10 of the Craziest Air Show Stunts

Air shows are like the playgrounds of the sky. They’re where pilots perform amazing stunts that leave us all staring up in wonder and sometimes a bit of disbelief. Today, let’s take off into the world of air shows, where extraordinary seems to be the norm. From planes taking off almost vertically to pretend plane heists, these events have it all. Here are ten of the most jaw-dropping stunts that have entertained crowds worldwide.

Boeing 777x’s Sky-High Leap

At the Farnborough Air Show in 2022, a Boeing 777x took to the skies with a takeoff so steep, it looked like it was shooting straight up. Takeoffs like this aren’t what you’d experience on your standard holiday flight. Instead, this stunt was carefully planned to show off what this massive plane could do without any passengers aboard.

A Plane “Theft” That Had Everyone Fooled

Picture this: a guest at an air show hops into a plane for what seems to be a lucky free ride. But then, plot twist! The guest “steals” the plane, or at least that’s what the act makes it seem like. With the pilot stepping out, this pretend thief takes the plane on a wild ride that had everyone watching on the edge of their seats. The person behind the controls was actually a skilled pilot, making the act look real and thrilling.

Too Close for Comfort

During an air show in Slovakia, an Airbus A319 managed to fly incredibly close to another plane. Not just once, but twice. The first time was a heart-stopper, and the second seemed like they were pushing their luck. Watching these giant machines come this close in the sky is both nerve-wracking and mesmerizing.

F-16 Breaking the Sound Barrier? Almost!

In Paris, an F-16 fighter jet zipped through the sky at a speed that was breathtakingly close to breaking the sound barrier. The jet went so fast, it looked like a blur to the awestruck viewers below. This stunt was a display of raw power and speed, showcasing what these fighter jets can do.

A C-17’s Dramatic Landing

A video captures the moment when a C-17 cargo plane approaches the runway with a descent that’s much steeper than what you’d normally see. It’s a nail-biter of a maneuver but ends with a perfect landing. This stunt takes a lot of precision and control, which is impressive to see.

Fire in the Sky with Dump and Burn

An F-111 jet lit up the air show in Australia with its dump and burn maneuver, sending huge flames trailing behind it. This was the last dump and burn display in the world, making it a rare and fiery spectacle. Watching this jet turn the sky into a fireball is unforgettable.

A 747’s Low Cruise Over San Francisco

Imagine seeing a giant 747 jet making low passes over the San Francisco Bay. That’s exactly what happened, and it was mind-blowing. Seeing such a massive plane that close to the water gave everyone a real sense of its size and power.

Chase in the Sky

At an air show in Sweden, two jets took part in a simulated dogfight. The chased jet deployed flares to “escape” missiles from the chaser, turning the sky into a scene from an action movie. Thankfully, this was all for show, and the pilots were showing off their impressive flying skills in a safe environment.

Boeing 777x’s Steep Takeoff and Sharp Turns

Again, the Boeing 777x amazed crowds at an air show in Dubai with its steep takeoff followed by some seriously sharp turns. This was another instance of showing off what commercial jets are capable of in the hands of expert pilots during a performance.

Flares in Formation

Finally, two jets flying in close formation and deploying flares gives us a stunning visual. It’s a display of precision and teamwork, as the pilots have to maintain their positions while adding the drama of flares. This makes for some of the most photogenic moments in air shows.

Watch the video below: