MONTGOMERY – The skies above Orange County Airport roared with the sounds of history and modern military might this weekend as the Air Dot Show returned for a two-day event. The show, which has been a staple since 2015, drew thousands of aviation enthusiasts who were treated to aerial displays spanning nearly 100 years of airpower.
Perfect Weather, Perfect Viewing
With warm temperatures and clear skies, the conditions could not have been better for the demonstrations. Families, veterans, and aviation fans lined the airstrip to watch aircraft that once defined pivotal moments in history soar alongside today’s state-of-the-art fighters.
From the legendary World War II P-51 Lightning to the stealthy F-22 Raptor, the show offered an unforgettable journey through America’s air combat legacy.
Flying Demonstrations Thrill the Crowd
Saturday’s schedule featured a variety of demonstrations designed to showcase both the skill of pilots and the capabilities of their aircraft. Highlights included:
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MV-22 Osprey – A hybrid tilt-rotor aircraft that combines the functionality of a helicopter with the speed and range of a plane.
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NORAD Intercept – A simulation showing how the North American Aerospace Defense Command responds to potential aerial threats.
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West Point Parachute Team – A crowd favorite, the team performed precise jumps that landed with pinpoint accuracy.
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WWII B-25J Mitchell – A bomber famously used by General Jimmy Doolittle in the daring 1942 raid on Tokyo.
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C-47 Skytrain – Known for dropping paratroopers on D-Day and playing a critical role in the Berlin Airlift, the aircraft reminded the audience of its enduring legacy.
The blend of historic and modern aircraft made the event educational as well as entertaining, offering spectators a glimpse into how aviation has shaped—and continues to shape—military history.
Military Outreach and Education
Beyond the flying, the event served as a platform for outreach by the U.S. military and affiliated organizations. Booths lined the airfield where attendees could learn about military careers, veteran services, and aviation history.
The Civil Air Patrol (CAP), the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, was a strong presence at the show. Visitors were able to sit inside CAP aircraft, explore equipment, and talk with volunteers about their mission.
Col. William Martin, commander of the New York Wing of CAP, emphasized the importance of these community connections.
“We’ve been doing this, except for one or two years during COVID, continuously since the air show came back to Orange County in 2015,” Martin said. “We have a contingent here, letting people see our aircraft, sit in it and touch it.”
For many children and teens in attendance, the opportunity to climb inside a cockpit or meet a pilot sparked dreams of a future in aviation.
Community Tradition Since 2015
The Orange County Air Show has quickly become a tradition for the Hudson Valley, offering residents an accessible way to experience both military heritage and modern innovation. After brief interruptions during the pandemic, the return of the show in recent years has been met with strong enthusiasm from the public.
Organizers noted that the combination of living history, breathtaking aerial stunts, and hands-on opportunities makes the show a unique experience that appeals across generations.
What’s Next
The air show continues Sunday, August 24, with gates opening at 9 a.m. and another full day of demonstrations planned. With clear skies forecasted once again, large crowds are expected to return for the event’s finale.
For the aviation community, the Orange County Air Show is more than entertainment — it is a chance to honor the past, celebrate the present, and inspire the future of flight.
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