Everything Atlantic City, NJ !

Thunder Over the Boardwalk, 2007 Edition Atlantic City, NJ

The fifth annual Atlantic City Airshow, “Thunder Over the Boardwalk” went into the history books on August 15^{th, and by all accounts it was another rousing success. City estimates put the crowd at somewhere in the area of 500,000 people.}

^{Atlantic City’s airshow has become the second-largest beachfront airshow in the country, ranking behind only Fort Lauderdale’s Air and Sea Show, which is typically held in the first week of May. Also, rumors are swirling regarding the 2008 airshow headliner. The Navy’s Blue Angels have expressed a strong interest in returning to AC after their special co-starring appearance with the Air Force’s Thunderbirds in 2006, which celebrated the Blues’ 60th anniversary. Those directly in the know on the topic say that the Blues want to return because of the high level of hospitality and professionalism associated with “Thunder Over the Boardwalk” and also due to the uniquely long show line (industry-speak for the length of airspace that the crowd has access to) that AC’s beach and Boardwalk present. While the usual land-based airshow typically uses a runway for a show line that is somewhere around 10,000 feet long (just under two miles), the four-mile strip of AC beach makes for a longer and thinner crowd line that in turn makes for more fun for the displaying pilots. Atlantic City’s reputation as an airshow city has also extended to the far North, as there is even interest on the part of Canada’s Snowbirds Demonstration Team in flying next year’s show. The Snowbirds are no stranger to Southern New Jersey, as they have flown at the Millville “Wheels and Wings” show in the last few years. No matter which US team pays a visit next year, the Snowbirds might still make an appearance, as they fly a handful of shows every year in the US, and they are often accompanied on the bill by an American jet team.}

^{In an earlier post I promised a recap of the show along with some of my photography from show day. Wait no longer: the pictures are done and here for your viewing pleasure. Click her to view my best pictures for the Atlantic City Air Show!}