funds we raise, the more we can invest in the show. Our legends rose to great heights during the “Great Depression.” It is my hope that, much like people of that day who put their cares and worries away and somehow brought their families out for the day to enjoy the airshow, you will do the same. That time is here again. Your role in this drama is to dress the part, bring a chair, and enjoy the 2011 Lynchburg Regional Airshow.

See you at the airshow!

John Dudley Barksdale
Executive Director
Lynchburg Regional Airshow