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What Gets You into the Warbird Spirit?

Posted by Tom Royal on Tue Nov 11, 2003 09:34:36 AM

I've sort of been in a warbird slump this year. I think it started back in March when the Tico airshow got cancelled because of some bad weather moving in. That's usually the first airshow of the season for me, and I make a big event of it by camping out near the airport for 3 days to fully enjoy the sights and sounds of the various warbirds flying in and out.

Due to work, family commitments, etc. I didn't have much opportunity to do any aviation photography over the summer. Since American Aero Services is near my house, I'd stop by often on my way home from work to check on the progress of the Collings Foundation F4U-5NL, something I've been doing ever since it's been here in New Smyrna Beach.

Out of sheer luck I happened to drive past AAS one day on my way back to work during my lunchbreak, and saw the Corsair taxiing onto the tarmac. I watched Dale Snodgrass take her into the air, her 2nd flight since the re-restoration. Following takeoff Dale came around for an impressive low pass, something that will sit in my memory banks for a long time. I left the field and drove back to work, my warbird spirit renewed. Hours later I hear the news that a wheels up landing was made. A minor setback all in all, but still not good news. Back into the slump I fall.

A catch wind of a free airshow to take place in Daytona Beach. I'm excited. An airshow is just what I need I figure. Family engagements on Saturday make me reschedule my airshow visit for Sunday. The weather is beautiful on Saturday. Sunday greets me with 30mph winds, rain and no airshow. The slump continues.

Sitting at home on Sunday afternoon, I hear the unmistakeable sound of a large radial engine. I rush outside just in time to see Michael Schloss fly directly overhead in his Skyraider. Ahhhhh, I love that sound. A few more passes over the house and he touches down at New Smyrna Airport. There is light at the end of the tunnel.

Yesterday, I decide to stop by American Aero Services on the way home after work. Something is different. Cars are parked along the street, there is a buzz of activity. As I walk onto the field, with camera in hand, I'm greeted by a familiar site. The Collings Foundation B-17 "909" is back in town for her annual inspection and maintenance. This time is different however, this time she flew in with a friend. The EAA B-17 "Aluminum Overcast" sits on the grass nearby.

Standing there on the grass, the sun setting to the west, the sky lit up with blues, oranges and reds, flanked by B-17s on either side, I'm transported back to 1944. It is a magical moment.

As I sit here and type, I hear the sounds of radial engines overhead. I can only imagine the view those lucky passengers are enjoying as they take to the skies in a piece of aviation history. I'm also happy to say, the slump is over.

My apologies for such a lengthy post, but it does ask the question... What gets you into the warbird spirit?

Warbird Journal

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