Nellis opens gate for annual Aviation Nation

Far from restricting access, as is usually the case, Nellis Air Force Base will throw open its gates to the public this weekend for its annual Aviation Nation event. And it's not even charging admission.

Lt. Ken Lustig, Nellis Air Force Base spokesman, said the two-day event will offer something for wide-eyed kids and serious aircraft enthusiasts alike.

"It's really exciting to see our high-performance aircraft and incredible sister-services machinery that's out there," Lustig said. "Folks get a chance to get up close, and in some cases get inside aircraft, and get hands-on with the stuff. It's a really unique opportunity. It's the largest free public event in Nevada. We're really excited about having as many folks as desire to come out."

Lustig said past years have drawn crowds of as many as 150,000, and he expects about the same this year.

New this year will be a B-2 flyover at 11:20 a.m. Sunday, and he said the bombers also will be shown on a ramp.

"A lot of folks don't get a chance to see the Stealth Bomber that often," he said. "We'll have remotely piloted aircraft on the ramp as well."

About 100 military and civilian aircraft are expected to be on display, the former category including Air Force Warfare Center Aircraft; trainers, airlift, surveillance and refueling aircraft; Army, Navy and Marines aircraft; and a variety of warbirds.

Opening ceremonies at 11 a.m. both days will include U.S. Air Force parachute jumpers. The Thunderbirds will provide a demonstration at 2 p.m. both days, and air-to-air, air-to-ground and gunnery/bomber demonstrations are planned. For a complete schedule, go to Nellis.AF.Mil/AviationNation.

Admission at the gate is free; no tickets or passes are required. Free parking will be available in a designated lot at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, with free round-trip bus transportation between the parking lot and the event. Refreshments will be available for sale.

Lustig said the weekend event helps fulfill the military's debt to the community.

"The Air Force has an obligation to the public to be open about what we do," he said. "Aviation Nation is intended to give the public a firsthand look at our capabilities and the things that we do to support national defense, and to make sure the public knows that we're able to provide the defense they expect from us.

"There's something for everyone -- plenty of stuff to see out on the ramp, and in addition to static aircraft and the performances, we have representatives from different local companies, the law-enforcement community and our sister services. There's a lot of stuff going on, for a jam-packed weekend."

Contact reporter Heidi Knapp Rinella at hrinella@review journal.com or 702-383-0474.