Thunderbirds to be main attraction at Robins air show

WARNER ROBINS -- Local officials have less than 10 months to get ready for an estimated 180,000 people converging on Robins Air Force Base.

That's the number of people who attended the most recent air show in 2012, and that's how many are expected to show up when it's held next October.

Base and community officials gathered at the Museum of Aviation on Thursday to discuss plans for the show, set for Oct. 1-2. The star attraction is the Air Force Thunderbirds, an aerial demonstration team that flies the F-16 fighter jet. The Thunderbirds last appeared at the air show in 2009.

Col. Jeff King, installation commander at Robins, said the date of the air show was set around the Thunderbirds' schedule.

No other specific acts have been scheduled yet, he said, promising the show -- which is free to attend -- will feature a wide variety of military and civilian aircraft. He said the show will have about 15 aerial performance acts, about 20 static ground displays and other educational exhibits.

"We absolutely guarantee that this is going to be an amazing two days packed with performances that you don't want to miss," King said as he stood in front of a former Thunderbirds jet now on display at the museum.

The last show had some logistical problems due to a record-breaking crowd. People had long waits for shuttle buses to get to and from the site, and some had to be treated for heat issues.

Although King didn't provide specifics, he said organizers will work toward a better crowd flow next year.

"I assure that the safety and security of everyone who comes on the base that day will be of the utmost importance," he said.

He said it will take a community effort to put on the show. Also speaking at the news conference was Warner Robins Mayor Randy Toms, Houston County Commission Chairman Tommy Stalnaker, Centerville Mayor John Harley and Perry Mayor Pro-Tem Phyliss Bynum-Grace.

"I think this is an excellent opportunity for us to show that we are one of, if not the, most patriotic, supportive communities of our military of anybody in the entire world," Toms said.

Updates on the show will be announced on the base website, www.robins.af.mil.

This story was originally published December 17, 2015 at 5:32 PM with the headline "Thunderbirds to be main attraction at Robins air show ."