2025 FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach - May 24th and 25th

[Fighting Falcon]

The 2025 FourLeaf Air Show at Jones Beach Thread
Hosted by the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation
Title Sponsor: FourLeaf Federal Credit Union

Event Details:
Location: Jones Beach State Park, Wantagh, New York (Long Island)
Dates: Saturday May 24th and Sunday May 25th
Time: 10am-3pm
Cost: $10

Latest Updates (5/25, 9:36am):
- Air show day 2
- Beautiful clear skies with some moderate wind down at the beach
- Golden Knights ribbon drop just took place. Golden Knights being circled by Aarron Deliu.

2025 Confirmed Performers:
United States Air Force Thunderbirds
United States Army Golden Knights
United States Marines F-35B Demo Team
United States Navy Growler Demo Team
United States Navy Rhino Demo Team
United States Navy F-35C Demo Team
North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD)
106th Rescue Wing, NY Air National Guard
105th Airlift Wing, NY Air National Guard C-17
Warbird Thunder Airshows
Aaron Deliu
David Windmiller
American Airpower Museum Warbirds + B29 "Doc"
Farmingdale State College Aviation

2024's Air Show Attendance:
Total: 459,000 attendees
Friday (practice): 106,000 attendees
Saturday: 171,000 attendees
Sunday: 182,000 attendees

Check back on this post regularly, as the latest updates will be added as they are made available.

[dekdawg21]

This is one of the better lineups in a while.

And I just got an email from Friends of Doc that B-29 Doc will be at the American Air Power Museum Memorial Day Weekend!

[Fighting Falcon]

This is one of the better lineups in a while.

And I just got an email from Friends of Doc that B-29 Doc will be at the American Air Power Museum Memorial Day Weekend!

Great to hear! Any word if it will be going up with the AAM Warbirds for the air show? If I recall correctly it used to fly with them in the past.

[dekdawg21]

Great to hear! Any word if it will be going up with the AAM Warbirds for the air show? If I recall correctly it used to fly with them in the past.

I believe this will be Doc's first visit to the museum, I'm trying to remember if FiFi flew the air show when it was here in the past for air show weekend. I want to say it didn't

[Chris S]

I believe this will be Doc's first visit to the museum, I'm trying to remember if FiFi flew the air show when it was here in the past for air show weekend. I want to say it didn't

Good to see the 2025 Jones Beach Air Show thread started up!
Yes, it will be Doc's first visit to the AAM and FIFI did infact fly at the 2011 Jones Beach Show >>>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RX3SjyZUfOo

Also, just heard that the US Navy's Growler Demo team and Super Hornet Demo team will be
using the American Airpower Museum's Ramp for the show this year which is great news for FRG.
The USAF Thunderbirds, US Navy's F-35C Demo Team and USMC F-35B Demo Team will be using ISP.

[Chris S]

For the Jones Beach Air Show, the AAM will fly the C-47, P-51, P-40, TBM-3E and possibly two AT-6Ds.
The AAM's C-47 and a C-17 from the U.S. Air Force Joint Base Charleston South Carolina
will fly together during AAM’s flight period each day for an “Airlift Heritage Flight"
The press release link below also says that the CAF P-51 "Gunfighter" will be joining Doc at the AAM too.

https://www.warbirds-eaa.org/event/aam- ... h-airshow/ (https://www.warbirds-eaa.org/event/aam-legends-of-airpower-warbirds-joins-jones-beach-airshow/)

[dekdawg21]

Thanks Chris for confirming FIFi, couldn't remember. Just remember the evening it arrived at Republic.

And the line up is pretty solid this year. 2 F-35s Growler and Rhino, Doc and a C-17!

[WW2 Warbirds]

I believe this will be Doc's first visit to the museum, I'm trying to remember if FiFi flew the air show when it was here in the past for air show weekend. I want to say it didn't
I can confirm that FiFi did fly at one of the airshows. I was at the show. I believe she was only in one show.

[gpalz1]

My last Jones Beach air show was in 2018. I caught the T'birds a long time ago at Republic, but I lost all my digital files from that time. Has MacArthur become more accommodating? Is there a viewing area at MacArthur to watch the Thunderbirds and Lightnings?

