One of the signs of spring in North Louisiana is the deafening roar of high-powered jet engines screaming low over the countryside executing intricate maneuvers to the delight of thousands of sunburned people lining the runway at Barksdale Air Force Base.

Because of federal budget exigencies in 2013, the annual open house and air show at Barksdale was canceled, but this year it’s back, promising the familiar thrills and excitement. The 2014 Defenders of Liberty show will boast a number of military and aerobatic acts and a plethora of static displays to entertain the thousands who normally attend.

This year, Major Warren Carroll is the man in charge of the show, and he said, “It’s all about showing people what the Air Force does, what we do here at Barksdale every day – to demonstrate our modern military capability, modern weapon systems, and promote positive community relations.” 

The show also showcases the home of America’s B-52 strategic bomber force and allows civilians to see the base up close, which they cannot do most of the time. 

This year’s show runs April 26-27 with the gates opening at 9 a.m., and the flying starting at 11 a.m. The Air Force precision aerobatic team, The Thunderbirds, will fly both days beginning at 3 p.m.

Scheduled to appear this year are a number of different kinds of exhibits. The Air Force Reserve is showing the Smoke-N-Thunder Jet Car, a ground bound speed demon that races aircraft for fun. The Southern Heritage Air Foundation will bring its P-51D named “Charlotte’s Chariot.” 

Also on hand, SkyRunner, described on its website as “part all-terrain vehicle, part light-sport aircraft … the ultimate recreational sports vehicle.” It looks like a dune buggy with a propeller. (The SkyRunner was featured in the Feb. 19 issue of The Forum).

Jet specialist Randy Ball will bring his Mig-17 to the show. Matt Younkin performs in an unlikely aircraft, the twin-engine Beech 18, which is more of a passenger plane than an acrobat. The 548th Combat Training Squadron from Ft. Polk will demonstrate an airdrop in which soldiers will parachute from their plane just as they do when entering combat.

The Commemorative Air force will be returning with a B-17, one of the workhorse bombers of the air war in Europe. Recent Louisiana Tech University graduate Kevin Coleman will be on hand to show off his acrobatic skills for his local fans.

There are others and you can find out more about them by visiting the air show website at www.barksdaleafbairshow.com.

Static displays will include planes of all sizes from the super big C-5 and C-130 transporters, to the lean and mean F-15E Strike Eagle and F/A-18 Hornet fighters. Other familiar airframes will include the B-52 Stratofortress, the B-2 Spirit, the B-1 Lancer, the B-25 Mitchell bomber of World War II fame, the KC-10 refueling plane, and the A-10 Thunderbolt, which until recently was stationed at BAFB.

As usual, there will be a number of civilian bi-wing and single-wing acrobatic planes to thrill the crowds.

Carroll’s best advice was for those interested in attending to check the air show website for details, including changes before the date, parking guides and a list of do’s and don’ts on an active Air Force Base.

Some highlights include no weapons allowed, backpacks and coolers will be prohibited on the airfield. Small purses are OK if approved by gate personnel, cameras are allowed, and lawn chairs without cases are suggested.

Admission and parking are free, and food and drink are available for purchase at the show. Safety concerns related to the presence of jet fuel severely restrict where people can smoke on base and at the air show. The security personnel said pets should be left at home and will not be allowed in to the air show unless they are service animals for the disabled. 

Each year’s show is presented in cooperation with the Shreveport/Bossier Military Affairs Council. The council seeks performers from around the world to invite to the show, both military and civilian.

A couple of days before the event, local residents and visitors will see the aircraft going through their paces in preparation for the show. It’s another rite of spring that many missed last year and look forward to this month.

Carroll has some additional advice for those of you thinking about heading out for the base to take in the show. “Come out ready to have a good time. It’s a great day for wholesome family fun,”  he said.

And, he suggested sunscreen might be prudent.