This demonstration featured a lot of incredible activity including flares and pyro . The jets came very close to the crowd and even showcased the tactical manoeuvres that pilots would use in a dogfight . The second part of the act was the Air‐to‐Ground portion which featured two F‐15E Strike Eagles and two A‐10 Thunderbolt II ’ s . During this part of the demonstration , spectators got to witness more pyro explosions as the F‐15Es and A‐10s performed simulated manoeuvres that would depict close air support against enemy ground forces . After their routine two HH‐60 Pave Hawk helicopters flew over show center simulating a rescue mission of a pilot who was shot down in their aircraft .
Another rare performer that flew at the show was the DC‐10 Water Bomber aircraft . Joining the DC‐10 was an OV‐10 Bronco which left a smoke trail over the runway to depict the location to fly during a simulated fire fighting mission . The DC‐10 came low over the runway and dropped 60,000 gallons of water mixed with retardant to showcase what its like to take out an actual fire in the mountains . Representing the U . S . Navy in this show was the F / A‐18E / F Super Hornet of VFA‐122 “ Flying Eagles ” part of the West Coast TAC Demo Team based out of NAS Lemoore , CA . The single‐seat E model performed on Saturday while the twin‐seat F model performed Sunday . Throughout the weekend the F / A‐18 Demo Team showcased the special manoeuvres of the aircraft in a stunning tactical demonstration .
Towards the end of the show , the Air Force brought in its most advanced aircraft when the F‐22 Raptor Demo Team out of Langley AFB , VA . Taking to the skies , it showcased the super manoeuvrability of today ’ s only operational 5th generation air superiority fighter . Piloting the F‐22 was Maj . Dan “ Rock ” Dickinson , who performed the final show of the year for the team in front of the Nellis crowd . After the demonstration , Maj . Dickinson flew the F‐22 in formation with an F‐35A Lightning II piloted by Maj . Will “ D‐Rail ” Andreotta , and an F‐86 Sabre piloted by Steve Hinton Sr . for the Heritage Flight . The Heritage Flight is a rare opportunity for spectators to witness historic fighter aircraft fly in formation with ones of the modern day . This was also the final show for the F‐35A Heritage Flight Team out of Luke AFB , AZ , and Maj . Andreotta was able to showcase a few afterburner passes before landing the jet . Concluding the air show was the hometown U . S . Air Force Thunderbirds Aerial Demonstration Team , flying their final public demonstration of the 2016 season in their Block 52 F‐16CJ Fighting Falcons . The Thunderbirds showcased their various formations and tactical maneuvers to their home crowd in Nellis . After their aerial performance was complete , the team got to meet up with their family members and sign autographs at the crowd line . Each Thunderbirds officer stays with the team for two years and this weekend was the final show for Flight Leader Lt . Col . Christopher Hammond , Right Wingman Maj . Alexander Goldfein , and Lead Solo Maj . Nicholas Eberling . Returning to the team next year will be Left Wingman Capt . Ryan Bodenheimer , Slot Pilot Maj . Nick Krajicek , and Opposing Solo Maj . Alex Turner who will be transitioning to the Lead Solo position .
After the aerial activities of the show were completed , attendees were able to continue visiting the different static aircraft and booths before being shuttled back to the Motor Speedway parking . The after show was a great opportunity for photographers to get pictures of aircraft on the ground while the sun was setting . Sunday evening was a great opportunity to catch a couple of aircraft departing the show including the Pacific Air Forces C‐17 , L‐39 Albatross , and other various aircraft .
This year ’ s 2016 Aviation Nation Open House was a huge success and one of the best shows that Nellis AFB has ever hosted . Special thanks to the volunteers , performers , spectators , and airmen of Nellis who made this event happen . Next year ’ s show for 2017 is scheduled on November 11‐12 .
To see GoPro footage of Gregory “ Wired ” Colyer in his T‐33 Shooting Star “ Ace Maker II ” performing at this air show , click on the image to the left .