[Chris S]

FYI - The FAA has posted the TFR for the Jones Beach show and it looks like the T-Birds will be
arriving earlier than usual since they'll be coming right from the McGuire Airshow this weekend in NJ.
Here's the TFR (Temporary Flight Restriction) for the Jones Beach Show and the air space over the
beach will be closed on Tues., May 20th from 12PM to 1PM, and then there's a split TFR on
Thurs., May 22nd from 10AM - 11AM and again from 2PM - 3PM.
On Fri., Sat. & Sun (May 23rd - 25th) the air space will be closed daily from 10AM to 3PM.

Federal Aviation Administration - Graphic TFRs (https://tfr.faa.gov/tfr3/?page=detail_5_9841)

[dekdawg21]

My last Jones Beach air show was in 2018. I caught the T'birds a long time ago at Republic, but I lost all my digital files from that time. Has MacArthur become more accommodating? Is there a viewing area at MacArthur to watch the Thunderbirds and Lightnings?

I've been wondering if MacArthur is more spotter friendly as well since I live nearby. I've had friends that were able to get up to the fence get stickers from the maintainers a few years ago but I've never gone because I heard they chase people away. I know they had a viewing area in the past but I think you had to park and take a shuttle.

[puckstopper55]

I've been wondering if MacArthur is more spotter friendly as well since I live nearby. I've had friends that were able to get up to the fence get stickers from the maintainers a few years ago but I've never gone because I heard they chase people away. I know they had a viewing area in the past but I think you had to park and take a shuttle.

It’s really hit or miss. I’ve gone and had no issues. Just last year I went and within minutes Suffolk PD asked me to go away. Whatever you choose to do, just be respectful and at worst they’ll just ask you to leave.

[gpalz1]

Thanks all. Think I'll spend the day or two at Republic instead. Like to get some pics of the P-51 Gunfighter. Think this might be its first appearance here.

Years ago (92) there was a static WWII display at Republic. The P-51 Six Shooter was there. Beautiful paint scheme on that one. Wish it would come back for another visit.

[Billbo1970]

I'm looking forward to hearing all of the updates about when these performers will arrive! I watched the f-35s arrive at ISP several years ago and didn't have a problem and I'm going to give it a shot again this year.

[Chris S]

FYI - Good news, they were installing the Temporary Arresting Gear System on RWY 14/32 this morning.

[Innes]

FYI - Good news, they were installing the Temporary Arresting Gear System on RWY 14/32 this morning.
I know someone there putting it in he’s saying it’s for the thunderbirds. I think he has bad information but can you confirm.

[RCFLYER86]

I know someone there putting it in he’s saying it’s for the thunderbirds. I think he has bad information but can you confirm.

Super Hornets and Growlers are staging out of Republic likely installed for them. Thunderbirds are out of ISP with F-35s.

[Chris S]

Great news, according to Doc's website, they were just added to the Jones Beach Show lineup and will
fly with the other warbirds from the American Airpower Museum based at Republic Airport.
https://www.b29doc.com/b-29-doc-added-to-the-list-of-performers-at-jones-beach-air-show/


https://www.b29doc.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Web-Events-2.png

[bgny61]

Doc just landed at Republic

[dekdawg21]

Doc just landed at Republic

Yeah just saw video on Facebook of her flying over Babylon

[bgny61]

Thunderbird 8 just landed at ISP

[Fighting Falcon]

Very exciting news with the early Thunderbird arrival (with more to arrive tomorrow) and Doc's landing at AAM. It's a nice changeup for the Thunderbirds since in years past they often missed their Thursday TFR over the beach and only did circle and arrivals on Friday morning before practice. It'll also be a treat watching Doc fly in the show.

[fieldywanb]

I read further up that there is a TFR for tomorrow (tuesday) from 12-1. Does anyone know if they will be going to ISP prior to possibly doing their circles or will they do their circles prior to going to ISP?

[Fighting Falcon]

I heard on the way to ISP

[Chris S]

I read further up that there is a TFR for tomorrow (tuesday) from 12-1. Does anyone know if they will be going to ISP prior to possibly doing their circles or will they do their circles prior to going to ISP?

