Thousands enjoy sights of Ford Island air show

The latest staging of the Biggest Little Airshow featured, among other things, oversized remote-control planes, snow, and the targeted bombing of the Ford Island runway with jelly beans.

An estimated 6,000 people attended the first day of the two-day event, which is presented by the Pacific Aviation Museum Pearl Harbor.

Now in its 10th year, the event is a showcase for top local and national remote-­control pilots and their “giant-scale” aircraft.

This year, the acclaimed Warbirds West remote-control piloting team is commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Midway with a re-enactment of the historic four-day battle. The show also includes a remote-­control re-enactment of the bombing of Pearl Harbor by Japanese Zero fighters, a U.S. Air Force Thunderbird Shooting Star jet formation, aerobatic helicopter routines, and a “Top Gun” F-14 and bent-wing Corsair heritage flight.

Retired Air Force Gen. Ray John Jr. concludes each show with a candy-bomb drop, in which a remote-control bomber targets the Ford Island runway with packaged jelly beans for children.

The event also features free tours of Hangar 79, restored World War II aircraft displays, and a Kids Zone featuring rides, food, activities and a man-made snow field.

The event continues today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5; children under 3 are admitted at no charge. Tickets are available at PacificAviationMuseum.org or at the ticketing desks at the Pacific Aviation Museum and Pearl Harbor Visitor Center.

Round-trip shuttle service between the visitor center and Ford Island is available from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

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