Las Vegas NowAviation Nation at Nellis AFB This Weekend

Aviation Nation at Nellis AFB This Weekend

NELLIS AFB, Nv -- Afterburners will be blasting over Las Vegas this weekend as one of the biggest air shows in the nation takes place Saturday morning at Nellis.

Aviation Nation not only brings in thousands of visitors to town, it also pumps in millions of dollars to the economy. It is ranked among the top 10 air shows in the nation.

“We've always loved planes and we enjoy it. And my son is addicted to it,” said Carrisa.

Two-year-old Aiden looks at the jets in awe. “He has to run out of the house every time he hears a plane,” said his mom Carrisa.

SLIDESHOW: Aviation Nation 2009

The pair got a chance to see the planes up close for tomorrow's big air show at Nellis. With over 100 planes on display, including unbelievable air demonstrations, Aviation Nation will not disappoint. “It's just something fun to see, live in action, you know. I always come here every year,” said Carrisa.

Last year nearly 150,000 spectators walked through Nellis – out-of-towners like Allan Rands and family. “Down from St. George, Utah. Came down to see the airplanes,” he said.

The show's visitors are expected to pump millions of dollars into the Las Vegas economy.

“Last year, for a two day air show, the economic impact to the city was $15.3 million,” said Aviation Nation Director Bob Jones.

Millions of dollars in just one weekend and money the economy needs. But for Aiden, just seeing the planes this close is a dream come true.

Admission is free. Parking is available at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway and free bus rides will be provided from the speedway to the base.

First jet takes to the skies at 9:30 a.m. The show ends at 3:30 p.m. with the Thunderbirds.