LAS CRUCES, N.M. — Aviation enthusiasts will have a chance to see high-speed air racing, aerobatic performances and historic aircraft when the SkyFiesta Air Race & Airshow returns to Las Cruces International Airport on Oct. 17.
The annual event will feature Sport Class Air Racing along with a full lineup of aerial demonstrations, military aircraft displays, simulators, vendors and family-friendly attractions.
Organizers expect 28 Sport Class race aircraft to participate this year. Scheduled performers include aerobatic pilot Vicky Benzing flying her P-51 Mustang Plum Crazy, Brad Wursten in his MX2 aerobatic aircraft, the Smoke N Thunder jet car and the popular Tora Tora Tora demonstration team. World War II fighter aircraft and interactive aviation exhibits will also be on display.
Practice sessions and race activities are scheduled for Friday, Oct. 16, before the public event takes place on Saturday, Oct. 17.
Airport officials are advising tenants and pilots that special operating procedures will be in place during the event.
Temporary Flight Restrictions, or TFRs, and FAA waivers will be active from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 16 and Oct. 17. During those periods, aircraft movement will be restricted unless authorized by event air traffic officials.
Event organizers have established limited arrival and departure windows for airport tenants during the restricted periods.
Officials say access to the airport on Oct. 17 will be limited to vehicles displaying a SkyFiesta parking pass.
Complimentary tickets and parking passes will be made available to airport tenants ahead of the event. Organizers are encouraging tenants to obtain credentials before event weekend to avoid delays.
The FAA has also informed organizers that spectators will be required to view airshow and race activities from the designated primary spectator area located on the airport’s main ramp.
SkyFiesta organizers describe the event as a community-wide celebration of aviation designed to bring together pilots, aviation enthusiasts and families from across the region.
The event is expected to draw visitors from throughout southern New Mexico and neighboring states while showcasing both competitive air racing and aviation history.
