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Every year, Tucson’s skies come alive with the unmistakable roar of fighter jets and vintage warbirds flying together in tight formation. If you didn’t know better, you’d think an airshow had taken over the city.
That’s Heritage Flight Training, an annual event where Air Force and civilian pilots sharpen their formation flying skills in preparation for airshows across the country. It’s not an official public event, but because the training flights happen over Tucson, it might as well be.
For four days, World War II-era warbirds, Vietnam-era fighters, and cutting-edge jets rip across the sky in a display that’s equal parts aviation history and pure adrenaline.
And the best part? It’s completely free if you know where to watch.
What Is Heritage Flight Training?
The Air Force Heritage Flight program pairs modern military jets with historic warbirds to showcase the evolution of aviation. Pilots train to fly these mixed-generation formations safely, so when airshow season rolls around, they’re ready to put on a flawless display.
Tucson’s Davis-Monthan Air Force Base hosts the annual training in late February or early March, drawing in demonstration teams from across the country.
Since the aircraft fly in and out of Davis-Monthan multiple times a day, Tucson gets a free show that’s visible from several spots around town.
What Planes Fly in Heritage Flight?
The lineup changes every year, but it always includes a mix of legendary aircraft. Some of the most common Heritage Flight planes include:
- WWII and Korean War-era planes: P-51 Mustang, P-38 Lightning, P-40 Warhawk, P-47 Thunderbolt, F-86 Sabre
- Vietnam War and Cold War-era aircraft: A-1 Skyraider, T-33 Shooting Star
- Modern fighter jets: F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, F-16 Viper, A-10 Thunderbolt II
Some of the most impressive moments happen when a 1940s-era Mustang flies in tight formation with an F-22 Raptor, a jet that can hover, backflip, and do things that seem to defy physics.
Where to Watch Heritage Flight Training in Tucson
Because the flights happen throughout the day, you don’t need a ticket or special access to see them. These are the best places in town to catch the action:
1. Pima Air & Space Museum
📍 6000 E Valencia Rd
This is our go-to spot for Heritage Flight. The museum’s parking lot is directly across from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, and the planes fly right overhead. The museum allows visitors to watch from the lot, making it one of the best front-row seats in town.
Pro tip: Make a day of it. The museum has an on-site restaurant, and there’s always something new to see inside. We buy a membership every year, and Heritage Flight is the perfect excuse to visit.
2. Escalante Road
📍 Runs parallel to Davis-Monthan AFB, east of Kolb Rd
This quiet stretch of road runs along the eastern edge of the base and is another great spot to see the planes up close. Park along the shoulder and wait for the next formation to come screaming overhead.
3. Golf Links & Alvernon Way
There are a few shopping centers and open areas along Golf Links Road where you can pull over and catch the action. Because this spot is closer to the end of the runway, it’s a good place to watch the jets take off and land.
4. Wilmot Road
South Wilmot Road offers another good vantage point, especially for those wanting to see the planes at a slightly higher altitude before they turn back toward the base.
What to Expect
No tickets or reservations are needed. Just show up at one of the viewing locations and enjoy.
- Flights happen multiple times a day. There’s no official schedule, but in past years, formations have been flying between mid-morning and late afternoon.
- The F-35 is loud. This jet is a regular at Heritage Flight, and it’s powerful enough to set off car alarms in the parking lot of Pima Air & Space.
- Binoculars or a camera with a zoom lens will help. Some formations happen high overhead, so if you want to get a closer look, bring binoculars or a good camera.
When Does Heritage Flight Training Happen?
Heritage Flight Training usually takes place in Tucson during the last week of February or the first week of March.
The official schedule is posted on the Air Force Heritage Flight website a few months in advance.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss Heritage Flight Training
Even if you’re not an aviation enthusiast, watching historic warbirds and cutting-edge fighter jets fly together is an unforgettable experience.
It’s loud, it’s thrilling, and it’s a rare chance to see these planes in action without buying an airshow ticket.
If you’re in Tucson when it happens, grab a spot, look up, and enjoy the show.
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