Engine Roars and Family Laughter: Open Day at Son San Juan

Engine Roars and Family Laughter: Open Day at Son San Juan

When Palma is again filled tomorrow with the deep hum of turbines, it's not an accident but an invitation: the Son San Juan air base celebrates its anniversary and opens its gates to everyone from 10:30 to 17:30. Already this afternoon you could watch pilots arrive — tiny black dots against the blue of the bay, accompanied by the smell of oil and sea. Anyone walking along the beach stops, looks up and has a moment where technology and everyday life meet. Local coverage even published a report on the brief airspace closure over Palma.

What families and aviation fans can expect

There is plenty to see on the tarmac: an McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, the PAPEA parachute team, a water bomber and rescue helicopters are part of the show program. The flight demonstrations are short, loud and spectacular — so have your camera ready and don't forget to be quick with your lens changes. In addition to the displays there are interactive stands, craft activities and small workshops for children so the little ones don't just watch with open mouths but can hold and do things themselves.

Admission is free. No tickets, no reservation. That makes the event especially attractive for families: a quick plan for the morning, a picnic from the trunk, and an ordinary Saturday turns into a little adventure. Retirees with sun hats, pilots in sunglasses, tourist groups and neighbors — everyone stands by the fences and swaps anecdotes. Often you hear: "That reminds me of my first aircraft," and then follows a story you won't forget quickly.

Getting there, parking, practical tips

Shuttle buses from the FAN shopping center are practical; official airport information is on AENA's Palma - Son Sant Joan airport page. If you come by car, leave early: parking spaces around the site are in high demand. Organizers note that civil air traffic will be suspended between 11:30 and 13:00. My tip from experience by the bay: better to arrive around 11 a.m. than 3 p.m. — the good spots near the demonstration area are still free and the sun is milder. There is little shade on the airfield; sunscreen, a water bottle, headwear and binoculars should be on your packing list. Pack a light jacket for stronger winds — the sea breeze can be surprisingly cool even on warm days.

For security reasons expect bag checks. A little tip with a wink: a pack of tissues can help with the oily smell, but really it's part of the experience. Photography enthusiasts should be ready for short, fast sequences: the action is intense but usually brief.

Why the visit is worth it — for Palma and the people

A day like this is more than a tech show. It brings island residents and visitors together, enlivens the coast and makes the usually closed base accessible for a day. For children, the sound of propellers often remains a small wonder in their memory; for adults it's the conversations with pilots, the anecdotes from decades of aviation service. Such encounters create a sense of community: the base opens up, the city breathes easier, and knowledge about rescue and firefighting technology is shared in passing.

It costs nothing, is open to all — and that is a real gift in times when much must be organized and booked in advance. The event gives a local boost: bay cafés benefit from visitors, families take a day trip, and photographers find new subjects. If you're curious, you'll take home not only photos but stories and perhaps a new perspective on the work of the people here.

If you're still hesitating: pack the camera, wear comfortable shoes and bring the little ones. There's enough program for a relaxed day by the sea with occasional adrenaline kicks overhead. And if you spot me: I'll probably be standing by the fence with a camera bag and too many questions in my head. Come by — we'll share a shaded spot, a bowl of gazpacho and a few stories from flight operations.