This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
Post a reply

Elkhart Airshow Ideas Now dates announced. July 23rd-25th

Tue Nov 24, 2009 12:33 pm

We are going to try to bring back the Elkhart, IN Airshow next year. We are working out the budget now, and want to know who thinks they would be able to bring a vintage aircraft in? Warbird or not. We are working with the military right now and are looking at the 17th and 18th or 24th and 25th of July. Or the 7th and 8th of AUG. We want to avoid the same weekends as Oshkosh and the Thunder Over Michigan.
Last edited by mustangdriver on Tue Dec 01, 2009 1:27 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Re: Elkhart Airshow Ideas and help welcome!!

Tue Nov 24, 2009 2:19 pm

The Memphis Squadron of the CAF has aircraft ranging from Stearmans to jets (T-33). We would be happy to participate in your airshow as static displays, airshow performances or media rides. We are a member of ICAS and some of our pilots have been flying airshows for over 20 years.

http://www.caf-memphis.org

Re: Elkhart Airshow Ideas and help welcome!!

Tue Nov 24, 2009 3:47 pm

mustangdriver wrote:We are going to try to bring back the Elkhart, IN Airshow next year. We are working out the budget now, and want to know who thinks they would be able to bring a vintage aircraft in? Warbird or not. We are working with the military right now and are looking at the 17th and 18th or 24th and 25th of July. Or the 7th and 8th of AUG. We want to avoid the same weekends as Oshkosh and the Thunder Over Michigan.


The 7th and 8th of August IS Thunder Over Michigan....

Re: Elkhart Airshow Ideas and help welcome!!

Tue Nov 24, 2009 5:05 pm

Having it the weekend before Oshkosh might be a good idea if you're trying to attract warbirds. You could offer a fuel discount or maybe a lunch for warbird pilots to try and attract transient aircraft on their way to Oshkosh. Just an idea.

My other suggestion would to be able to get as many Indiana/Ohio/Michigan/Illinois organizations involved as possible. I would think that having a solid local support base would help the show not only with aircraft but with attendance as well. Local EAA Chapters and museums I'm sure would be an invaluable recruiting tool for aircraft and volunteers, as well as a good way to advertise to more people.

I would love to see a show back at Elkhart. I think the last time I went to a show there was 2003. Great airport for a small show.

Re: Elkhart Airshow Ideas and help welcome!!

Tue Nov 24, 2009 7:25 pm

Yeah that was what we were aiming for. I couldn't remember the daates for TOM, so thanks.

Re: Elkhart Airshow Ideas and help welcome!!

Tue Nov 24, 2009 8:39 pm

Its going to be tough to compete with BATTLE CREEK which is just over the proverbial hill..... A lot of the locals can't afford both shows in a short time.

Mark H

Re: Elkhart Airshow Ideas and help welcome!!

Tue Nov 24, 2009 11:11 pm

Don't neglect to have your friendly neighborhood Harpoon at your show!

Re: Elkhart Airshow Ideas and help welcome!!

Tue Nov 24, 2009 11:38 pm

Chris, don't forget that a big part of the T-6/SNJ/Harvard and T-28 communities (as well as other warbirds) will be attending the NATA formation clinics the weekend before Oshkosh.

Kudos to you for trying to jumpstart the Elkhart event.

Re: Elkhart Airshow Ideas and help welcome!!

Wed Nov 25, 2009 5:58 am

17 & 18 Dayton Airshow..I would be interested in 24-25...I might have a Corsair for the summer again... let me know.

Re: Elkhart Airshow Ideas and help welcome!!

Wed Nov 25, 2009 8:43 am

Don't forget to check in with CAP, they always seem to have a lot of "volunteer" laborers at our shows. Good to have extra hands for flight-line control, parking, trash and all that stuff. Perhaps a IPMS meet if there is indoor space somewhere to add to the draw. How about a glider/sailplane in the show? I have seen a few pics of them from shows, really think it would be cool to have a glider demo.

Re: Elkhart Airshow Ideas and help welcome!!

Fri Nov 27, 2009 6:06 pm

We are always interested in the Elkhart Airshow. We were there a few years back, invited by Dick LaVanture. (I dont know if he still runs it).

We'd love to bring our C-54 if it fits in the schedule and budget.

When you have settled on a date and budget allows, call Tim Chopp at 732-818-0034 and see if we can work something out.

Re: Elkhart Airshow Ideas and help welcome!!

Fri Nov 27, 2009 6:29 pm

That would be awesome to have a C-54 here as well!

Re: Elkhart Airshow Ideas and help welcome!!

Fri Nov 27, 2009 10:25 pm

Also check with the Indiana Air National Guard, they may have the ability to bring in some rotor and fixed wing in the way of a public relations/Training mission.

Re: Elkhart Airshow Ideas and help welcome!!

Sat Nov 28, 2009 2:49 am

Don't forget "Show Me!" B-25 in St. Louis. We were up there in '04(?).

Re: Elkhart Airshow Ideas and help welcome!!

Sat Nov 28, 2009 2:52 am

We have a TBM too. It would be cool to see ours (STL), Tom Buck's (Chicago) , Linda & Brad's (Peoria), and Tinker's (Michigan)together.
Post a reply