Since they're only flying from McGuire they'll most likely do their circles and arrival at Jones Beach between 12 - 1PM before they land at ISP.
T-Bird #8 did several circles and passes at Jones Beach yesterday before landing at ISP.

[dekdawg21]

Golden Knights appear inbound to Republic

[fieldywanb]

Is there currently anything parked at FRG worth taking my 2 year old to see this evening? I know the thunderbirds are at ISP, just wondering if they parked Doc or any other warbirds somewhere visible or if they are all in a hangar?

[Chris S]

Is there currently anything parked at FRG worth taking my 2 year old to see this evening? I know the thunderbirds are at ISP, just wondering if they parked Doc or any other warbirds somewhere visible or if they are all in a hangar?

Went to he AAM this afternoon after going to the beach to see the T-Birds fly and saw Doc do an engine run up that was very cool to see from the parking lot through the fence.
This is how they have Doc positioned on the tarmac as of today...
https://scontent-lga3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t51.75761-15/499797564_18506532946014533_438956917140812282_n.j pg?_nc_cat=111&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=127cfc&_nc_ohc=tFEc8_2-yrgQ7kNvwHq9N7Z&_nc_oc=AdnEieVVNFcwn7XyIEVTk5k4jxeEojO2C6UqGKcxX5Y MII5jULE_csHZOSTcvZ2jbvQ&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent-lga3-1.xx&_nc_gid=Htunk8x_-syARyAWJHhCew&oh=00_AfIl0LhxjJVV4cygjCJMlvCLuwNd4h9P3b4iI0XFf4To WA&oe=68331F0D

[atenzany62]

My last Jones Beach air show was in 2018. I caught the T'birds a long time ago at Republic, but I lost all my digital files from that time. Has MacArthur become more accommodating? Is there a viewing area at MacArthur to watch the Thunderbirds and Lightnings?
I missed the blue angles at frg. Last one I went was 2018 also I believe. Sad they’re not here this year. The viewing area from the parking lot was awesome. Where in ISP are the t birds parked at? Would like to view the pre flight ritual if possible.

[Chris S]

Where in ISP are the t birds parked at? Would like to view the pre flight ritual if possible.
They're usually parked behind the North American Hangar on the West side of the field.
FYI - one of my buddies tried to go over there yesterday for the T-Birds arrival and unfortunately he said it wasn't worth the trip out there
because the Suffolk County Police and NY State Troopers were all over the place telling people to move on so good luck if you go out there !!

[WW2 Warbirds]

Just getting back from the museum. Saw one of the Rhino's come in. One of the volunteers told me that the rest of the planes won't be coming in until tomorrow

[TJK]

Obviously Hudson River photo runs didn’t happen today. Any word on when they will happen tomorrow? Working downtown and up pretty high so bringing my camera and hoping they have transponders on.

[Fighting Falcon]

I'm curious about the photo runs too. I'm also wondering if there will be any early flights down to the beach prior to practice at 10am due to Thursday's cancellations. I tend to think not since there was an opportunity for circle and arrivals/practice on Tuesday, but you never know if they'll do an extra recon flight.

[Chris S]

I'm curious about the photo runs too. I'm also wondering if there will be any early flights down to the beach prior to practice at 10am due to Thursday's cancellations. I tend to think not since there was an opportunity for circle and arrivals/practice on Tuesday, but you never know if they'll do an extra recon flight.

Not sure about their photo flights, but I heard the T-Birds and Super Hornet Demo will be flying twice at the beach today and the F-35B and Growlers might be flying twice also!

[Fighting Falcon]

Update: cloud cover is currently too low to fly. They are waiting for it to increase to 1500ft.

[FRG]

Update: cloud cover is currently too low to fly. They are waiting for it to increase to 1500ft.

Appreciate the update!

[mazgirl10]

Thank you!

[RepublicAviation]

Looks like a jet is flying around over the beach on ADSB. Skeptical of the weather so I don't think I'll make the trip today, but hopefully it will stay clear enough for the acts to get their flights in today.

[FRG]

I hear 'em

[Fighting Falcon]

The F35 has been doing a weather recon flight but the cloud cover is still too low for the demos. It’s right around 900ft right now and 1500ft are needed.

