out was the Navy Class featuring the F4U Corsair , SBD Dauntless , TBM Avenger , and PBJ Mitchell , the Navy variant of the B‐25 . As the warbird display continued , former aircraft of the Army Air Force took off including the very rare B‐29 Superfortress “ FiFi ”, P‐38 Lightning , P‐40 Warhawk , and 2 P‐51 Mustangs . To conclude the spectacular demonstration , “ FiFi ” flew low over the runway for a very special bomb run featuring the Wall of Fire .
Along with the various warbirds that took to the skies , there were a couple of great jet demonstrations . The first jet to fly at the show was the CF‐18 Hornet piloted by Capt . Ryan “ Roid ” Kean . Every year the CF‐18 is painted up in a special theme and this year ’ s is the British Air Commonwealth Training Plan ( BACTP ). The jet featured a black and yellow scheme and showcased the tactical maneuvers it is capable of to the crowd . The second jet performer of the day was the F‐16 Fighting Falcon piloted by Maj . Craig “ Rocket ” Baker . The F‐16 Demo Team is based out of Shaw AFB and performs at over 20 different shows per year . Maj . Baker was able to showcase the tactical capabilities of the F‐16 , and also flew in the Heritage Flight featuring a P‐ 51 Mustang . The Heritage Flight was a rare opportunity for spectators to witness a vintage warbird fly in formation with a modern day fighter .
Concluding the air show was the United States Navy Blue Angels . Because flight leader Cdr . Bernacchi was dealing with food poisoning on Saturday , the team could not perform that day . On Sunday , Cdr . Bernacchi was well enough , and the Blue Angels were able to fly a full demonstration for the crowd . For the first time in eight years spectators got to witness the precision formation maneuvers and solo demonstrations that the team performs throughout the year . After their show , the crowd was able to meet the pilots and get autographs .
Despite the Blue Angels cancellation on Saturday , the 2016 California Capital Airshow was a success . The people who attended saw a wide variety of different aircraft in the air and on the ground . Thanks to the volunteers , staff , attendees , and performers for making this year ’ s show a success .