Pilots will perform high-flying feats at the upcoming Great State of Maine Air Show, returning to Brunswick Executive Airport on July 11 and 12. This year, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels will undoubtedly draw crowds with their precision flying routines — the team’s first performance in Maine in five years.

In addition, the Royal Air Force Red Arrows will stop by as part of the crew’s U.S. tour, and the U.S. Air Force F-35 Demonstration Team will perform for its first time in the state.

Mary Breen, the Air Show Network’s director of public relations and marketing, said she expects it to be the best Maine air show yet.

“This year marks the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, and we’re so proud that we get to bring the Blue Angels back to Maine for their first appearance in five years,” Breen said. “Not only is it America’s 250th anniversary, but it is also the Blue Angel’s 80th anniversary, and we also have the first (Maine) appearance by the Royal Air Force Red Arrows.”

Here are a few performers visitors will be able to spot in the sky.

BLUE ANGELS

U.S. Navy and Marine Corps pilots will wow crowds with their F/A-18 Super Hornets. Breen described it as a performance you have to see to believe.

“Every aspect of it — from their ground show when you hear the announcer take the microphone, to watching the ground crew helping the pilots get into their jets and directing them to taxi down the runway, watching the jets take off, and all of the maneuvers they do in the show — from start to finish, it’s just world-class professionalism,” she said. “It’s something that you’re going to walk away from being inspired.”

VACATIONLAND JUMPS

This nine-person skydiving team based out of Waterville hopes to inspire future daredevils.

“We want people to enjoy it, and we want people to say, ‘Hey, I could do that,'” said Amanda Dean, who manages the demonstration team.

The jumpers travel all over the U.S. putting on shows. With thousands of practice hours between them, safety is always top of mind, Dean said.

Next week in Brunswick — the second Great State of Maine Air Show appearance for Vacationland Jumps — they’ll be jumping with American flags, smoke and streamers, Dean said.

Dean said the skydivers were thrilled to be asked to participate again this year and are prepping with lots of practice jumps.

“Being part of that whole atmosphere, it’s very electric,” she said.

WARBIRD THUNDER

Stunt flying team Warbird Thunder will deliver a show with “big noise, big smoke and big planes,” said pilot Chris Thomas.

The Virginia-based pilots fly SNJ aircraft, which are training aircraft from the eras of World War II and the Korean War.

The vintage planes add variety to the air show because they’re bigger — and louder — than modern jets, Thomas said.

During their 12 1/2-minute show in Brunswick, Thomas and a partner will perform loops, rolls and even form a big heart in the sky, he said.

Brunswick is one of Warbird Thunder’s 20 stops across the U.S. this season, Thomas said.

For parents and aviation enthusiasts young and old, the Warbird Thunder crew plans on meeting fans in the crowd after their air show flight.

MIKE GOULIAN

For Mike Goulian, of Plymouth, Massachusetts, flying at up to 280 mph and completing one and a half rolls per second comes naturally.

“I was flying in an airplane by myself before I was legally able to drive a car by myself,” he said. “My mother still trusts me in a plane, but not in a car.”

He has competed in aerobatic flying on the world stage, winning two U.S. National Aerobatic Championship titles and placing several times in Red Bull Air Race World Championships.

Goulian is used to traveling the county for air shows. So, hopping over from Cape Cod to Brunswick will feel like performing for a hometown crowd.

“For me, Maine is pretty special,” he said.

Goulian describes his championship-level aircraft as a “Formula One car with wings.”

“It’s a very small, nimble, single-seat airplane, which pulls plus and minus 10 Gs,” he said. “It’s sort of a rock ‘n’ roll performance in the sky.”

MORE TO SEE

Attendees can also get an up-close look at some military planes that will be parked on the runway, including a massive Air Force C-5M Super Galaxy.

IF YOU GO

The show is located at 15 Terminal Road in Brunswick. Gates open at 9 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday, July 11 and 12. Organizers suggest arriving early to avoid traffic and secure a spot in time for takeoff.

Tickets are available online starting at $65 for a one-day adult pass. Organizers expect to sell out, and there will not be day-of tickets available.

For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, visit GreatMaineAirShow.com.