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I've been lurking on this thread for a while, so here goes...
I am still involved with the museum, but not as much as I once was (wish it wasn't so.) I've been focused on building a career as a pilot (slowly, LOL), and what little bit of time I get in at the NWM is always a treat, privilege, and pleasure. Flying the L-16 is something that means the world to me, and it's great to get Warbird(bug) practice in on our field.
So, as I admitted to not being very involved, I still help as I can. From what I have seen/heard in regards to our show, the main issue is (of course)...money! Aviation in general, warbirds/airshows in particular, need money to fly (literally.) I don't have to tell this to any of you, you know it already. I bring it up because we really need help in building up sponsors. As you see on our site, we have a few very dedicated ones so far. But, we really need more.
Aside from funding, we have seen a "changing of the guard(s)" in terms of airshow staff and volunteers. The people who plan and work the show are ones who have not done this for years, like those before them...but they are very capable. These folks are younger, but just as in-tune with what the "old" Geneseo Airshow used to be. Believe me, they hear you. I'd love nothing better than to see another bomber reunion, and I'd volunteer to help plan if proposed.
I "get" the frustrations, and I myself have been a bit peeved with our lack of communication regarding "what's coming?" Furthermore, I dislike the "snarky" replies I've seen from fellow volunteers on social media in reply to these requests (it's your right to ask!) The main reason for this issue is how we've been "burned" in the past by no-shows. That, and the public voices displeasure regardless. That said, if all the other shows do it, maybe we should too. It's easy to look at other shows and say "why can't Geneseo do that?" Again, money and manpower is the key. And, again, we're working on both. I will say, in regards to manpower, I have *never* seen a crew as energetic, motivated, and passionate about this museum and our planes as much as the crew we have now. In the last 2-3 years alone, we've seen more new volunteers come in and get right to work.
Now, it's often said that to build a business/brand, you need to start from within before you can branch out and grow. So, in this example, we are still operating a museum, but the airshow is a branch of our museum. Back when the museum was strong, (80s-90s), the show was too, right?! This is why I think, in terms of the future, we will grow our airshow again. Why do I think this? Well, if you've checked out our Facebook page, you've seen the countless updates we post on aircraft maintenance/flight, public events, tours, facility renovations, vehicle restorations, et al. We're getting stronger from within, thanks to these awesome new, younger, helpers. This strength will carry over to the airshow once again, it will just take a little more time.
So, with all that said, I hope many of you still do consider coming to the show this year. There will still be warbirds, great people, beautiful turf. If you do come, be sure to say "hi" to me. I'll be working in the "tower" for ground control, and also flying the L-16. I hope I addressed some of your questions and concerns.
_________________ Austin Hancock Pennington P-51 Memorial www.lp-51.com
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