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Air show set for Nov. 8; organizer highlights safety, performers and rising sponsorships
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Summary
Kurt Nowaker told the Llano City Council that the second annual air show on Nov. 8 will include military and vintage aircraft, ground exhibits and education components, that organizers are coordinating safety with the FAA and local first responders, and that sponsorship revenue has grown to nearly $50,000.
Kurt Nowaker, the airport’s air‑show presenter, told the Llano City Council the city’s second annual air show is scheduled for Nov. 8 and that organizers expect a much larger crowd than the inaugural event.
Nowaker said the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been kept informed and that, despite a federal government shutdown, his FAA inspector indicated the event is likely to go ahead. He described a lineup that will include the lone star jet team, a flying World War II B‑25 bomber, the Grumman Albatross flying boat, a T‑6 Texan, a variety of helicopters (including a Chinook and Apache from a Royal Netherlands Air Force contingent), a Texas Air Guard Blackhawk, CBP aircraft and small gyrocopters. He also said the Austin Parachute Club will perform and a commemorative air force pyrotechnics team will stage simulated bombing runs for the B‑25.
Nowaker emphasized on safety planning: “The FAA is very impressed that a little small town has an air show this size, but then that we have so many vested first responders, city leadership, airport leadership that’s part of the safety and security protocols that we’ve submitted to the FAA.” He said the event team has held tabletop discussions with stakeholders and plans more roundtables to finalize safety protocols.
Beyond flying demonstrations, organizers plan ground exhibits, a STEM education component from the Commemorative Air Force out of Dallas, a car show (100–150 cars expected), family activities such as a children’s play zone and ride opportunities (Robinson R‑44 and Cessna rides), and expanded shuttle service (two buses last year; four buses planned this year). Nowaker said sponsorships have grown from about $20,000 at the first show to just under $50,000 this year and that VIP sponsors will be accommodated in a dedicated tent.
Nowaker estimated attendance could exceed 5,000 people and invited council members and residents to town‑square flyovers the day before, including a noon flyover and a 9:45 a.m. school flyover planned in coordination with Llano ISD. He closed by directing questions to him at the airport.