General Event Information When is Wings Over Columbus 2018? The gates to Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi are open to the public on April 21 and 22 April from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The practice show on 20 April is open only for DoD ID card holders from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. How much does admission to Wings Over Columbus 2018 cost? Admission for the general public is FREE! Will the USAF Thunderbirds be performing at Wings Over Columbus 2018? Unfortunately, the USAF Thunderbirds will not be performing during Wings Over Columbus 2018. Who is performing during the Air & Space Show? The US Army Golden Knights Parachuting Team will open the excitement! Throughout the event, you'll see almost 20 other aerial demonstrations leading up to our headliner...air Combat Command's F-22 Raptor Demonstration Team! When will the flying begin? Aerial demonstrations are scheduled to begin at 11:00 a.m. with the Opening Ceremony and will continue through approximately 4:30 p.m. The schedule is always subject to change; please follow up on Facebook and Twitter to see the most up to date information. Where can I find a schedule of events? The schedule is available on our Facebook page and posted at www.wingsovercolumbus.net. In case of inclement weather, will the show go on? Wings over Columbus will continue in rainy weather only with required modifications, unless the weather begins to pose a threat to the safety of the visitors and participants. If severe weather becomes a safety hazard, you will be notified to move to a safe place or seek shelter by returning to your vehicle. Further directions will be provided by Security Forces; please follow all instructions immediately. In the unlikely event of an Air & Space Show cancellation, announcements will be coordinated with local news agencies, radio stations, and posted to our social media sites as more information becomes available. Will it be necessary to have hearing protection? Due to the nature of the event, it is highly encouraged you bring hearing protection especially for children. There will be a number of aircraft taking off, landing, and performing, which will be extremely loud. What attire should I consider? Whatever your choice, come prepared to be in the elements (be it the sunshine or the drizzle). We recommend checking the weather before you head out and ensuring you have plenty of sunscreen for you and your family! Can I bring guests in with my DoD ID card (ie, non-dod employees) on Friday? DoD members may escort as many non-dod members as will fit with seat belts, in their own vehicle. Any entrance to the installation may be used. Walking access DoD members may escort up to 10 personnel. A DoD ID card is identification issued and authorized by the Department of Defense (DoD) to obtain access to DoD installations. Can individuals with development disabilities attend the Air & Space Show on Friday? Yes, if they are escorted by a DoD Authorized member. Do I need an ID? While a state or government issued ID is not required for entry, it is a smart idea to always have a valid form of identification on your person. A military ID is not required; this event is open to the public.
What if I need to go to the Commissary or BX while the Air & Space Show is going on? To expedite flow for the public visiting the Air & Space Show, traffic entering the North and Main gates will be routed to the Air & Space Show parking areas only. Only authorized individuals will be able to use facilities such as the Commissary or Base Exchange. Only military and DoD card holders can enter using the South Gate. Please stop at any blocked roads and be prepared to display your DoD card to gain passage. We encourage you to visit the Commissary and/or BX prior to the opening of the gates on Saturday to avoid any delays and/or reroutes. Will recruiters be at the Air & Space Show if I or my child wants to learn more or enlist? Both United States Air Force and Army recruiting services will be available on the ramp to speak with and discuss opportunities available within their respective services. Who can I call for additional information? For additional information please check our web site www.wingsovercolumbus.net or email the base Public Affairs office at 14FTW.PA@us.af.mil. Event Security Information Is it safe to come to the Air & Space Show? Safety is always a priority at airshows. Columbus AFB works very closely with local and federal authorities to ensure safety and follows and enforces all security rules and regulations required. You will notice extra security at the Air & Space Show, both military and civilian. What should I bring with me? All patrons are highly encouraged to bring/use to bring/use the following: Sunscreen Hearing protection (especially for children) Lightweight stroller (if applicable) Lawn chair/folding chair (subject to search) Money (Cash/Credit) Camera Comfortable clothes & shoes Sunglasses/sun hats/baseball caps Hand-held umbrella What is the event's general security policy? All persons, vehicles and hand carried items are subject to search at any time while on the installation. Failure to follow the rules will result in removal from the installation and/or prosecution in accordance with applicable laws. ALL bags will be inspected and ALL visitors are