NAS Oceana Airshow - September 8-10, 2006

[Steven Holzinger]

I hope you guys are up for an airshow... probably the last time you'll see the F-14 Tomcat (this is on the heels of two Tomcats coming into LGA today). I told Phil about it and he said to mention it to you guys. NAS Oceana is located in VA Beach, which is about a 6½ hour drive from NYC, and hosts one of the finest airshows in the country. There is a LOT of military aircraft, especially from the Navy, performing during the airshow over the course of the three days. Photography-wise, the sun is behind you for about 2/3 of the day and there is a night show on Friday night and a Beach Blast on Saturday night. Admission is free, and if you guys would like, I could get you in contact with the PAO to get on base for the Friday practice show. The best paid seating areas are the Executive Chalets ($50 a person with unlimited food/beverages), the box seats ($15 a person), and the bleachers ($4 a person...I took one day in the bleachers last year and that was such a great decision!).

It's best to book the rooms along Atlantic Avenue and Pacific Avenue within the next month as those are the prime spots to stay, plus are within fifteen minutes of the main gate. If you decide to fly into the area, ORF is about a 20 minute drive (depending on traffic on I-64 and I-264). Driving-wise, you'll have the tolls on the NJ Turnpike, Delaware Memorial Bridge ($3), Delaware Route 1 (two $1 tolls each way), and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel ($12 each way). I don't know what the tolls are if you go 95 to Richmond and 64/264 to Norfolk/VA Beach (that route is 75 miles longer).

So far performers include the Blue Angels, (a parachute team or two TBD), F/A-18F Super Hornet demo, F/A-18C Hornet demo, a USAF demo or two, possibly an E-2C Hawkeye demo, and a very nice list of aerobatic performers.

[Jonesbeach]

My wife and I went to the show last year figuring it was the last time to see the F-14s. I didn't think they would be around for this year's show. The Executive Chalet was definitely worth the money. The Friday night JATO by Fat Albert was just incredible.
We flew US airways into ORF and stayed at the Hilton in Virginia Beach Town Center. Not exactly a bustling hotspot but it was very nice. We went to the show on Saturday and then did a cruise around on Norfolk Harbor on Saturday. Seeing all the Navy ships was pretty cool, even my wife liked them! We skipped the beach blast and visiting the O club because the traffic was TERRIBLE on Friday night and Saturday all day in the sun took its toll. All in all a really fun weekend. If you can make it down there, you'll have a great time.

Jones Beach

[Greg_NY]

We have booked a hotel and flights to go to this years Oceana airshow. I have some questions for you guys.

Does the Executive Chalet seating get you any better views? I mean is it closer to the flightline?

How is the traffic getting to and from the show?

Is there a shuttle service from anywhere near the beach hotels?

Thanks for any information.

After seeing the Blue Angels on Memorial Day, we had to see them again<g>

[Jonesbeach]

The executive chalet gets you right up against the fence at show center. You can't get closer than that without being arrested! We had no problem with the traffic getting in on Friday night and Saturday day, but getting out was another story, it took forever. I don't know about a shuttle service we rented a car for the trip. Enjoy the trip, it is a great show. If you have any questions, just ask or PM me.

Steve

[MORS-AB-ALTO]

Greg,

The Chalet is a good spot to get away from the crowds. However, you'll get the best photo opportunities at the corners. The right side is particularly good because you get the aircraft rotating and usually pulling off to the South right around you. Plus the when they land the majority will taxi in right in front of you which gives you some distraction free background. Here are a few Hornet shots from that spot last year...

[Greg_NY]

MORS-AB-ALTO,

Spectacular shots! I can't wait to get out there. We will only buy the chalet for one day. So the second day would be good for the right corner. Thanks

Steve,

Thanks for the information. We have a rental car as well. Our homebound flight is at 6:15 PM on Sunday out of Norfolk. I hope we will be able to make it to the rental car return by 5PM. Hey, if we miss the flight, we'll just drive the rental car home<g>

[Nick]

I'm looking fwd to this one, after seeing the 'cat fly today I wanna make sure I'm able to see it the last few times.

[Greg_NY]

Just an FYI,

Tickets went on sale yesterday.

[h2opunk1822]

well from waht i heard.. my buddy is a aviation electrican down in oceana.. and he said once this show is done.. the f14's are going to be scrapped and whatnot... so this is the show to go to!!!1.. ive already got my days off.. and hes workin on full ramp access.. amazing air show.. redneck swap meats and croc rocks in Va beach.. how can a weekend be any better!!!!

[Greg_NY]

A question for those who have been to this airshow before:

At the security checkpoint, are they really picky about allowing camera bags in. I have a smallish camera bag - just big enough for a camera body and a 300mm lens. Do you recall them allowing such bags in?

I would hate to go there and have to carry the camera and lenses loose...

Thanks

[h2opunk1822]

sept 22... last day of the 14's... so this show WILL be there last show... :-(

[USAF Pilot 07]

At the security checkpoint, are they really picky about allowing camera bags in. I have a smallish camera bag - just big enough for a camera body and a 300mm lens. Do you recall them allowing such bags in?

As with any military installation, especially one hosting an airshow, they shouldn't be picky at all about letting you bring in a camera bag. They may ask to see inside it, and look at your gear, but they most likely won't turn you away because of it, especially at an airshow...

[Steven Holzinger]

You should be okay with that size bag... I have seen people come in with those backpack camera bags (I forget what they're called!).

Tomcat is cleared for full participation in the airshow like in previous years except there is no tacdemo. Afterburner pass on Saturday night down the beach is also a go.

[Greg_NY]

Thanks guys...

Looks like this will be a great air show.

Steve, The Saturday night afterburner event. Do they fly multiple passes up and down the beach, or is it one pass?

Thanks

[Steven Holzinger]

I would absolutely LOVE if it was many afterburner passes but if I were a guessing man, I'm thinking we're only game for one pass :-(. In 2004 the Tomcat did about a dozen afterburner passes down the beach.