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Smooth flying

The shade of the sprawling aircraft wing shifts across the tarmac, but the sun never touches you.

While thousands mill around static displays, you kick back, sipping something cool and refreshing.

You’re that guy with the extra-sweet spot under the big C-5 transport plane.

Click here for a list of 2010 air shows

That’s living the air show dream, especially in summer, in the South. But competition for your favorite spot could get a lot more heated. Air shows reported surging crowds in 2009, with attendance at some shows spiking 20 percent.

What you need is a plan, particularly if you’re not that guy.

Here’s how to make the day uplifting for you and your family.

Pack lightly

Air shows are family events, but eight hours on the flight line can be punishing. You may be tempted to pack anything and everything to keep boredom at bay, but that’s no longer a good idea.

“Pack lightly because of the security checkpoints,” says Lt. Col. Jim O’Connell, director of the Inland Northwest Skyfest at Fairchild Air Force Base, Wash.

“If you’re a parent, you probably tend to carry lots of extra stuff,” O’Connell says. “But after 9/11, there are a lot of restrictions.”

If you’re carrying a bag, it’s likely to be searched, and prohibited items will be confiscated.

For example, you can’t carry water into most air shows. You’ll be able to buy bottled water, and some air shows provide potable water stations where you’ll be able to fill up a water bottle once you’re inside. Find out ahead of time whether water will be available.

If you’re taking young children, an umbrella stroller is your best bet, O’Connell says.

Plan to arrive early

If you want to tour static aircraft before showtime, you’ll need to get there even earlier.

“Expect a little delay getting in and out of the gate,” O’Connell says. “Usually, the earlier the better, but it depends on how long you want to stay. ... Usually the prime acts are later on.”

Early birds start arriving at Skyfest about 9 a.m. Traffic gets heavy around midday, O’Connell says.

Park wisely

There may be a long hike from the parking area, often set up in an open field a half-mile or more from the show site.

“Be patient,” says Bob Kenward, marketing director for Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, N.C., and its annual air show. “Note where you park your car — you may be parked in a very large, open area — so that when you return, you can find it out there in that ocean of cars.”

If you’ll need handicapped parking, display your permit prominently as soon as you see someone directing traffic.

Get a site map

Make a mental note of what your kids are wearing in case one wanders off.

“If you get separated, have a meeting location,” O’Connell says. If that does happen, also look for a uniformed person or air show volunteer who can radio your child’s description to others.

A site map may also show the whereabouts of designated first-aid and lost-child stations, community shade tents, toilets and special displays.

Prepare for the sun

“Once you arrive at the air show, keep in mind you will be walking on a very large tarmac the entire day,” Kenward says.

Plan for hotter conditions than you might otherwise expect. “The reflectivity of the tarmac comes into play,” he says.

Consider upgrading your ticket

Basic admission will get you inside the show gates, but little else.

“You may want to consider purchasing premium seating in advance,” Kenward says. Shows may offer bleacher or box seating for an additional fee.

If you’re willing to plunk down a substantial amount, some shows sell “chalet” seating to the public. You’ll enjoy catered meals, front-row seating and a welcome respite from the sun.

“Buying premium seating in advance usually gives you a discount,” Kenward says, but know this: “There are no refunds.”

Take something to sit on

General-admission air show spectators generally have to stake out their own spots to watch the show.

Most shows do have special-needs seating areas set aside, but only the individual with special needs and possibly a single escort will be allowed inside. Seating in these areas is generally first-come, first-served, Kenward says.

Be smart

Wear practical shoes, or you’ll regret it, Kenward says.

“Do not wear high heels.”

Show-day checklist

Pack light, but don’t forget the essentials. And unless you want to sacrifice your favorite multitool or radio-controlled helo at the security checkpoint, be sure to leave certain items at home — or at least in the car.

Pack it

• Umbrella stroller

• Empty water bottle

• Sunscreen

• Lip balm

• Hat

• Sunglasses

• Hand-held fan

• Ear plugs

• Lawn chair or blanket

• Cash

• Necessary medication

• Infant formula or milk

• Camera or video camera

• Small bag or backpack

Leave it

• Water

• Food

• Pets

• Radios, scanners or any electronics that may interfere with air traffic control

• Wheeled vehicles, skates or skateboards; strollers and wheelchairs are allowed

• Flying toys, including balloons, frisbees, balls — even the balsa wood airplanes of yore

• Weapons of any sort, even a pocketknife

• Large satchels

Related reading

• 2010 air shows