Five hundred six thousand was the final head count of those who made the trip to the 2008 Jones Beach Airshow.  In only its fifth year, the Bethpage Federal Credit Union Airshow at Jones Beach continues to grow.  With the help of this years spectators the show was able to set a new attendance record for the New York State Parks Department, as 2008 drew the most people to Jones Beach on Memorial Day weekend ever!

          With near perfect weather, headlining this year’s show was the Navy’s own Blue Angels along with Major “Max” Moga flying the F-22 Raptor demo.  The US Army Golden Knights made their fifth appearance at the show in as many years, while Long Island’s own 106^th Air National Guard Search and Rescue demo displayed why they truly are the best at what they do.  Civilian performers were among the best and included Matt Chapman, Ed Hamill, John Klatt as well as father and son Sean and Eric Tucker.  Long Island’s own GEICO Skytypers brought the sound of piston engines to the skies along with The American Airpower Museum’s impressive number of airworthy warbirds.  Warbirds Over Long Island’s ‘Glamorous Gal’ piloted by Ed Shipley, flew the Heritage Flight with “Max” in the Raptor.

         With the practice show over the beach on Friday open to the public, it makes for a full three day event. One unique component of the show at Jones Beach is the numerous locations to actually watch the show.  With the aircraft based out of Farmingdale Republic (FRG), opportunities to see the planes in action were vast.  Though record numbers flocked to the beach via car or boat, thousands of others preferred to watch the show from the airport perimeter, as FRG offers several unique spotting opportunities.  Areas around the airport allowed for the aircraft to be seen at angles rarely attainable at other shows.  As a result of the crowds, performing aircraft made several passes over the airport.  In addition to the air, The American Airpower Museum was open all weekend and provided the opportunity for an up close look with static displays of both modern military and warbird aircraft.

         With the shows correlation during Memorial Day Weekend each year it proves to be something extra special. As the show expands with each year the bar has already been set for next years show.