subject to search by security personnel prior to entering the Air & Space Show's spectator area on the Columbus AFB flight line. Other banned items will be placed in available Amnesty boxes (not to be returned) or cause visitors to be turned away at the gate to return the items to their vehicles. There is a no tolerance policy for weapons, fighting, political activity and/or protesting, or unauthorized solicitation on base (to include flyers of any kind) at any time. Narcotics and paraphernalia are strictly prohibited; possession and use of marijuana is illegal on Columbus AFB or any federal installation (this includes both recreational and medicinal). Smoking is permitted only in designated smoking areas that are clearly marked; smoking around any aircraft is strictly prohibited at any time and violators are subject to removal from the installation. Clothing with objectionable language or images is prohibited (profanity, racist, anti-military, anti-government, obscene). Costumes or any garment resembling military personnel or law enforcement officers are prohibited. What types of bags can I bring? To expedite entry through the metal detectors/security checkpoint and enhance safety of our spectators, Wings Over Columbus is implementing a clear bag policy for all our 2018 visitors. Only authorized clear bags will be allowed through the security checkpoint: Personal bag(s) that is clear plastic, vinyl, or PVC One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziploc bag or similar) NOTE: The only authorized exceptions to the Wings Over Columbus 2018 clear bag policy are listed below and will
only be allowed after proper inspection: Small clutch bags, with or without a handle or strap, that do not exceed 4.5"x6.5" Small coolers (baby food & medical purposes only) Small diaper bags for guests with children Bags required for medical needs only Camera Bags (less than 1 cubic foot) NOTE: Does not apply to credentialed media personnel. What Items are prohibited? Firearms of any type (CCW and LEOSA credentials are not honored for active or retired military/civilian law enforcement not assigned to the 14th Security Forces Squadron) Ammunition of any type (loose or otherwise) Any type of weapons to include "self-defense" weapons Replica weapons and/or toy resembling weapons Any electrical discharge devices (stun guns, tasers, etc.) Cutting devices of any blade size (pocket knives/tools, scissors, box cutters, etc.) Laser pointers Any chemical dispensing device (pepper spray, mace, etc.) Sharp objects, sticks or poles of any kind (collapsible tripods/monopods are acceptable) Batons, billy clubs, and asps Any bio/radiological substances Large heavy chain link jewelry and/or belts Any flammable items/liquids (accelerants, fireworks, etc.) NOTE: Excluding personal pocket lighters Any remote controlled land/air vehicles (RC aircraft, UAV's, drones, etc.) Pets (EXCEPTION: service animals) Drugs, controlled substances, drug paraphernalia (possession and use of marijuana is illegal on any federal installation) NOTE: Includes medicinal purposes. Alcoholic beverages (unless purchased from approved event vendors) Any size ice chests/coolers. (EXCEPTION: small handheld coolers for baby food or medications will be allowed after inspection -PLASTIC containers only) Food or beverage items (not purchased at event) NOTE: Excluding plastic bottled waters with factory seals or empty. Glass bottles/containers of any kind Bicycles, skateboards, scooters, heelies, roller-blades/skates, hoverboards, & Segway-style human transporters Balls and/or frisbees Aerosol cans (spray paint, silly string, etc.) Liquid without factory seal intact (NOTE: excludes plastic baby bottles) Walkie-talkies, HAM radios & scanners Portable BBQ or cooking devices Banners or signs on a pole of any kind Tents, cabanas, awnings (portable and/or temporary) NOTE: Lawn chairs are acceptable Any other items base personnel consider a security or safety risk What items/articles are allowed? All items are subject to inspection by security personnel prior to entering the Air& Space Show's spectator area on the Columbus AFB flight line. Any items considered a security or safety risk by base personnel may cause visitors to be turned away at the gate to return the items to their vehicles. Portable lawn/folding chairs (subject to search) Strollers Hand-held Umbrellas Personal carts or wheelchairs for physically challenged visitors Official/documented service animals Cameras, binoculars, or video recorders (must be small enough to carry by hand; tripod/monopods are allowed) What changes have been made to the Wings Over Columbus security policy since 2014? The clear bag policy is our largest change, containers such as backpacks and coolers will be prohibited on the airfield. Some exceptions will be made for items such as diaper bags, purses, and folding chairs, but all items will be
