Rod Lewis Airshow Jardin Ranch 2011

[Ed Likes]

If memory serves me right about this time of year is when Mr. Rod Lewis has his own private warbird fly-in at his ranch. Does anyone know if this warbird fly-in has taken place, or is going to take place? Better yet is there anybody who has secured an invite, and can show pictures of what was there this year in the way of warbirds?
Of course Mr. Lewis basically has his own World War Two Air Force which in his own right he can put on display most of the fighters and bombers of that era. I for one am glad that people like him and Jerry Yagen, and the Friedken Family to name a few have the passion and deep pockets to support and restore and fly these things we call Warbirds.

[DenverWarbirdFan]

I for one am glad that people like him and Jerry Yagen, and the Friedken Family to name a few have the passion and deep pockets to support and restore and fly these things we call Warbirds.

Not to hijack this thread, but I think you could add Jim Smith in MT to that list as well. I never hear much about him....does he prefer to remain low key? Regardless, he has quite a collection: http://www.youtube.com/user/seekbowhunter#p/u/2/TiZ7QP5acfs

[Lynn Allen]

Ober knows....

[Ztex]

I wonder if "Uncle" Rod would entertain a WIX gathering at his airparty? I'll bring my own beer....

[airnutz]

Can't recall the location of Mr. Lewis' ranch, but the weather in Texas has been very cold and icy until recently.

Wait an hour or 2, it'll change. Around 70 yesterday, but with another front coming for a few days to cool us down again....lessee, will I be wearing my "summer shorts" or my "winter shorts" today.

[Obergrafeter]

The fly-in hasn't occured yet, but you have a better chance of scoring a box seat at the Super Bowl than getting into the event. I will see if I can get a few plane photos when it happens. (Not that I will be there mind you)

[12XU2A3X3]

so it's a situation of "those people are great, but we want one gathering with no crowd" (and we have the means to do so)?

[whistlingdeath77]

must be nice to have money!

[Obergrafeter]

I'm just happy with the times they do display their aircraft for us to see.

[warbird1]

I'm just happy with the times they do display their aircraft for us to see.

Me too! I'm just happy that he supports the warbird movement and Reno and gives Paul Allen a run for his money in building the largest private air museum the fastest!

[RyanShort1]

so it's a situation of "those people are great, but we want one gathering with no crowd" (and we have the means to do so)?

I don't think that's it at ALL. Since when was it wrong to invite forty or fifty of your best friends and have a nice get-together? Next time you do, maybe a few other WIXers will decide to try and crash it, and then post on the internet about how you're an elitist because you didn't invite them or the general public... No, it doesn't have to be viewed in a "I hate those people" light - unless you want to. It's not an "Airshow" either - it's an invitation-only fly-in for friends. I'd bet it's a lot of fun, too. I figure it's just a bonus that they don't have crowds of ignorant folks asking silly questions. Not to mention that the a certain agency likely isn't invited, either!

Ryan

[warbird1]

so it's a situation of "those people are great, but we want one gathering with no crowd" (and we have the means to do so)?

I don't think that's it at ALL. Since when was it wrong to invite forty or fifty of your best friends and have a nice get-together? Next time you do, maybe a few other WIXers will decide to try and crash it, and then post on the internet about how you're an elitist because you didn't invite them or the general public... No, it doesn't have to be viewed in a "I hate those people" light - unless you want to. It's not an "Airshow" either - it's an invitation-only fly-in for friends. I'd bet it's a lot of fun, too. I figure it's just a bonus that they don't have crowds of ignorant folks asking silly questions. Not to mention that the a certain agency likely isn't invited, either!

Ryan

Well said, Ryan! Rod Lewis has been more than generous in displaying his vast collection at numerous airshows across the United States. He regularly takes multiple examples of his aircraft to the Reno Air Races and the annual Chino air show each year - that is a distance of over 1200 miles! Tell me what collector does that on a regular basis? The fuel bill alone for those ventures would cost more than a lot of people's homes!

I don't mind at all what he's doing, he deserves it, and the people who work for him deserve to get exclusive access to his private airstrip. Well done Mr. Lewis!

[whistlingdeath77]

what does he own for aircraft?

[warbird1]

what does he own for aircraft?

Too many to mention. He has most of the fighters, several of the twins and is constantly building up his collection. The only thing notably absent from his collection are 4 engine bombers and Axis aircraft.

[RyanShort1]

Just for the record, I don't know Mr. Lewis personally, but I know at least three of his employees, and have met a number of people who have been to the ranch and I consider them all (generally speaking) to be nice guys.

Ryan