2025 Apple Valley Air Show Highlights: Aerobatics, Warbirds, and Cold War Jets

Opening Ceremonies

The 2025 Apple Valley Air Show, held on Saturday, October 11, 2025, delivered a full program of precision aerobatics, WW2 era warbirds and Cold War jets performances. The event opened with a patriotic display of a skydiver descending carrying the American Flag, having jumped from the Palm Springs Air Museum’s Douglas C-53 Skytrooper “D-Day Doll.” The landing was followed by the graceful aerobatics of the Dawn Patrol RV Formation Team and the Round Canopy Parachute Team USA showcasing WWII parachuting techniques.

Douglas C-53 Skytrooper”D-Day Doll”

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Solo Aerobatic Performances

Solo aerobatic performances included Anthony Oshinuga in his Pitts Special aerobatic biplane and Torrey Ward flying the rare SubSonex JSX-2 Micro Jet. Maurizio Perissinotto showcased the elegant Lancair IV and Brad Wursten kept all eyes skyward flying the MX2. Rob Harrison, known also as the “Tumbling Bear”, impressed spectators in his Czechoslovakian Zlin-142C trainer.

Brad Wursten in the MSX-R

WW2 Era Warbirds

As fans of warbirds, we were delighted to witness the performance of the Douglas AD-4N Skyraider. This impressive aircraft was recently added to the Soaring by the Sea Foundation’s collection in Eugene, OR. Known for its durability, Skyraiders saw service in both the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

Douglas AD-4N Skyraider owned by the Soaring by the Sea Foundation

The Palm Springs Air Museum added several more historic highlights. In addition to the C-53, the museum flew its North American P-51D Mustang “Bunny,” Bell P-63 Kingcobra “Pretty Polly,” and featured a North American T-6D Texan as a static display. Returning favorite Vicky Benzing, previously known at Apple Valley for her Stearman aerobatics, flew a different machine this year: the purple North American P-51D Mustang “Plum Crazy,” an aircraft with a winning record at the Reno Air Races.

North American P-51D Mustang “Bunny” from the Palm Springs Air Museum

The Planes of Fame Air Museum from Chino, CA, presented its usual impressive lineup, showcasing aerial displays from the Vought F4U-1A Corsair and Curtiss P-40N Warhawk, while the massive General Motors TBM-3E Avenger (Grumman TBF) was on exhibit on the ground.

Curtiss P-40N Warhawk from the Planes of Fame Museum in Chino, CA

Cold War Jets

Late in the afternoon, the show shifted to Cold War-era jet aircraft from Eastern Europe when Stephanie Goetz took off in the Czechoslovakian Aero L-39 Albatros “The Pink Jet”. The Albatros, in addition to its signature color, also trailed pink smoke to help promote breast cancer awareness.

Stephanie Goetz in Aero L-39 Albatros “The Pink Jet”

For the grand finale of the airshow, Jason Somes piloted his former Polish Air Force Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F “Fresco”, distinguishable by its vivid red paint scheme. The aircraft’s impressive afterburner passes draw enthusiastic reactions from attendees, while consuming an astonishing one gallon of jet fuel every two seconds.

Jason Somes flying Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F “Fresco”

Static Displays and Other Attractions

The static displays provided attendees with an opportunity to walk around some local and visiting aircraft, such as the Canadair CT-133 Silver Star III (Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star), which featured an instantly recognizable Blue Angels paint scheme. Car enthusiasts also had the chance to enjoy a concurrent car show while the STEM Expo offered educational opportunities for those interested in aviation careers and technologies.