Returning for its fifth year, the Central Coast AirFest will provide a rare chance to see the Air Force’s workhorse aircraft before its retirement as various military flights and civilian aerobatic acts fill the skies above Santa Maria.

The airshow entrance, at the Santa Maria Public Airport near the Radisson Hotel, will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. 

The event will include the A-10 Thunderbolt II Demo Team in the third to last performance before the team’s retirement. 

“This will be one of the very last A-10 demonstration team exhibits that they’ll be doing. It will be a last chance for the public to actually see this incredible aircraft fly,” Jim Bray of the Central Coast AirFest said.

Air Force leaders announced in March that this would be the final year of the Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona-located team, ahead of the divestment of the A-10C Thunderbolt II aircraft from the fleet.

The A-10, affectionately nicknamed “Warthog” for its non-sleek appearance, provided close air support of ground forces. During Operation Desert Storm in 1991, the aircraft earned the description of tank buster as it protected American and allied troops on the ground.

“It’s an incredible aircraft. I call it a flying tank. It’s just so hardy and served for 50 years almost,” Bray said. “We were fortunate to get them before they stood down.”

The AirFest’s schedule includes an A-10 flying with a vintage warbird for what’s called a heritage flight.

Aerial action for the AirFest begins at 11 a.m. and continues with various performances until 3:45 p.m.

Scheduled performers also include Vicky Benzing flying her cherry-red PT-17 Boeing Stearman while performing her aerobatic feats, including loops, rolls and passes with smoke and noise. 

After performing, Benzing will provide autographs at the California Aeronautical University trailer as they promote aviation to a new generation.

Other performers include Jason Somes in a MiG-17, a Marine Corps V-22 Osprey demo, Grumman F7F Tigercat, Navy F/A18 Rhino demonstration and legacy flight, Greg Colyer’s T-33 demo, Bernie Vasquez in the P-47 Razorback Thunderbolt, and Dennis Sanders with the Sea Fury. 

The aerial acts will culminate with two DeHavilland Mosquitos taking to the skies during a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness these rare wooden World War II aircraft in flight. 

Dozens of aircraft sitting on static display will fill the tarmac with one KC-135 tanker allowing tours of the plane’s interior.

Multiple vendors will sell food, beverages and souvenirs while more than 15 nonprofit groups set up at the tarmac. 

Last year’s air show attracted more than 21,000 people, Bray said. 

“We really strive to make this family friendly,” he added.

The Planes of Fame Air Museum organizes the annual event as the Chino-based organization looks to expand to Santa Maria. It plans to add four hangars, adding up to 120,000 square feet, with three to display aircraft and one for maintenance and restoration. The first phase could open as soon as 2025.

For those who want to do more than view flights, 35- to 45-minute rides in a P-51 Mustang are available for $1,895. To arrange a flight, email jerry.wilkins@planesoffame.org or call 909.597.3722.

Additionally, English Air Service, which is based at the airport, offers helicopter rides with a short flight of three to five minutes for $40 per person (up to five people per aircraft) or a longer flight of 20 to 30 minutes for $150. For presale tickets and payment, send an email to taylor@flyeasaero.com.

A sunset helicopter flight, weather permitting, for 30 to 45 minutes will cost $565 per person with four people per aircraft. Flights are limited to those age 5 or older. 

AirFest general admission tickets cost $35 for people age 16 or older, $15 for ages 5 to 15 and free for age 4 or younger, with purchases available the event website.

Parking is available near the event’s main entrance gate. Vehicles will be directed by parking attendants into available spaces. Preferred parking is available for a fee by advance reservation only. 

Tailgating and airshow viewing in parking areas are not permitted, organizers said. 

For tickets, grandstand seating, preferred parking, a schedule of performances and more, go to centralcoastairfest.com.