[TJK]

I’m my office downtown. It’s rained lightly on and off. Clouds around 1200/1300 feet or so maybe? Almost nothing flying at all. Occasional helicopter traffic and a sea plane has loitered around a bit. Reached out to the four leaf Airshow Instagram acct and they said they didn’t have any updates re any photo flights at all.

[FRG]

The F35 has been doing a weather recon flight but the cloud cover is still too low for the demos. It’s right around 900ft right now and 1500ft are needed.

Thanks so much!

[TJK]

For the folks who are monitoring the beach, FRG or Islip, if it looks like photo missions might be happening if you could post it here I’d appreciate it. Keeping an eye out while I’m working.

[Fighting Falcon]

F35s have returned to the beach. Some have reported that they are visible through the cloud cover.

[dekdawg21]

F35s have returned to the beach. Some have reported that they are visible through the cloud cover.

Was looking at a adsb and the F-35 just landed. Did some kind of practice and it was doing many passes with some down to 600'

[FRG]

SuperHornet demo for last 15 min or so

[Fighting Falcon]

Thunderbirds leaving ISP soon

[Fighting Falcon]

From what I can gather…

- F35C, F35B, Growlers, Rhino, David Windmiller, and TBirds all performed today at practice

- Both Growlers flew in the demo, only the singular Rhino

- Growlers did a flyover at FRG, Rhino did not (weather was moving in at the airport which may have been a factor)

- TBirds started at around 2:05pm with just the two opposing solos. The Diamond joined about 10-15 minutes later. The opposing solos headed back to ISP at around 2:48pm while I believe the Diamond continued on. During the show both the Diamond and Solos typically enter and exit together.

- About 30 minutes after the practice ended, several Warbirds from AAM took to the skies

- While some lots at the beach filled up earlier in the day, there were plenty of open spots and not much traffic throughout the morning. I would expect large crowds with early parking lot closures tomorrow and Sunday.

Anyone other tidbits of info are welcome

[mazgirl10]

Does anyone have a time schedule for each performer, specifically those flying out of Republic?

[Chris S]

From what I can gather…

- F35C, F35B, Growlers, Rhino, David Windmiller, and TBirds all performed today at practice

- Both Growlers flew in the demo, only the singular Rhino

- Growlers did a flyover at FRG, Rhino did not (weather was moving in at the airport which may have been a factor)

- TBirds started at around 2:05pm with just the two opposing solos. The Diamond joined about 10-15 minutes later. The opposing solos headed back to ISP at around 2:48pm while I believe the Diamond continued on. During the show both the Diamond and Solos typically enter and exit together.

- About 30 minutes after the practice ended, several Warbirds from AAM took to the skies

- While some lots at the beach filled up earlier in the day, there were plenty of open spots and not much traffic throughout the morning. I would expect large crowds with early parking lot closures tomorrow and Sunday.

Anyone other tidbits of info are welcome


The Super Hornet actually used RWY 19 for takeoff and landing today at FRG so the people at the AAM got quite a show.
The 2 Growlers used RWY 14 to takeoff and when they returned they did a break to land and used RWY 32
This evening Louis Horschel arrived in his Corsair and is parked in the new South Hangars by the Golden Knights aircraft.
The P-51 "Gunfighter" also arrived this evening and is currently parked next to the B-29 "Doc" on the AAM Ramp.

[Fighting Falcon]

The Super Hornet actually used RWY 19 for takeoff and landing today at FRG so the people at the AAM got quite a show.
The 2 Growlers used RWY 14 to takeoff and when they returned they did a break to land and used RWY 32
This evening Louis Horschel arrived in his Corsair and is parked in the new South Hangars by the Golden Knights aircraft.
The P-51 "Gunfighter" also arrived this evening and is currently parked next to the B-29 "Doc" on the AAM Ramp.

Thanks Chris

[Fighting Falcon]

Happy air show day everyone.

The Golden Knights departed FRG at around 9:25am. The Farmingdale Flyers departed about 10 minutes earlier and are currently getting into formation over Robert Moses. Doc is up in the air giving rides over the North Shore.

[Fighting Falcon]

106th rescue C130, staging to the north, just landed at FRG.

