Crossroads Air Show Returns at Indianapolis Regional Airport

Writer / Jaylan Noelle
Photography Provided

The finest precision military jet demonstration team in the world will soon return to Indianapolis for the first time in more than a decade.

On October 28 and 29, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will be featured in the Crossroads Air Show at the Indianapolis Regional Airport, alongside many other top aviation performers.

“This will be a rare treat,” says Michael Preyss, community engagement chair for the event. “The things that they can do behind the stick of a jet are truly remarkable.”

Additionally, the U.S. Special Operations Command parachute team, the Para-Commandos, will perform their high-intensity free fall and canopy formations. Other performances include record-breaking aerobatic pilot Rob Holland, the Redline jet team, the “Spanish Lady” T-6G Texan, and the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Red Tail Squadron, whose mission is to educate audiences about the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen, America’s first black military pilots.

The event is all about pushing the limits of aviation in a way people don’t experience every day. Though it may still be neat to see a commercial aircraft fly overhead, Preyss says there’s nothing like seeing these top-tier pilots.

“To see someone take their plane and make it just bend and whip around, and fall to the ground and not crash, all those things that they can do, it just looks so amazing,” Preyss says. “You’re really watching pilots push their airplanes to the limit of what they’re capable of, and then land on the ground and talk to you about it.”

In addition to the demonstrations, static displays will allow event-goers to experience aviation hands-on.

Above all, the goal of the airshow is fun. A family fun zone will feature a bounce house and appearances from Freddy Fever and Boomer from the Pacers. A variety of food concessions will be available throughout the day.

The air show is hosted by the Crossroads of America Council, headquartered in Indianapolis, which oversees all Scouting programs across a region of 26 counties. All proceeds from the air show will benefit central Indiana Scouting, Riley Children’s Foundation and Catch the Stars Foundation.

Organizers also hope the event may inspire the next generation of pilots and other aviation professionals, especially during the industry’s current labor shortage.

“Every aspect of aviation needs more people to be interested and take it as a career pathway,” Preyss says. “I would say that’s true for both the civilian side and the military side.”

With the Federal Aviation Administration’s strict regulations on airplane maintenance, and fewer pilots, air traffic controllers and aircraft mechanics, Preyss says it is becoming harder to keep airplanes in the air.

Thanks to a grant from the Lilly Foundation, Crossroads is hosting a “Soaring Students” community day on Friday to get kids interested in aviation. Five hundred middle schoolers from the central Indiana region will have the opportunity to participate in STEM activities and ask questions at the airfield. Those with any interest in flight school can learn about the different pathways at the Jet Access booth.

“I think it’s going to be a really special event,” Preyss says.

While aircrafts fly overhead, the economic impact of the event should be felt below.

Preyss says event organizers are expecting an $8.7 million economic impact from the air show. With around 30,000 attendees expected, local hotels, restaurants and shops can expect an uptick in business.

Though Preyss says those who do not attend the event will be missing out, residents of north Indy might catch a glimpse of these historic aircrafts flying to and from the airfield.

As an aviation enthusiast, Preyss says he’s learned to come to airshows prepared. Plan to come early, stay late and be prepared for any kind of weather.

“It’s not just looking up in the sky and watching the planes fly around,” Preyss says. “There’s lots of things to do on the ground. If there is a line for that thing you want to go do or that plane you want to go see, give yourself enough time so that you can come back later and do it.”

Gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Most flying will occur from noon until 4 p.m., but flying may take place all day.

The Indianapolis Regional Airport is located at 3867 North Aviation Way in Greenfield.

Tickets for the show are on sale now. General admission tickets are $10. Admission for Cub Scouts and children 5 and under is free. The cost for parking begins at $150 per vehicle and is not included in the price of the ticket. For more info, go to crossroadsbsa.org/crossroads-air-show.