MUSKEGON, Mich. — The Wings over Muskegon airshow returned to West Michigan for the first time in 17 years.
Rob Holland is just one of the pilots performing at this weekend's air show. He's taking up an MXS plane, one he says is perfect for these kinds of shows.
"It's like the Formula One car of aerobatics," Holland said.
He hopes that showing off these tricks will not only be entertaining, but will actually inspire kids in the audience to study aviation.
"It's a lot of fun. It's exhilarating," Holland said. "Who doesn't look at a bird fly and think, 'Man, that'd be so cool'?"
It's important to inspire people to join this career now more than ever. The U.S. will lose about half of its pilots to retirement in the next 15 years, according to the Regional Airline Association.
"Especially now we need to be more pilots in aviation. There's a pilot shortage, a mechanic shortage," Holland said. "It's a great career path, so get involved."
Aspiring aviators like Lucas Williams also attended the air show. Williams is currently in flight training at Executive Air.
"Over time, took a discovery flight and got some interest in it," Williams said.
"Kind of hooked me."
If you're interested in attending the show at the Muskegon County Airport, you can buy tickets on their website, but not at the door.
- Grounds Open: 9 a.m.
- Morning Teaser: 11 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
- Air Show Starts: 1 p.m.
- Air Show Ends: 3 p.m.
- Grounds Close: 5 p.m.
We have a complete guide to the show, including a full schedule and list of featured aircrafts.
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