Inaugural H.B. air show promises flyovers, patriotism
Surf City is gearing up for the inaugural Breitling Huntington Beach Airshow this weekend, an event that officials speculate could be as big as the Fourth of July celebration or the Vans U.S. Open of Surfing.
Organizers said the free event, centered near Beach Boulevard and Pacific Coast Highway, will be visible along the coast.
Michael McCabe, the show’s director, described Huntington Beach as the perfect location for the show.
“The physical plan, the layout, the long, sandy beach — what better site could there be for an air show?” he said.
McCabe said the city’s history with large-scale events, particularly the U.S. Open and Fourth of July Parade, was enticing.
The show will have a practice run Friday and a full schedule of events Saturday and Sunday. It will include flyovers by the Air Force Thunderbirds and the Breitling Jet Team, which will be returning to Europe after the show.
Though McCabe said the prime viewing spot will be at Beach and PCH, the show can be seen — and heard — from anywhere in the city.
“That’s what we call the sounds of freedom,” he said.
McCabe and his team began planning the event two years ago. Since then, they received blessings from city, state and federal officials to make it happen.
“It’s been very gratifying over that time to work with these folks and see the level of support,” McCabe said. “When it comes to air shows, frankly, there is no bigger, family-friendly, patriotic event. People get that, and they want to be a part of it and help support it.”
Huntington Beach Police Chief Robert Handy said authorities are putting “a lot of different measures” in place to ensure a safe event, including more personnel in the area. He would not disclose tactics or the number of extra officers.
“If you have any large public event, there’s a lot of concerns that go with that,” Handy said. “We’re hoping for a nice family-friendly event.”
The Federal Aviation Administration has restricted the use of drones within five miles of the air show to help maintain clear pathways for the planes.
Huntington Beach police said in a news release that the FAA will have inspectors onsite and will work closely with authorities to enforce regulations.
Because of the crowds, officials recommend carpooling and planning for traffic and parking.
GoGround will offer parking spots on the corner of Ellis Avenue and Goldenwest Street for $35 in advance or $40 the day of the event. A shuttle will take guests to the beach.
Dan Page, executive director of the nonprofit Aerospace Education Foundation — which will receive some of the air show’s proceeds — said he was excited about the amount of interest in aviation that could be sparked because of the show.
“The foundation was established for this purpose: to offer opportunities for young people to find a way to jump-start a career in aerospace,” Page said. “There are many aerospace professionals, like myself, who can trace back their interest to attending an air show as a young person.”
McCabe would not disclose how much the air show has cost show officials and the city, but he described it as a “significant undertaking” that they are still working out the budget for.
Huntington Beach Mayor Jim Katapodis said he is looking forward to the attention and revenue the city could receive because of the event.
“It’s going to be really exciting and great for Huntington Beach,” he said. “I would hope these people are going to go to restaurants downtown and at Pacific City. I know that people are already booking the hotels. This is just going to be a great event for kids and families.”
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IF YOU GO
What: Breitling Huntington Beach Airshow
When: Noon to 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday; early arrival is encouraged
Where: Prime viewing at Pacific Coast Highway and Beach Boulevard
Cost: Free; upgraded seats are available for $50 to $200
Info: hbairshow.com
Twitter: @BrittanyWoolsey
