Warbird Information Exchange

Airshowbuzz.com is reporting the end of the Stearman team. The team is owned by Schwann's, don't know if they will be sold or picked up by another sponsor. Sad.

Steve G

I was just reading this on the news wire... it's very sad and truly the end of an era... the Red Baron Stearman Squadron was easily one of the, if not THE most recognizable airshow act since the early 80's. My first Stearman ride was in one of them... so they hold a special place in my heart.

I would certainly hope that other companies, realizing the visibility and attractiveness of the act, will pick up the Squadron and pilots and continue it in the 2008 season.

I am sure it will be discussed at ICAS next week.

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Ryan Keough
Stow, MA

I feel terrible for the pilots of Red Barron's and it is a shame that it has come to an end. I sure hope they can find a sponsor and keep the team together.
Maybe Lean Cuisine needs a new marketing ploy.

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Live to fly, Fly to live.....

From what I have been getting from folks on ASB and in emails, it seems this is more than just a sponsorship... it's about selling off the team as an asset. Schwans owns the planes and support equipment and provides the payroll for the team. It would require another company to buy all this up... and I am sure for a heck of a lot more than what it took to get the team running 25 years ago. It certainly sounds like this is the last hurrah for the team...

I just wish they had announced it during the season and had a published "final show" so we who have come to know and love them could have said a proper goodbye and thanks to everyone that made it possible.

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Ryan Keough
Stow, MA

It's to bad it's the end of a era.. One of my relatives flew for them and died during a performance in in 98.

I don't know if it has anything to do with this situation, but I suspect that the airshow community will see many more changes due to the increasing fuel prices. Airshow budgets are going to have difficulties keeping up with fuel prices. This will hit the big acts and big A/C especially hard.

AIRNAV STATS NATIONWIDE
FBOs Avg Min Max
3569 $4.68 $3.00 $8.05

At the max price of $8.05 it would cost somewhere close to $24,000 to top off a B-24 or B-17. If the B-29 were flying, a full load of fuel would be approximately $45,000. Three or four years ago it was not uncommon to get fuel discounted and donated at around $1.00 -$1.50 per gallon. The days of touring the big birds around the country is probably coming to an end.

It really makes me ashamed to say that I used to work for the company that is charging $8.05 a gallon for 100LL - Jet Aviation in Teterboro, NJ - what a crime! Nearly double the national average!

Sorry K.L. - it just had to be said.

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Ryan Keough
Stow, MA

Honestly, on airshow prices and fuel, they don't seem to have problems raising prices for admission and I know they get a cut of the concessions ($6 hamburgers). I think they'll make it.

Also for the overall cost of operating aircraft, fuel is a minor consideration. If you want to bring something, you may well have to pay your own way.

For example: There is a marketing aspect of bringing the B-24 in that it may well get people to come to Texas to see the CAF in person who may not have otherwise come there. If you keep it parked in Texas, everyone isn't going to head to see your museum; but it may increase attendence at the once a year show. Of course then the museums can come up with corporate sponsors (would you rather see MICROSOFT painted on the nose of the former FIFI, or it sit engineless in its hangar for a few more years?). Red Bull seems to do it.........

On the RBP Stearmans, I have a feeling that since they are an established "product"/act it will be easier for someone to buy them and get them going. Of course the current crew could buy into it too.

We will all survive, keep in mind that THESE ARE THE GOOD OLD DAYS. (20 years from now when a Mustang is $20million bucks and fuel is $50 a gallon when you can find it)


Mark H

The first warbird ride I ever had was with the Red Baron Stearmans (in 1988 at Reid Hillview Airport) and I've been hooked ever since. It's sad to see the end of their shows.

Unfortunately, we may see more acts stop flying as costs go up and the warbirds get older. I don't want to hijack this thread, but I know of one airshow performer in CA that is looking for significant sponsorship so the act can continue. If anyone is interested in more information (serious inquiries only) please PM me.
Cindy

From my email inbox:

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Commemorative Air Force
Experimental Aircraft Association
Warbirds of America

What are you waiting for? Join us!

Best way to contact me- email my last name @gmail.com

Talked to one of the (former) RBP pilots yesterday, he had zero notice that he was now unemployed.

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Had heard recently that John Mohr's son had been hired as a Red Baron pilot.

Steve G

Look at the sign in the background!

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KBED Laurence G Hanscom Field Airport Bedford, MA
Jet Aviation AVGAS $6.42 Jet-A $6.24 20-Nov
And moving over 300k Gals a month!
KEEPS ME BUSY!

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"Hindsight is usually 20% off!"

Jet Aviation, is that the $8.05/gallon place?

In Teterboro, NJ
I am assuming it is increased most likely to run GA out.

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"Hindsight is usually 20% off!"