[Fighting Falcon]

106th up next, followed by Rhino demo team at 10:45

[Fighting Falcon]

Rhino team up and circling north of the beach

[dekdawg21]

The C-17 is circling south of Robert Moses with another jet (no id) wasn't there supposed to be a NORAD demo? An F-16?

[Fighting Falcon]

Warbird thunder currently performing at the beach; AAM warbirds, including Doc, currently taxiing at FRG

[Fighting Falcon]

The C-17 is circling south of Robert Moses with another jet (no id) wasn't there supposed to be a NORAD demo? An F-16?

Yes NORAD is supposed to have an F16 for an interdiction demo

[Fighting Falcon]

F35 heading towards the beach about 5 mins ago

[Fighting Falcon]

Growlers to take off momentarily

[Fighting Falcon]

David Windmiller en route from FRG

[Chris S]

Rhino team up and circling north of the beach

Just curious, did the Rhino use RWY 19 again today?

[Chris S]

BTW, the approximate start times for the show today were:

10:00 - Golden Knights Flag with Windmiller circling them

10:20 - 106th SAR Demo

10:40 - Rhino Demo

11:00 - Warbird Thunder

11:15 - F-35B Demo

11:30 - American Airpower Warbirds and Doc

12:00 - Growler Demo

12:15 -105th C-17 flybys

12:30 - Aarron Deliu

12:45 - F-35C Demo and Legacy Flight with Corsair

1:15 - Golden Knights

1:40 - David Windmiller

2:00 - Thunderbirds

[bgny61]

The F-18 Rhino had an Engine Flameout after takeoff for the legacy flight and had to return to FRG. Actually made an Arrested Cable Landing. Pretty cool to see.

[Chris S]

The F-18 Rhino had an Engine Flameout after takeoff for the legacy flight and had to return to FRG. Actually made an Arrested Cable Landing. Pretty cool to see.

Speaking of Arrested Cable Landing, here is that same CAG Super Hornet on Thursday testing out the cable when it arrived on Thursday.
Great video by Jake Innes on Youtube catching it and other arrivals on Thursday >>>

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xnrk8Kzx_1I

[Fighting Falcon]

Just curious, did the Rhino use RWY 19 again today?

Not sure, only saw them from take off from a distance

[Fighting Falcon]

Happy Sunday - beautiful weather for an air show down at the beach. A little windy but nothing crazy. Blue skies with some clouds supposed to be rolling in around 1pm. Plenty of parking as of 8:30am.

[Fighting Falcon]

Ribbons just dropped from Golden Knights (circling above with Aarron Deliu)

[ANITIX87]

What will or won't do an FRG fly-by? My daughter just asked to go "to Stewie's for ice cream" so might be an excuse to come to the FRG one and hang out in their parking lot.

[Chris S]

FYI - I talked to the Rhino and Growler Demo Teams over the weekend and they're both scheduled to depart this morning from FRG.
This info was gotten before the engine problem with the Super Hornet CAG Bird so I'm not sure if their departure will be delayed or not.

[Chris S]

FYI - the 3 Growleers departed around noon today but the 2 Super Hornets are still at FRG.
I'm not sure if their CAG jet is fixed yet or when or if they'll be departing FRG on Tuesday?
The F-35C, F-35B Demo teams and the T-Birds should all be departing ISP Tues. morning.
I don't know the exact times but heard probably between 8AM - Noon if all goes well.

[Chris S]

Just heard the F-35B Demo Team departed sometime this afternoon from ISP,
so just the F-35Cs and T-Birds should be departing ISP in the morning.

[Chris S]

Well, all of the military jets for the Air Show departed yesterday besides the Super Hornet Demo team at FRG.
Apparently they're still waitng for parts to fix the jets but heard they should be leaving by no later than Thurs.

[RCFLYER86]

Saw a third Hornet was at the airport today from VFA-106 and it departed with the E that was here from the air show. CAG jet looked like it was still being worked on as of about 4:45 pm today.

[PhoenixOne]

Posted this in "aviation" section aswell.

Hi all. F18 just flew over my house which is in line with Republic's runway 14 approach. Couldn't see any markings because of the very low cloud cover.