Luke Days: Thunder in the Desert

  • Published
  • By 56th Fighter Wing
  • Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Luke presents "Thunder in the Desert" open house and air show, March 21 and 22.

Luke Days 2009 open house and air show is a two-day event here and one of the most diverse air shows in America.

The U.S. Air Force's Aerial Demonstration Team, the Thunderbirds, will bring their special brand of high-flying excitement to this year's show as well as the F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team and numerous other aircraft and ground displays, exhibits and attractions.

This year, Luke Days salutes American Airpower. The theme for this patriotic show of historic and current air power is "Thunder in the Desert."

Gates open at 9 a.m. and the show starts at 10:45 a.m. both days. Luke expects about 100,000 spectators to visit each day of the air show. Guests should be aware that everyone is subject to security scanning prior to entering the flightline.

General admission to Luke Days is free. No tickets are available for purchase or required for general entry. There will be a $10 parking fee in all parking areas.

Whether it's the first air show experience or the hundredth, guests will find the tips below useful when visiting Luke Days 2009 Open House:

Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and comfortable shoes.
No general public seating will be available except for handicapped seating. Shade is limited and walking in the sun is the only form of transportation. The only shade will be under the wing of a jet or one of the few flightline sunshades. Guests should come prepared to be in the elements.

Leave unnecessary gear at home.
Guests may bring a small folding lawn chair or blanket to Luke Days. Coolers, large bags and other items are prohibited. Pets, glass, alcohol, knives and guns are prohibited. Guests may bring cameras, but all bags and equipment are subject to search.

Bring hearing protection. 
Air shows are noisy whether it's the growl of a propeller plane or the roar of an F-16. Hearing protection is especially important for the sensitive ears of children.

No smoking.
Smoking is prohibited on the flightline. A few smoking areas will be designated across the flightline road away from the aircraft. Smoking near an aircraft is hazardous and forbidden.

Avoid leaving any trash behind.
Trash boxes will be located throughout the flightline. Visitors can help pilots and aircraft by ensuring trash gets thrown into a trash box. Trash is a true hazard for most aircraft, but especially jets. A soda can sucked into an engine could potentially cause a catastrophic accident costing millions of dollars and possible loss of life.

Guests with official state handicapped license plates or decals will be allowed to park on base by entering at the North Gate. Although the handicapped parking area is a convenience, there will be no shuttle from the handicapped parking area to the handicapped seating area. That distance is wheelchair accessible, but those walking it should expect a long walk.

For more information, visit the Luke Web site.