BK wrote:
Robbie Stuart wrote:
I had to be out of town, so how did it go?
Robbie
I went Sunday and it was mixed results, most of which were out the Dixiewing's control. The weather was heavy overcast with sporadic drizzle that canceled the Dixiewing aircraft flights. It might have been IFR and their pilots weren't rated. The only plane that flew was the B-17 (3 flights).
Half the planes scheduled were no-shows. Red Nose had a mechanical issue the day before in Crossville, likewise Swamp Fox (which was there Saturday) had a mechanical issue and didn't attend. The runway at Yagen's place was under water so the Spitfire was stuck in VA. Ain't Misbehavin', LT-6, and Harvard were MIA for whatever reason. The tarmac was on the thin side (B-17, Corsair, SBD, PT-26, Kate and Zero). This was not an airshow but I did expect more flying and obviously more planes. However, you can't control weather and mechanical problems. Maybe next time if there is a next time invited more planes expecting that some will not make it but still having enough.
I attempted to take in the Warbird in Review with the Corsair. I say attempted as every time an exec. jet taxied by or took off (often) you couldn't hear anything. May I suggest next time to move these away off the tarmac.
On the plus side, it was a decent crowd considering the weather and there were lots of families with small kids. Merchandise sales seemed good. I'm glad I went and the event has potential. Tweak a few things and pray for good weather.
Thx for the objective feedback. We organized this event in 3 months on Gerogia's second busiest airport, not a really easy thing to do. All the parties involved were absolutely great to work with, the airport, both FBO's and the control tower.
I have invited 10 guest airplanes and the only one that was able to make it was Robert with Swamp Fox. Without WX and MX issues, we would have had 10 airplanes on static and 5 airplanes flying on both days. "Ain't Missbehavin'" had MX issues, Yagen's Spit had WX, Red Nose broke down, I was expecting two Stermans, a T-6,a SNJ, an Harward and an AT-11but same as above. I had to ask James with his T.1 Bulldog to come out in order to fill up the ramp!
I agree with the jet noise that was an issue, but I think that a Warbird in Review session away from the airplane looses its appeal.On the plus side, we had John Hancock who was Corsair, SBD and Hellcat pilot.
There will be for sure another event, the idea is to make it an annual event and a tradition for Atlanta. I am not sure of the date yet as it will depend to which bomber guest will make a stop in ATL. FIFI is scheduled for the spring but I am not sure if we can swing it as we have our WWII Heritage Days in Peachtree City in April. The SJ's crew was awesome, I'd like to have them back but I am also talking to the B-24 Squadron.
Thanks again for the objective feedback, if you have any suggestion please send me a msg or email me.