Pete Dougherty submitted this photo and note: “A pair of Carbon Cubs in the desert near the 2022 High Sierra Fly-In in Nevada.”
Airshows & Fly-Ins
A banner year for bold and beautiful Beechcraft
There were newcomers and old timers at the 2022 event, and of the latter, there were three remaining members of the original Tullahoma Bunch, the group that became the Staggerwing Club, then evolved into the Beechcraft Heritage Museum.
NTSB releases preliminary report on fatal Dallas mid-air collision
The preliminary report notes there was no altitude deconflictions briefed before or during the flight. It also noted that the P-63’s avionics did not record any information from the accident flight.
Fans flock to Wings Over Camarillo
Wings Over Camarillo is a fan favorite among air shows and 2022 was even better with a huge presence of airplanes from Planes of Fame.
Picture of the Day: Spitfires still going strong
Robert Erenstein submitted this photo and note: “In Europe there are many enthusiasts trying to keep history alive. Besides US-built aircraft, there is still a number of the famous Supermarine Spitfires airworthy today. This specific one entered service with the Royal Air Force in 1942 and has a confirmed number of seven kills during World War II. After the war it was used as an instructional airframe and gate guard. It became famous as static aircraft in the famous ‘Battle of Britain’ movie of 1969. It was restored to flying condition and took to the sky again in 1995. Today she is part of The Fighter Collection Fleet. Its attractive shape and above all its music-producing engine can be seen and heard at airshows throughout Europe.”
Airshow Racing Series debuts at Wings Over North Georgia
The Airshow Racing Series premiered at the 2022 Wings Over North Georgia Airshow, described by producers as drag racing with airplanes, featuring the drama of flat-out racing, combined with the smoke, sound, and high-G maneuvers that air show fans crave.
Picture of the Day: Desert camping
Gil Jennings submitted this photo and note: “Casa Grande camping after the Cactus Fly-In. My tent and chair in the shade of wing. My old straight tail Cessna 172 would attract many other campers who placed their folding chairs under the wing during the heat of the day. Great memories.”
Air Safety Institute video analyzes Wings Over Dallas midair collision
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Air Safety Institute (ASI) has released a new video in its Early Analysis series providing an initial examination of the Nov. 12, 2022, midair collision between a Bell P–63F Kingcobra and a Boeing B–17G Flying Fortress during the 2022 Commemorative Air Force Wings Over Dallas WWII Airshow at Dallas Executive Airport in Texas.
Family fun at the Truckee Tahoe Air Show
This was a very pleasant airshow to attend: It wasn’t super crowded, had lots of good food and drink at reasonable prices, and was full of friendly fellow air show fans. Also, did I mention that it was free?