2015 Great New England Air Show, FAQ's

  • Published
  • By 439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

 

               

The 2015 Great New England Air Show will kick off May 16-17, 2015!

**For live traffic updates, performing acts and other key Air Show information follow Westover on Facebook and Twitter:
www.Facebook.com/Westover.Patriot

Q- WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HEADLINE ACTS?

A – Aerial demonstration teams include the U.S. Navy Blue Angels, Canadian Snowbirds, and the Air Force F-22. In addition, the U.S. Army’s Golden Knights parachuting team will perform.

Q - WHAT TIME DO THE GATES OPEN?

A – 8:30 a.m.  We strongly advise people to arrive early (but not before 8:30 a.m.).  Historically, traffic increases dramatically after 11 a.m. The James St Gate will be open for the air show.

Q – WHAT TIME DOES THE SHOW START?

A – 10 a.m.  Static displays open at 9 a.m.  Flying will begin at 10 a.m.

Q- WILL THERE BE HEAVY TRAFFIC?

A – Very likely.  It’s important to arrive early, since in previous air shows local roads and parking areas have gotten very crowded after 11 a.m.  As a guideline, traffic and parking from the time exiting a highway to arriving on the flight line is at least an hour and progressively longer after noon.  Parking lots are expected to be full by 2 p.m.

Q - WILL YOU PRINT A FLIGHT SCHEDULE?  WHEN WILL THE BLUE ANGELS AND SNOWBIRDS FLY? 

A- We will not be printing a flight schedule because of the many variables - including weather and security issues.  The Blue Angels typically are the final flight demonstration of the day.  The Snowbirds fly earlier in the day. 

Q - CAN I BRING LAWN CHAIRS?

A – Lawn chairs and blankets are allowed, but no lounge chairs.

Q - IS THERE A CHARGE FOR ADMISSION/PARKING?

A – There is no charge for admission or parking on base. If the base fills up and we have to rent additional overflow parking, there will be a minimal fee.  Base parking lots are expected to be full by 2 p.m.

Q – IS THERE PARKING FOR BUSES AVAILABLE?

A – No.

Q - WILL THERE BE A SHUTTLE FROM THE ON-BASE PARKING AREAS?

A – Yes.

Q - CAN I LEAVE AND RE-ENTER THE AIR SHOW?

A – Yes.

Q - ARE COOLERS PERMITTED?

A – Sorry, coolers are not permitted except for special needs, such as medication or baby formula.

Q - ARE CAMERAS AND VIDEO RECORDERS ALLOWED?

A – Yes.

Q - CAN I BRING AN UMBRELLA?

A - Small personal umbrellas are permitted.

Q - CAN YOU GIVE ME A SCHEDULE OF ACTS?

A – A tentative schedule will be published shortly before the show. However, the schedule is subject to change due to mission requirements, weather, etc.

Q - WHAT IS A STATIC DISPLAY?

A – A static display is a parked aircraft, or any other display that is not moving.

Q - IS THERE SHADE?

A – There is some shade available in the Base Hangar and under the wings of some of the larger static display aircraft.

Q - ARE PETS ALLOWED?

A – Pets are not allowed, except for service animals (Seeing eye dogs, etc.)

Q – HOW DO I OBTAIN INFORMATION ON BECOMING A SPONSOR?

A – Information is available at www.greatnewenglandairshow.com. Sponsorship inquiries should be directed to df22v@comcast.net.

Q - HOW DOES A VENDOR RECEIVE PERMISSION TO SELL FOOD/WARES?

A – All requests for information on becoming a vendor or providing services should be directed to: Christopher Menard at (413) 557- 1110, ext. 2899 or email christopher.menard@us.af.mil

Q - WILL THE SHOW BE TELEVISED?

A – Various media will be in attendance.  They will televise all or parts as their schedules allow.  Westover public affairs will also show video selections on social media.

Q - HOW DO I GET A MEDIA PASS FOR THE SHOW?

A – Call Westover Public Affairs at 413-557-2020.

Q - WHAT HAPPENS IF IT RAINS?

A – The show will go on rain or shine.

