Gallery: Flying Display, Historic Aircraft Delight AirVenture Crowd

Hundreds shelter in the shade of a B-52's wing to watch the airshow on opening day.

A B-1B bomber made a low pass over Wittman Regional Airport in afterburner at the start of the week's first flying display, thrilling the crowd before banking right and flying into the distance. Its appearance was a surprise addition.

Members of the Chuters Skydiving Team jump with a U.S. flag as the national anthem is played to begin the July 22 airshow at AirVenture 2024.

An F-16 from the Minnesota Air National Guard helped the North American Air Defense Command demonstrate how fighters intercept civilian aircraft that violate airspace restrictions, starting with gentle wing rocking to get a pilot's attention and getting increasingly close and aggressive until the errant aircraft follows an order to land. The purpose of the demonstration was to educate pilots and encourage compliance with airspace restrictions.

An A-37 owned by Charles Largay sits in a prominent position on Warbird Alley.  The A-37 is a Vietnam-era close support attack aircraft and was the precursor to the A-10.  This specific airplane saw more than 2,000 combat hours during the war.

Fifi, one of only two flying B-29s left, will meet up with sister ship Doc at this year's AirVenture. Visitors can tour the inside of Fifi, a rare treat.

The calm before the storm.  On opening morning before the gates opened for general admission guests, a patron is able to grab a few minutes of solitude on a bench in the homebuilt display area.

A vintage Stampe SV4 on display in front of the Vintage Hangar.  Jean Stampe developed the SV4 in Belgium in 1933. This specific aircraft, No. 1089 was built in Algeria in 1944 and served as a French military trainer from 1949-57. In 2009 it underwent a major overhaul.

Attendees excitedly ride the tram on Day 1 of AirVenture 2024.

Morning crowds began to fill the show grounds for AirVenture 2024.