AvGeek first sight of a fighter jet at an Airshow

In this blog, I’ll share my genuine reactions to witnessing a fighter jet flyby for the first time — a moment that got me emotional. For those who don’t know me, I’m Ajitkumar, an avid plane spotter and passionate aviation enthusiast. Over the years, I’ve spent countless hours observing aircraft from different vantage points, cultivating a deep appreciation for the art and engineering of aviation. However, nothing could have prepared me for a fighter jet blasting through the sky.

It’s been 4 long waited years since I wanted to go for an airshow in UK. The passion for aviation started during my childhood when I used to look up at the sky every single time, I hear an aeroplane jetting off. Those propellers blasting through the skies has made up the man that I’m today.

Whenever a movie about flying or fighter pilots hits the screen, I’m the first to jump up with excitement. The thrill of seeing those majestic aircraft up close led me to the Royal Air Force Museum in London one fine day.

Wow! words can’t capture the emotion I felt standing next to those historic aircrafts. Air Force is always rich in history. Taking a walk through the museum felt like I was a part of the history. My dream of watching fighter jets cutting through the sky at Mach 1, breaking the sound barrier became even more stronger. Imagining the experience of being inside one of those jets, feeling the immense G-forces, has always left me in awe.

The Day of the Airshow

Finally, after years of anticipation, the moment arrived. As I stepped into the arena at the Farnborough International Airshow, an F-35 greeted me with a mind-boggling take-off from the runway. The thunderous jet blast was unlike anything I had ever heard. Overwhelmed with joy, tears began to roll down my cheeks. In that moment, I realized just how deeply connected I am to aviation.

The first sight that caught my eye was two F-16s being pushed back by a truck.

Overcome with emotion, I ran closer to the gate near the tarmac, eager to witness the best takeoff of my life. As the jets taxied and lined up on the runway, I could hear the engines spooling up, the takeoff thrust being initiated. I was fortunate to find a perfect spot to clearly see the jets leaving the runway. The red-orange thrust of the engines, pushing 23,000 pounds of force, and the afterburners kicking in during rotation, was a pure bliss for my eyes and ears.

Oh man, when the jet vertically climbed and did a 360, it was pure bliss for this avid plane spotter. Words can’t describe how I felt. I can’t even imagine the G-forces the pilot must have experienced while performing those manoeuvres.

The experience made me realize that strong minds can achieve anything in life. We can draw inspiration from those pilots who never lose focus or become disoriented at such high speed manoeuvres. Their intense focus on the aircraft and situational awareness is a testament to the strength of the human mind.

There were many aircraft performing incredible stunts that day, but the first sight of a fighter jet taking off will forever be etched in my memory. I am so proud of choosing aviation as my career and pursuing my passion. This has been the best decision of my life.

Comment below on your first experience going to an airshow or watching a fighter jet fly by.