Q- WHERE CAN I STAY OVERNIGHT?

A – There are numerous motels and hotels in the area. However, we suggest that visitors make reservations as early as possible. The Greater Springfield Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.valleyvisitor.com will assist you in finding lodging.

Q – CAN I DRIVE MY MOBILE HOME (RV) TO THE AIR SHOW?

A - No.  Unfortunately, our parking lots cannot accommodate oversized vehicles.   A vehicle is considered oversized if it's wider than a normal parking space or longer than two parking spaces bumper-to-bumper.  Exception: if an RV's operator has a confirmed reservation and possess a military ID card, they may park at the military family camp on base.

Q – CAN I STAY IN MY MOBILE HOME (RV) OVERNIGHT WHILE PARKED AT WESTOVER?

A - No.  Overnight spectator parking on base is not permitted by any vehicle. Exception: if an RV's operator has a confirmed reservation and possess a military ID card, they may park at the military family camp on base.

Q - IS THERE A PROVISION FOR PRIVATELY OWNED AIRCRAFT TO PARK?

A – All civilian aircraft need to coordinate with Westover Metropolitan Airport.  Additional information can be found on their website www.wmass-arptcef.com or call (413) 593-5543.

Q - CAN I BRING FOOD?

A – Yes, however it must be in a clear container.

Q - CAN I BRING A FROZEN DRINK ON BASE?

A – No, you cannot bring frozen drinks on base -- only water in clear plastic bottles.

Q - WHY CAN'T I BRING ICE ONTO THE BASE?

A – Loose ice is prohibited because it is difficult to search. Ice packs are permitted.

Q - IS THERE ANY DANGER OF AN ACCIDENT?

A – Public safety is our top priority. However, in the case of an emergency or accident the base has set up response measures.

 Q - CAN I BRING MY KIDS?

A – Attendants are encouraged to bring their children. There will be special family area for families with children.

Q – HOW LOUD ARE AIR SHOWS LIKE THIS?

A – Some of the performances feature multiple aircraft in formation. Although Westover’s flight line is several hundred feet away from aircraft taking off and landing, air show guests should consider bringing earmuffs or earplugs.

Q - IS CELL PHONE RECEPTION AVAILABLE ON BASE?

A – Yes.

Q - WILL I NEED AN ID TO GET ON BASE?

A - Vehicle operators will need a valid driver’s license.

Q - WILL THERE BE SECURITY ON SITE?

A - Yes, security will be provided by the Air Force, Marines, Army and Massachusetts State Troopers.

Q - WILL THE GUARDS AT THE GATE BE SEARCHING VEHICLES?

A – Yes, all vehicles will be subject to search.

Q - WILL SANITARY FACILITIES BE PROVIDED?

A - Yes, portable toilets will be on site.

Q - CAN TENTS OR AWNINGS BE BROUGHT ON THE BASE?

A – No, these are prohibited.

 Q – IS IT LEGAL TO BRING MEDICAL MARIJUANA ON BASE?

A – No. As a federal installation, Westover must follow federal laws.

Q - WILL THE EVENT BE HANDICAP ACCESSIBLE?

A – Yes. All gates will accommodate handicap parking. Members displaying a handicap placard/plate will be directed to handicap parking areas. Signs will be posted as well. Due to the vast area that is open to the public on the base, guests should be prepared to walk long distances in order to see all the displays.

Q - WILL I BE ABLE TO COME ON BASE TO WATCH THE DEMONSTRATION TEAMS PRACTICE FRIDAY BEFORE THE AIR SHOW?

A - To access the base on Friday, you need a military ID, or you may purchase tickets to the air show kickoff breakfast (the web site is greatnewenglairshow.com for tickets). The base isn't open to the general public until the weekend.

Q - WHAT SECURITY CHANGES CAN I EXPECT DUE TO THE BASE’S NEW HEIGHTENED SECURITY LEVEL?

A –  Expect to be searched, and expect longer lines to enter the base and the performance area.   Do not bring knives or weapons.  As a general rule, don’t bring anything on base that you wouldn’t bring on an airplane.

