LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Spectators began gathering before noon Friday, hoping to catch a glimpse of what's to come Saturday for the annual Thunder Over Louisville air show. 

A cloudy, windy day didn't stop fans from coming to Louisville's Waterfront in jackets and hats to watch pilots practice. 

"I come here every year. I take off work," said Drew Hays, a spectator from Louisville. 

Hays said watching the practice show Friday is a way to avoid Saturday's crowd, while still getting to enjoy what Thunder brings to the city. 

"Can't beat it. I mean, there's not crowds down here. Usually there's always a different lineup," he said. "... and I’m pretty excited about it."

Ahead of practice, U.S. Navy Lt. Travis Johnson said hopefully, the air show will get the next generation interested in aviation.

"It's awesome. It's great outreach for both the community as well as recruiting for the Navy," Johnson said.

Jerry Kerby said this will be his sixth or seventh year participating in Thunder Over Louisville. He said this a premier aviation event.

"To be able to showcase aviation, especially to the younger generation, that's what we're here for," said Kerby. 

He said he's been a pilot around 50 years, and a fighter pilot for a majority of that time.

"To be able to put the twinkle in the eye of somebody -- me 50 years ago -- you know, that's what got me started was air shows. (They) made me want to go fly and turned out to be my calling. That's kind of what we want to do for younger ones growing up," Kerby said.

For a full guide for everything Thunder related for 2024, click here. 

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