Montgomery, N.Y. — The skies above Orange County thundered with power and precision this past weekend, as the New York Air Show took flight at the Orange County Airport on Aug. 23 and 24. Now in its eleventh year, the event drew tens of thousands of spectators from across the Hudson Valley and beyond, eager to witness jaw-dropping aerial stunts, military aviation might, and a few surprises that blended history, technology, and pure fun.
“This event not only highlights our strong connection to the military but also showcases our beautiful County as a destination,” said Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus, who has long championed the air show as one of the premier summer traditions in the region.
Stars of the skies
Leading the show was the F-22 Raptor Demo Team, delivering an unforgettable performance with lightning-fast maneuvers that left the crowd cheering as the stealth fighter danced across the clouds.
Joining the spectacle was the MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft, a hybrid airplane and helicopter.
The pilot, Mike, who has flown the Osprey since 2012, explained its unique versatility:
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“We land like a helicopter, but in transit, we fly like an airplane—usually around 220 knots with a range of 600 miles,” he said. “It’s been everywhere from Iraq to Afghanistan and even across the Atlantic to Spain.”
The show also bridged eras of aviation. The P-51 Mustang, the legendary fighter plane of World War II, faced off in an unusual “air-versus-land” race against a modified Tesla Cybertruck dubbed the CyberBeast ‘Nighthawk.’ Vintage thrills continued with aerobatic pilot Mark Meredith, a retired Navy captain, who flew daring loops and rolls in his 1951 Super Chipmunk, “Chippy.”
Adding a touch of military tradition, the West Point Parachute Team floated down in precision, earning applause as their red, white, and blue canopies rippled against the August sky.
Families, first-timers, and longtime fans
For many, the Air Show was more than a performance—it was a family memory in the making. A father from New Jersey, who attended with his children and elderly parents, described it as “one of the best events” that was worth the one-hour drive.
“We love the noise of the jet engine. It’s just amazing for me and my family,” he said. “My parents are in their 70s, and this is their first time. We’ve been waiting all year for this.”
Others treated the day like a summer picnic. Bled, attending with his wife, children, and extended family, said he simply “found it online” and packed chairs to enjoy the day in comfort. Another visitor, Grenade, shared that he came because friends had recommended it: “It’s cool when airplanes can do neat tricks. We just wanted to enjoy a day out together.”
Beyond the air show
The event was more than entertainment. On the ground, booths connected visitors with opportunities, resources, and education.
At the Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) exhibit, aviation instructor Rick Holdening promoted the college’s Airframe and Power Plant Technology program, a one-year pathway that equips graduates to sign off on aircraft maintenance.
“We were established in 2006 to fill a local need for certified mechanics,” Holdening explained. “Students can finish in a year, walk across the runway, and start working for local employers.”
Financial services were represented too. Navy Federal Credit Union, the world’s largest credit union serving military members, was on-site to raise awareness about eligibility. Branch manager Jessica noted: “Sometimes people don’t realize they qualify. Either you or an immediate family member just needs to be active, retired, or reserve military.”
Meanwhile, Exploria Resorts lured families with offers of free vacations in the Pocono Mountains as part of their marketing outreach.
Why it matters
Amanda Dana, Director of Orange County Tourism and Film, emphasized the broader impact:
“It is not only a thrill to welcome the New York Air Show for its 11th year in Orange County, it is an honor to host this showcase of the amazing power and capabilities of the nation’s military aircraft.”
Last year’s show drew over 26,000 people, and this year’s numbers are expected to rival that. Beyond the awe-inspiring flights, the event fuels tourism, supports local vendors, and sparks the imagination of the next generation of aviators and engineers.
For kids craning their necks skyward, parents cheering beside them, and veterans watching with pride, the New York Air Show is more than just planes in the sky—it’s a celebration of history, innovation, and community.
The roar of the engines may fade, but for many who attended, the memories will keep soaring long after the weekend.
By Sarah Shao
