Back on the runway

Cannon Air Force Base is gearing up for its first air show since 2018.

Wings Over Cannon is scheduled April 22.

Capt. Jacob Weiner, pilot and director of the air show, said he’s excited to see the community back on the base.

“The air show is a really great opportunity for us to thank the local community for all the support they have for us here,” he said. “The air show gives the community the opportunity to see what those on base do on a day-to-day basis. It’s safe to say there will be plenty to do.”

Weiner said the show will feature everything from aircraft in the air to static displays on the ground for up-close inspection.

The headliner is the A-10C Thunderbolt II Demonstration Team, which is based out of Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Arizona.

And there’s more.

“There’s going to be a ‘Kid Zone’ set up with bouncy houses and fun things for the kids in the local community go play in while they’re here,” Weiner said.

There will also be STEM hall – science, technology, engineering and mathematics -- for the kids to check out.

Mst. Sgt. Helena Cox is the STEM lead, and she said there will be “a ton” of educational opportunities. This ranges from “live critters” to a flight simulator.

Cox said there will be a teaching on aerodynamics, the Clovis Train Society, a science lab, and the Girl and Boy Scouts will even have a campfire set up. “I hope they have fun. But have fun in an educational way. Because that’s the best way to learn,” Cox said.

She hopes the STEM hall will encourage kids to become scientists, doctors, engineers, or even to fly in space.

“We’re always out in their community, so why not invite them into our community?” she said. Weiner and Cox said the show and hall have been in the works for about a year, and that a lot of work and preparation has gone into it.

Pilots will be outside with the aircraft to teach people about how they work and what goes in to being a pilot in the Air Force. SSgt Chivas Woodhead said,

“Making sure the aircraft is ready to go is our No. 1 priority -- providing safe and reliable aircraft to our pilots and gunners to ensure that they have the utmost safety throughout their flight,” Woodhead said.

Woodhead is part of the 27th Special Operations Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, where he works as a crew chief for the AC-130J Ghostrider.

Maj. Riley Feeney is an evaluator pilot who will occasionally fly the AC-130J Ghostrider. He said he’s excited to talk to the community about the aircraft and how everything works.

“I will explain all the aerodynamic factors of a high wing aircraft and a propeller aircraft,” Feeney said. “Plenty to see, and plenty to do.”

For those that might get hungry, Weiner said food trucks will abound.