Harrier jet arrival at Hickory Regional Airport

Hickory Aviation Museum is scheduled to welcome its newest aircraft addition, a United States Marine Corps AV-8B Harrier II Plus, today (July 15) at the Hickory Regional Airport. If you are planning to come watch the arrival, here are a few important things to remember:

HOT & LOUD: Temperatures are forecasted for the upper 90s this afternoon; plan accordingly and stay hydrated. Harrier jets are loud; hearing protection is recommended.

PARKING: Parking at Hickory Regional Airport will be available on a first come, first served basis. Once full at the airport, attendees will be directed to park at Winkler Park/L.P. Frans Stadium and walk up the Aviation Walk to the viewing areas. Parking is not permitted along Clement Blvd NW or Ninth Avenue Drive NW.

VIEWING AREAS: There will be limited space available for public viewing on the terminal ramp outside the Philip C. Yount Terminal Building. Viewing will also be available along the airport fence line at the new Aviation Walk parking lot near the entrance to Hickory Regional Airport.

TIMELINE: A brief ceremony will begin on the terminal ramp at approximately 2:30 p.m. Two aircraft, the museum addition and its wingman, will arrive at the Hickory airport at approximately 3 p.m. and perform some non-aerobatic maneuvers before landing. The Aviation Museum’s Harrier will receive a water salute from Hickory Fire Department. The aircraft will park on the terminal ramp to be available for public viewing for around 60-90 minutes.