Where to See a C-17 at Air Shows in 2026

Want to see a C-17 Globemaster III up close? These massive aircraft regularly appear at air shows across the United States, and 2026 looks to be a busy year.

Where C-17s Appear Most Often

C-17s are stationed at several Air Force bases that host annual open houses:

• Joint Base Charleston, SC – Home to the largest C-17 fleet
• Travis AFB, CA – Regular air show with C-17 demos
• Joint Base Lewis-McChord, WA – Pacific Northwest’s C-17 home
• Dover AFB, DE – East coast airlift hub
• Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, NJ – Popular northeast venue

What to Expect

At most air shows, you can:

• Walk through the cargo hold
• Sit in the crew seats
• Talk to actual C-17 pilots and loadmasters
• See the cockpit (sometimes)
• Watch cargo demonstrations

Some shows feature aerial demonstrations where the C-17 shows off its impressive short-field landing capability and tight turning radius.

Tips for C-17 Spotters

Arrive early. C-17 walkthroughs have long lines, especially on Saturday afternoons.

Bring sun protection. You’ll wait on hot tarmac. The aircraft provides shade once you’re inside, but the line doesn’t.

Ask questions. Crews love explaining their aircraft to interested visitors. Ask about their favorite missions or most challenging landings.

Check the schedule. C-17 flight demos usually happen at specific times. Don’t miss it wandering through static displays.

Can’t Wait for an Air Show?

C-17s fly regularly from their home bases. If you live near a C-17 base, you can spot them on approaches and departures daily. Flight tracking apps can help you know when to look up.

Charleston area residents see C-17s constantly. Travis AFB neighbors in the San Francisco Bay Area have frequent sightings. And anyone near Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington gets regular Globemaster flybys.

Check your local base’s public affairs office for announcements about upcoming open houses and air shows.