inspected by security personnel. Weapons are still strictly prohibited. If you do not have a clear bag, VisitColumbus.org has donated a large number of clear bags that will be available in the parking lots for your use. Will there be security checks of personal belongings? For the safety of all attendees, ALL vehicles, persons and their property are subject to search upon entering Columbus AFB. Prior to entering the spectator area, personnel will process through security screening stations to include metal detectors and baggage search. All personnel and belongings are subject to search. To speed up this process we recommend trying to limit the size of bags and purses and to leave all contraband and prohibited items at home. Are we allowed to bring in chairs or is there seating available? There will be some bleachers available for seating but space cannot be guaranteed (we kindly ask that those seats be left for our handicapped/mobility limited visitors). Our guests are allowed to bring folding/lawn chairs to place along the flight line. There will be PLENTY of space to set up your chairs! Are pets allowed? Pets are NOT allowed with the exception of those specifically trained to assist the disabled. What is the process of getting through the gates? DOD ID cardholders may use the south gate for access to the Air & Space Show. Everyone without a DOD ID card must use the north or main gate for entrance. Can members of the public (non-press) bring video cameras or photo cameras to the 2018 Air & Space Show? Yes. There are no security restrictions on these items. However, large camera bags are not permitted. Camera bags must be limited in size to less than or equal to one cubic foot. Bring only necessary camera equipment, leaving extra attachments at home. Please keep in mind that everything is subject to search. I have small children. Can I bring a stroller/diaper bag/clothes change/etc.? Yes. Strollers will be hand-searched at the security checkpoint. Please bring only necessary items in a small diaper bag, also subject to hand-search at the security checkpoint. Large diaper bags will not be permitted. You can return to your vehicle during the show to get extra clothes, restock diaper items, etc. Also please consider bringing hearing protection for small children. Can I leave and re-enter Wings Over Columbus 2018? Yes. You may leave and re-enter as many times as needed. However, anyone re-entering will have to go through the security checkpoint again. Can I bring a cooler, water, drinks and/or food? No, food or beverage items not purchased at event, with the exception of plastic bottled waters with their factory seals or empty, are not allowed. Please do not attempt to bring a cooler any day (except small coolers for medical supplies or infant formula purposes). There are concessions located across the airfield with food and beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) for sale. Note: During the practice show on Friday, no concessions will be available. Are umbrellas allowed at the air show? All hand-held umbrellas are fine to bring (we hope you don't need one!) Can I bring a purse/fanny pack? Fanny packs are not authorized, but small clutch purses (that do not exceed 4.5"x6.5") are permitted. Any non-clear bag will slow down your entry, as all bags are subject to search and approval by security personnel at the security checkpoint. If I cannot bring something in, can I go out to my car during the show? Yes. Since the Air & Space Show has no admission fee, you may leave and re-enter as you desire. Anyone re-entering will be required to go through security screening again. Parking Information What time do the gates open? Gates open at 9 a.m. Saturday, April 21 and Sunday, 22 April. Inbound access to parking areas will close at 3 p.m. to transition to outward traffic flow only.
Where do I park to attend Wings Over Columbus 2018? Is there a cost? Parking is one of the very cool aspects of Wings Over Columbus 2018! Parking will be on the runway and taxiway utilized to train T-6 Texan II student pilots and is completely free! For non-military or DoD members, the primary parking areas can be accessed the North and Main gates. Follow the traffic guidance of the Mississippi Highway Patrol to the gate and the event/traffic signage after entering the base. For security, please lock your vehicle and follow all parking attendant instructions. Can I arrive in my Recreational Vehicle (RV)? No, while Columbus Air Force Base is set up well to accommodate an Air & Space Show, it is not set-up to accommodate "secondary spectator areas" and/or tailgating. Please do not arrive in your RV, as Security Forces will turn you around at the gate. Is tailgating allowed? No, tailgating on/off base is not allowed. Can I park off base and walk through the gate? Unfortunately, there are no parking lots available, and due to safety and security restrictions there is no foot traffic permitted through any gate. All audiences must park somewhere on the installation Will the shuttle buses run from local communities? There will not be shuttle buses in the community. There is ample parking on base for the general public. ALL General Public will need to enter through the North and Main gates off of Highway 45. Will the shuttle buses run from on base parking to the Air & Space Show? One shuttle bus will run from the Base Housing to the Air & Space Show main entrance; however, this bus is for DOD/ ID cardholders only. Another bus will circle the parking areas to transport our visitors from their parking location to the security checkpoint. Please look for shuttle pick up signs i the parking lots. Where do we park for the event Friday (DoD personnel only), and what time may I show up? There are no restrictions on parking for the Friday event. Drive in the main gate and follow