Vaerus Aviation, a Topeka-based private plane management company, will sponsor the second ‘Thunder Over the Heartland’ airshow set for Oct. 10 through Oct. 13 at Forbes Field in Topeka, KS.
Tristan Weinbrenner, Director of Partnerships for Vaerus, says the company strives to make ownership of an aircraft more simple and accessible for its clients. The company also offers aircraft maintenance, financial transparency, accounting services, pilot training, travel planning, and more.
“We acquire and maintain planes, provide pilots, and handle scheduling flights, all while also providing exceptional hospitality that makes you feel like you are flying from the comfort of home,” said Weinbrenner.
Vaerus joins more than ten other companies in the Topeka region that are partnering with the airshow
“Vaerus is one of the key sponsors and is also spearheading the coordination for the event itself. The sentiment on doing this is inspired by the connection to the Topeka community and the history of having air shows in Topeka.” Weinbrenner said.
Weinbrenner said that new sponsors are joining ‘Thunder over the Heartland’ daily, which is making the event more community-driven.
“CoreFirst Bank & Trust, our Presenting Sponsor, plays a crucial role with their commitment to both our event and the Topeka Community, essential to making this air show happen,” Weinbrenner said.
Thunder Over the Heartland Event
Thunder over the Heartland is a three-day event, which will include attractions such as a downtown kickoff party, airshow performances, and static displays. This is the second year the event will be hosted in Topeka. The last one was in 2021.
“That first show was much in part designed to showcase our ability to put on a safe and hospitable show for performers—military and civilian alike,” Weinbrenner said.
A weekend kickoff party will be held on Oct. 10 at the Evergy Plaza in downtown Topeka, where the community can meet the U.S Air Force Thunderbirds and other air performers, and see a parachute jump into the plaza, along with live music and food trucks.
Oct. 11 and 12 shows will conclude with a fireworks presentation, aerial display, and night performances. The Oct. 13 show will conclude with the Thunderbirds.
More than 11 groups and individuals are on the lineup for the airshow, including tandem skydiving, aerobatic teams, a smoking airshow display, and a wall of fire. Nearly 20 static displays will be featured at the event, including aircraft from commercial aviation, American military aviation, and the Air National Guard Unit.
The event also will give attendees the opportunity to ride in a P-51 Mustang “Gunfighter,” which was produced during WWII. Tickets for the ride-along are currently set at $2,500 for a 20-minute flight and $4,000 for a 40-minute flight.
“The air show is meant to be a multifaceted event, being focused not only on the air but also giving spectators the ability to see incredible feats of aviation on the ground through static displays and exhibits,” Weinbrenner said.
The Thunder Over The Heartland event also will hold an event named ‘Top Gun Maverick Experience’ where the attendees can step inside the cockpit of an F-18 Hornet, which is featured in the Top Gun Maverick movie released in May of 2022. Pricing options for the Top Gun Maverick Experience have not yet been released.
Ticketing Options
General Admission: Tickets for general admission are currently $60 for adults (16+) per show, while children under 15 get free general admission to the event when accompanied by an adult.
The Flight Deck: Guests in the flight deck section gain access to free non-alcoholic beverages, premium seating along the flight line, a shaded area, and access to nonpublic portable restrooms. Tickets for the flight deck are currently priced at $85 for adults (16+), $55 for children (5-15), and free for children under four years of age.
The Thunder Club: Eventgoers can experience a spacious chalet with the Thunder Club ticket option. Guests will also be treated to a catered dinner/lunch, access to a cash bar, and premium seating. Tickets for the Thunder Club include $235 for adults (16+) and $185 for children (5-15). Children under the age of four will have free admission.
Vaerus Jet Lounge: The Vaerus Jet Lounge ticket option provides guests with a chalet area that has one of the best viewing and comfort areas and seats up to six people at a reserved umbrella table. Amenities for the Vaerus Jet Lounge also include a catered buffet dinner and lunch, along with VIP parking and entrance. Current prices for the Vaerus Jet Lounge are $1,800 per table per day or $4,600 per table for all three days.
Spotter’s Area: Photographers and true air show supporters can enjoy an unobstructed area of the aerobatic box, along with tables and electricity for camera gear, with the Spotter’s Area package. This ticket also includes extended access on-site, engine runs scheduled, post-event departures, and a commemorative Thunder Over Heartland event patch. Daily prices include $175, or $450 for all three shows. A Thursday add-on can be added for an additional $45.
Parking for the event will also come with a $35 fee per day and is purchased separately from the shows. The general admission seating area is limited, and bringing your chairs is encouraged.
For more information and ticketing options for the Thunder Over Heartland event, visit thunderovertheheartland.com.
