Durant, OK — Get ready for big Smoke and Thunder as the Flash Fire Jet Truck makes its debut performance at Take to the Skies AirFest in Durant, Oklahoma, Saturday April 16th. Also new this year is the participation of our US Military with aircraft from the US Air Force and Oklahoma Army National Guard.
Get set for the Flash Fire Jet Truck with its fire breathing, jaw dropping 12,000 horsepower jet engine and speed exceeding 350 mph, going from 0-60mph in just over one second! Be amazed by the amount of flame, smoke, noise, and SPEED of this awesome Jet Truck which will actually race an airplane giving it a 150 mph head start and pass it like it’s stopped! The Flash Fire Chevy Jet Truck is sponsored in Durant by Stuteville Chevrolet.
For the first time this year the U.S. Military will participate in Take to the Skies AirFest with active duty aircraft. The US Air Force will bring a T-6 from Randolph AFB and the Oklahoma Army National Guard will bring its UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter.
Mark your calendars for April 16th as Take to the Skies AirFest, the largest Air Show in southern Oklahoma and North Texas returns with an edge of the seat exciting Air Show and family festival to Durant Regional Airport–Eaker Field. Presented by the Choctaw Casino Resort, the AirFest promises to provide something for everyone in an action packed day of fun for the entire family! Gates open at 10am and the Air Show begins at 2pm with a variety of aircraft performing dramatic flights and aerobatic performances, edge of your seat excitement for all! Mike “Spanky” Gallaway, announcer for the famous Red Bull Air Races and other prestigious events will have you jumping in excitement as he announces the show and he flies too! We are thrilled to bring back Randy Ball’s MiG-17 jet…feel that afterburner as he flies ground level in front of your eyes!
The Trojan Phlyers Demo Team with their astounding warbird close formation aerobatics that will keep your heart pounding piloted by highly decorated combat veteran pilots demonstrating the flying expertise acquired in formal military training, the Trojan Phlyers demonstrate high speed action with the roar of the big engines as they fly their historic aircraft rich in military history in a unique and thrilling performance and salute the veterans or our great nation and the men and women who continue to serve and protect us today.
Blue Skies Parachute team will open the show and kick off a great line up of performers. Also new this year will be the WWII bombers and fighters including the famous P-51 Mustang, B-25, C-7 Caribou, O-2 and more from Cavanaugh Flight Museum and you can fly in them too! The 9 ship Falcon Flight Formation Team, Aviatrix extraordinaire Kate Kyer, Oklahoma’s own Randy Harris…this is just a sampling of our performers.
Before and after the air show you will be entertained by a variety of aircraft including active military and warbirds in static displays. See the Jet Truck up close and meet driver Neal Darnell. Flights for the public will be available throughout the day in helicopters and historic warbirds. Don’t stay on the ground, break the bonds of earth and go fly! Visit concessions of delicious foods, exhibits and booths. The Kids’ Area has a variety of attractions for different ages. There are many activities for all ages and Choctaw Nation cultural activities. So much to see and do!
“Shutik Isht Ia” is the Choctaw translation for “Take to the Skies”! Debby Standefer, President of the Take to the Skies AirFest, stated “we are really exited about this year’s show!” This will be the first Air Show of the season in Oklahoma and North Texas. Actually, this is not just an event; it is an experience that will affect all of your senses with something to offer every age. “We are thrilled to bring new performers every year, proud to honor our military and to celebrate the Choctaw Nation.” Opening Ceremonies at the start of the air show will be action packed including Choctaw stories, dancers and singers, honor guard, flybys, skydivers and more! Bring the entire family!
“The attendance this event garners not only locally, but from spectators throughout the state, Lake Texoma, North and East Texas and Dallas gives us the ability to showcase and promote the growing airport and the wonderful city of Durant while at the same time becoming an important revenue source for the city through lodging, retail and food sales in town through the weekend. We are proud to have the support and work with the great Choctaw Nation and the Choctaw Casino Resort, Durant Regional Airport-Eaker Field, the City of Durant and SOSU,” Debby Standefer said.
Online discounted tickets are now available for the festival at only $8 for 13 and up, $4 kids 6-12, Seniors 65+ and military with ID. Kids under 5 free. Family packages and upgrades are also available. Get them now at their best price! Truly an experience and one you won’t soon forget, the Take to the Skies AirFest will take off Saturday April 16th 10am to 6pm. We’ll look forward to seeing you there! For more information please visit our website, HERE and follow us on Facebook or Twitter!
Richard Mallory Allnutt's aviation passion ignited at the 1974 Farnborough Airshow. Raised in 1970s Britain, he was immersed in WWII aviation lore. Moving to Washington DC, he frequented the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum, meeting aviation legends.
After grad school, Richard worked for Lockheed-Martin but stayed devoted to aviation, volunteering at museums and honing his photography skills. In 2013, he became the founding editor of Warbirds News, now Vintage Aviation News. With around 800 articles written, he focuses on supporting grassroots aviation groups.
Richard values the connections made in the aviation community and is proud to help grow Vintage Aviation News.
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