event signage to any available, open lot. The flight line will not open to non-essential personnel until 11:30 a.m. for the 12:00 p.m. practice show. Will there be specific parking for the handicapped? Yes, there will be handicapped parking very close to the Air & Space Show entrance. Properly identified vehicles (handicap placard or handicap license plate) will be directed to handicap parking areas. Handicap parking is in close proximity to the entry area. If you require assistance, please notify a security official or staff member. How should I get to Wings Over Columbus from the North? If arriving from the north (Memphis), take I-22 E/US-78 East into Mississippi. Take exit 86A for US-45 South toward Tupelo. Continue on US-45 South and turn right onto State Route 373 South to Columbus AFB's North Gate. How should I get to Wings Over Columbus from the South? If arriving from the south (Montgomery), take US-82 West/AL-25 South ramp to AL-219 North/Tuscaloosa. Continue to follow US-82 West toward Columbus. Take the US-45 North exit and merge/continue on US-45 North. Turn left on 786 West (East Gate Road/Happy Irby Parkway) to Columbus AFB's Main Gate. How should I get to Wings Over Columbus from the East? If you are traveling by automobile from the east (Birmingham), take AL-69 North to Tuscaloosa then turn onto US-82 West toward Columbus. Take the 18th Ave exit and turn onto US-45 North. Continue on US-45 North and turn left on 786 West (East Gate Road/Happy Irby Parkway) to Columbus AFB's Main Gate. How should I get to Columbus from the West? If arriving from the west, follow above directions from Memphis OR if traveling via I-20 East, turn onto I-55 North in Jackson, MS. Then take MS-25 North to Starkville and merge onto US-82 E toward Columbus. Take the US-45 North exit and merge/continue on US-45 North. Turn left on 786 West (East Gate Road/Happy Irby Parkway) to Columbus AFB's Main Gate.
Hospitality Information Will there be any food, drink, or souvenirs available? There will be concessions at the 2018 Wings Over Columbus 2018 Air & Space Show. Vendors will have food, drink, and memorabilia items for purchase. Note: there will be no food, beverages or sale items available Friday. Are credit cards accepted? No. ATMs will be available but are not guaranteed to not run out throughout the day. We recommend utilizing the ATMs early, in addition to bringing enough cash to cover expected expenses for the day. Please visit our website for a menu listing of options available at the concessions. Is smoking allowed? Yes, but only in designated areas and not on the flight line (this include e-cigarettes as well). Are alcoholic beverages allowed? You can purchase them at concessions, but you cannot transport them onto base. Will restroom facilities be easily accessible? Yes. Portable restrooms will be located throughout the Air & Space Show spectator area. Several will be located near parking areas and along high-traffic routes. Can I take pictures or get autographs? Yes. The performers will make themselves available for autographs and pictures following their performances on both days of the Air & Space Show. Aircrew will be available by their static aircraft displays for pictures and autographs throughout the weekend as well! Will there be shade? There are limited areas of shade available throughout the flight line. You can take a walk through one of our larger static aircraft displays, sign up for a viewing of the Rise Above Red Tail display, get a slot in the USAF Rapid Strike Simulator, among other available options to get a break from the sun. What type of medical services will be available? First aid only will be provided such as oral hydration, treatment for minor cuts and bruises, and application of emergency medications (ex. Epi-pens). Medical personnel will stabilize and coordinate transportation to higher level of care for all other injuries/illnesses. Medical personnel will be roving the entire spectator area, marked with the red cross for easy identification. My father is 75 years old and he needs a wheelchair to walk around. Can I bring the wheelchair to Wings Over Columbus 2018? Yes, wheelchairs are allowed. Can arrangements be made for handicap parking or drop-off/pickup close to a seating area? Unfortunately, we do not have shuttle service to/from drop off/pickup locations close to the seating area due to foot traffic and aircraft proximity. Will there be specific seating for the handicapped? Free bleachers will be available near the entrance to the ramp/spectator area for anyone to use. If a specific, permanently available seat is desire, we recommend you utilize our reserved seating area. Reserved seating tickets are available via our website: www.wingsovercolumbus.net or directly at https://www.etix.com/ticket/v/13264. Miscellaneous Information I'm interested in having an informational booth or being a vendor for Wings Over Columbus 2018. Who do I contact? Unfortunately, the event is not accepting any more vendors for this year's event. How can my company participate in Wings Over Columbus 2018? A considerable amount of support is needed to put on an event as large as the Air & Space Show and many opportunities exist to help out. If you are interested in participating and would like more information please email the base Public Affairs office at 14FTW.PA@us.af.mil.