Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What's the easiest way to buy a ticket to the air show?
A: We now offer an discount online ticket purchase that could not be easier. Simply Click N Print your ticket. It's a secured online order process and you can print your ticket in the convenience of your home. For flight Line Chalet purchasers, you will have the ability to print your parking pass online in addition to your ticket.
Q: Where is the performance times of the various acts and events?
A: The exact time of each performer is not published in advance due to unforeseen changes that occur at a moments notice. The air show makes every effort to schedule around air carrier schedules so as not to interfere with travelers. Schedule delays and mechanical problems do arise. It would be unfortunate to publish a time and then have someone miss their favorite performer. Suggestion: Come early and stay all day so as not to miss anything.
Q: What arrangements are there for the disabled?
A: With proper state ID card, parking is available close to the gate with hard surface that is convenient for wheelchairs. Preferred Seating is the perfect area to be in as there is an accessible porta pottie in this area. An Interpreter for the deaf is available upon request.
Q: What's the best way to get to the air show?
A: We highly recommend taking the Shuttle Bus from Gate 11 at the Illinois State Fairgrounds. It's free parking at the Fair and only $1.50 round trip. The bus drops you off right on hard surface and as soon as you enter the gate, the aircraft and ground displays begin.
Q: Is there camping on or near the airport?
A: No camping is allowed at the airfield but there is a very nice campsite at the Illinois State Fairground. You can camp and ride the Shuttle to the air show. The ISF campsite offers 300 sites, all with water and electric and some with sewers and a dump station. Tent camping is available too. There are three bath houses and a playground too.
Q: Do you have any detailed information about the Hangar Parties?
A: Hangar Party Info:
Friday night's Hanger Party will include a spectacular night air show featuring Dan Buchanan's Flying Colors Hang Glider, The US Army Silver Wings Parachute Team, Lima Lima Flight Team and a finale of fireworks by Central Illinois Fireworks Company. There will be a family friendly viewing area just for this event! Then, stay and enjoy more entertainment provided by F-5, one of Central Illinois best bands!
The Saturday Night Hangar Party will feature two fantastic rock n roll bands: Hot Property and The Cherry Stoners.
Both Parties are a great opportunity to meet the pilots and crew participating in Springfield Air Rendezvous. Music, Food and Fun are a part of the Hangar Parties. Hope to see you there!
$6 gate entrance and 12 and under is free
Q: Can you tell me which military planes will be on display?
A: Requests for static display aircraft are on going. Past displays have included Illinois Air National Guard aircraft from the 183rd Fighter Wing & the 170th Fighter Squadron/F-16,126th Air Refueling Wing/KC-135 and Peoria's 182nd Airlift Wing/C-130 and the Illinois Army Guard will display their Chinook and Blackhawk. The IL Army Guard display is truly outstanding and everyone should visit this area complete with Howitzer's, Hummers and everything in between. All displays will be staffed by Guardsmen and Guardswomen eager to tell you about their training and ability to defend this country at a moments notice. Other static display aircraft requested includes F-18, F-14, Harrier, T2, B-25, T-34, F-117 Stealth Fighter, C-5, C-17, and many more. A beautiful display of historical warbirds will be on hand compliments of the George Alarm Co. (World affairs dominate availability and participation in air shows).
Q: Why doesn't Air Rendezvous feature a military jet team every year?
A: There are over 450 air shows in North America. There are only two US demo teams - the US Navy Blue Angels and the US Air Force Thunderbirds and one from Canada - The Canadian Snowbirds. Over the past 20 years, Air Rendezvous has had the pleasure of hosting these teams many times. Air Rendezvous requests a military team every year. We cross our fingers and hope to be included in their schedule that is announced in December. If a team is unavailable that year, Air Rendezvous begins building the air show act by act, carefully choosing the most specTACular civilian performers available. With 450 air shows, there is great competition among shows to secure the best. Air Rendezvous enjoys an outstanding reputation among the air show industry and this offers a great advantage when securing performers. Military demos are always present at Air Rendezvous including the 183rd Fighter Wing flying their 4-ship formation passes. Other demos in the past have included the A-10 Demo Team, F-15 Demo Team, F-18 Demo Team, F-16 Demo Team, F-14 Demo Team & F-117 Team Stealth. Current military demos are requested and we are awaiting reply.
Q: Are air shows safe for my family to attend?
A: Strictly enforced air show regulations in the United States and Canada would prevent the type of accident that occurred earlier today at an air show in western Ukraine. A strict prohibition on aerobatic maneuvers that direct the energy of the performing aircraft toward the spectators, a 1,500-foot minimum set-back distance between the performing aircraft and the audience, and a demanding aerobatic flight evaluation program are at the heart of an air show safety program in the United States and Canada that has resulted in the complete elimination of spectator fatalities since the regulations were put in place more than 50 years ago. The last spectator fatality in North America in 1952 prompted the development of the regulations currently in place.
Tips and Reminders
Here are few important Air Show Tips to keep in mind for the weekend.
Things TO bring to the air show
Sunglasses, Earplugs, Hat, Camera, Comfortable walking shoes
Things NOT to bring to the air show
Pets, Coolers, Outside food or beverages and Weapons
All bags will be subject to search!