Thousands of residents and visitors gathered Saturday for the opening day of the Frontiers in Flight air show at McConnell Air Force Base, a free public event that showcases Wichita’s long‑standing ties to aviation and offers families a day of excitement and education.
According to KWCH, the Thunderbirds arrived for the show – their first performance at McConnell since 2022 – and were slated to fly at 3 p.m. after a schedule of aerial acts that ran from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The lineup also included the U.S. Air Force Academy Wings of Blue parachute team, a dual KC‑135/KC‑46 flyover, vintage aircraft such as a Beech 18 and a SubSonex Mini Jet, and a customized Aviat Pitts S‑2S.
Ground displays featured a B‑29 Superfortress known as “Doc,” a F‑35 Lightning II, an A‑10 Thunderbolt II, a C‑17 Globemaster III, and both the aging KC‑135 Stratotanker and its modern replacement, the KC‑46 Pegasus. KWCH noted that this was the final opportunity for visitors to see McConnell’s KC‑135s in flight, as the base will complete its transition to an all‑KC‑46 fleet by summer 2027.
Attendees expressed enthusiasm for both the aerial spectacle and the educational components. “My boys really liked the Thunderbirds…we’re just really excited to be here,” said Lindsey Vogeler, a military‑homeschool mom. Lieutenant Sophia Poff of Air Force Public Affairs added, “It’s really cool to see all the kids out here…it may open their eyes to potential careers.” The event also offered a STEM hangar, flight simulators, ground‑vehicle displays, and a family zone for children.
Base officials warned of heavy traffic and long parking waits, recommending early arrival and parking in the orange lot at Cessna Field. Visitors were advised to bring water, identification, and ear protection, especially for younger guests, as noted by KWCH.
What’s next: The air show will continue Sunday with additional performances and static displays. Saturday marked the last public flight of the KC‑135 at the show, underscoring the upcoming shift to the KC‑46 Pegasus, which will become the primary refueling aircraft at McConnell by summer 2027.
