Warbird Information Exchange

I went on Saturday... great little airshow! Alot more aircraft than I expected. It was one of the most well run events I've been to, especially considering it was their first year. There was alot of entertainment considering the admission and parking were both free! Here's what was there:

2 P-51s- Excalibur and Moonbeam McSwine
B-25 Yankee Air Force
FM-2 Mike Gillian
T-33- Dan Schiffer
A-37- Indiana Aviation Museum
Grumman Goose
Grumman Widgeon (I was told it was an award winner at OSH)
10 T-6s
BT-13 "California Girl"
T-28
PT-13
PT-17
Highly Modified AG Stearman
Ford Trimotor project
Howard DGA-15

The flying was great as well. Mike Gillian flew an impressive aerobatics routine in the FM-2 and Vlado performed in his P-51 and T-33. For those of you who haven't seen Vlado fly, it is a real treat as he is one of the best warbird demo pilots there is. The T-6s also flew several times, including a mock Air Race, which was pretty neat. P-51 Excalibur and the A-37 also flew some formation passes which was really cool. I'm sure I'm forgetting something, as there was alot flying throughout the afternoon.

The Air Zoo Trimotor project has taken off under the supervision of the Schiffers. I was told that they had the aircraft moved from Kalamazoo to their facility and were responsible for the rest of the rebuild. It was great to see it on it's gear again with the wing center section back in place. There is still alot of work to do- the outer wing panels and structure, the interior, engine, nacelles, and cowlings to name a few. They are hoping to have it done within a year, but based on my observation, that may be a little too optimistic.

I also got to go for a Grumman Widgeon ride after the show. Probably the best $40 I've ever spent at an airshow. We got to do a touch and go water landing on a nearby lake. We also got buzzed by the P-51 "Excalibur" and got to watch the P-51s do some formation work and do an overhead break for landing. Completely priceless! I envy those of you who get to fly with these warbirds more often. Getting to see P-51s in their element from another aircraft is something I will never forget.

I can pretty much sum this up by saying this is a great airshow that has a LOT of potential, and is very good as it is. If you live within 3 hours or so of this, I highly recommned going. The airshow itself is great, but add in the fact that you can fly in a Widgeon for $40 or a Grumman Goose for $50 and do a water landing, it makes it well worth the drive. I will definitely be back.

I should have some pics to post by Wednesday, if anyone wants to see anything specific, let me know.

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Matt

Looks like you had a great time!

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"Keep 'em Flying!"

Here are a few photos:

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Matt

Didn't even know this one was going on, or I probably would have attended. Great to see the Ford coming back together..I really miss seeing (and hearing) her in the air. Is she coming back to the Air Zoo after restoration, and will they be selling rides?

SN

I'm surprised by the wide variety of planes in attendance at this show. If they have it next year I might have to attend. BTW great photos.

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"Keep 'em Flying!"

Thanks! It is a great little airshow where you can get really close to the aircraft. I highly recommend it.



From what I was told, the plane will got back to the Air Zoo and sell rides... I wonder how they will be priced? I believe in the past it was only $35 for members and $45 for non-members. Ever get to go for a ride? I got to go up twice, a very nice flight. I really miss it flying low over my house. Will be nice to see it in the air again!

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Matt