Q – HOW WILL TRAFFIC BE AFFECTED?

A –  As always, opening a military base to the public requires standard security measures at the gates. Traffic will be heavy at times during the air show due to the volume of people attending the show. It is possible that wait times to get on base will be longer than past air shows due to the heightened security level on base. Please plan to arrive early, after gates open at 8:30 a.m.

Q- CAN I STILL BRING A BACKPACK? A CAMERA BAG? A DIAPER BAG?

A-Due to the increase in force protection level across North American military bases, large backpacks and camera bags are not allowed.  Coolers containing medicine or baby formula are still allowed.  Please be patient as all bags will be searched.

Q- CAN I RIDE MY BICYCLE ON BASE?

  1. No, bicycles are not allowed at the air show or to get on base.

Q - WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?

A – Visit www.greatnewenglandairshow.com or www.westover.afrc.af.mil

 

DIRECTIONS—

Q – HOW DO I GET TO WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE FROM CONNECTICUT?

A – Take I-91 North to I-291 in Springfield. Take the Fuller Rd. exit, which is also marked Westover ARB. Follow the Westover signs to the base.

  • (Use GPS address 2255 Westover Rd., Chicopee, MA. There will be signs and police along the way to assist with traffic.)

Q – HOW DO I GET TO WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE FROM NEW YORK STATE OR WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS?

A– Take Mass Pike (I-90) East to exit 5 and follow the Westover signs to the base.

  • (Use GPS address 2255 Westover Rd., Chicopee, MA. There will be signs and police along the way to assist with traffic.)

Q- HOW DO I GET TO WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE FROM THE BOSTON AREA?

A - Take the Mass Pike (I-90) West to Exit 7 in Ludlow. Take right onto Rt. 21/Center Street, left onto Rood St., which turns into Fuller St., right onto West St., left onto New Ludlow Road, and left onto South St. just before the Summit Convenience Store. 

  • (Use GPS address 102 New Ludlow Rd., Granby, MA. There will be signs and police along the way to assist with traffic.)

Q – I LIVE NEAR THE BASE. WHICH GATE SHOULD I USE?

A - Use the James St. gate since the main gate, on Westover Rd., is typically most used. Avoid the section of Memorial Dr. (Route 33) between I-90 and Westover Rd.  From the traffic rotary at the intersection of Memorial Drive and James St., turn east at the Knights of Columbus toward the base.

  • (Use GPS address 803 James St., Chicopee, MA.  There will be signs and police along the way to assist with traffic.)

FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE:

  • It is recommended; Air Show patrons bring only necessary items on their person and limit the size and contents of carry-in-items to those that are essential. You will be permitted to exit and enter the installation as often as you like.
  • Food, beverages, and souvenirs will be available for purchase.
  • ATM machines will be available.

ALL CARRY-IN ITEMS AND PERSONS ARE SUBJECT TO SEARCH. PLEASE BE PATIENT.

Approved Carry-in Items:

  • SMALL purses, fanny packs, diaper bags, backpacks
  • Cameras and/or camcorders with SMALL camera bags
  • Baby strollers
  • “Small” lawn chairs only (no lounge chairs)
  • Wheelchairs, canes, guide/working dogs to assist disabled individuals

THE FOLLOWING RESTICTIONS APPLY TO ALL WHO ENTER WESTOVER ARB:

  •             No coolers (Security Forces will only permit the entry of small coolers carrying lifesaving medicines or formula for young infants).
  •             No medical marijuana  
  •                 No loose ice
  •                 No cans
  •                 No Glass
  •                 No Alcohol
  •                 No pets (except service animals)
  •                 No weapons of any kind (to include pepper spray, pocket knives and other self-defense items)
  •                 No Tents
  •                 No Awnings
  •                 No cooking equipment
  •                 No Roller Blades, Skate Boards, Razor Scooters, Bicycles

***SURVEILLANCE CAMERAS MONITOR THE BASE AT ALL TIME.

          ***METAL WANDS AND OTHER SECURITY SCREENING MEASURES WILL BE USED TO SCAN PATRONS ENTERING THE BASE.