The U.S. Air Force's Golden Knights will perform a parachute jump from the Tico Belle, a historic B-17 bomber stationed at the Titusville Municipal Airport, on Saturday. The event marks only the second time the team has used the aircraft for such a demonstration since the bomber’s restoration in 2018. Local officials confirmed the jump will take place around 1 p.m. near the airport’s main runway.
The Tico Belle, originally built in 1942, is one of the few remaining B-17s in the country and a staple of Brevard County’s aviation museums. The Golden Knights’ demonstration will include a formation flight followed by a mid-air parachute deployment from the aircraft’s bomb bay. Spectators will be able to watch from a viewing area near the airport’s parking lot, with no admission charge required.
The event is part of a month-long celebration of the Space Coast’s aviation legacy, which includes exhibits at the Brevard Museum and Planetarium and a series of talks by retired pilots. The Golden Knights, based at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada, typically perform over military installations but rarely use civilian aircraft for public shows. Titusville Mayor Jerry Lundergan said the collaboration with the Air Force highlights the community’s role in preserving aviation history.
The parachute jump will be the first public demonstration of its kind in the region since 2019. Officials encourage residents to arrive early for parking, with shuttle buses available from the Titusville Civic Center. The event is expected to draw hundreds of attendees, including aviation enthusiasts and families from nearby counties.