PORTLAND, Ore. — The 2024 Oregon International Air Show takes to the sky Friday through Sunday at the Hillsboro Municipal Airport. This year's flyover will feature the U.S. Air Force F-16 Viper and U.S. Navy F/A-18 Rhino demonstration teams.
The F-16s landed at the Portland Air National Guard Base late Thursday evening, parking alongside the F-15 Eagles.
"There’s going to be a bunch of static displays; you’ll be able to come up to these jets and be face to face with them," said Justin Kempf, a fighter pilot with the 142nd Wing.
Kempf is flying in an F-15 in the air show for the first time and calls flying the "best job." This weekend will mark a full-circle moment for the pilot who grew up just across the Columbia River.
"I went to the Hillsboro air show as a kid," Kempf said. "I remember seeing these exact jets fly there, and it kind of inspired me to fly, so I’m really excited to be a part of it."
It's a highlight for his family, too, who still live nearby.
"My mom was ecstatic," Kempf said. "She wants to come out and watch; my whole family will be there, and they’ll all see me take off."
As for what spectators can expect to see from Kempf and the F-15: "You’ll see a little after-burner; you’ll feel some shake and just do some low passes."
The air show said Friday night will feature a robust line-up of performers from a new drone show to flyovers with sparks and fireworks.
“We have a balanced line up of military jet and heritage aircraft as well as aerobatic performers for this year’s show,” said Bill Braack, air show president. “Hillsboro has been home to this event for 35 years, and we are honored by what it means to the community."
All the planes will be housed at the Hillsboro Airport, except the Viper and Rhino, which will fly over from the Portland International Airport. Around 14 planes will also be on display, including F-15E Strike Eagles 366 Fighter Wing and a MH-60M 160th SOAR helicopter, but just on Saturday.
Gates will open at 6 p.m. on Friday and at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. The weekend's air show will start approximately at 12:30 p.m., according to the event's website. Tickets can be purchased online.
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