Hondo Army Airfield Fly-In May 15

[RyanShort1]

Almost a good picture of the "other" shiny C-47. Did you get a pic of the new nose art? You might have gotten a picture of the beautiful girl I was talking about..Miss Rodeo Texas was visiting with a good friend of mine and is really a pretty young lass.

Yes, I got a picture of the other C-47. I was saving it for today's posts. As far as Miss Rodeo Texas - She seemed like a pleasant young lady, and I was grateful y'all had her more tastefully dressed than some of the others that show up on the board. However, I did not take any photos. I also noticed that those leading her around snubbed most of the L-bird types... I guess maybe because they all looked alike.

Here is y'all's C-47:



And a closeup of the nose for you:



It was a great fly-in. If I had one complaint, it would be that I thought the ramp could've been a little bit better organized and a little less spread out at the same time. For instance, in the picture of y'all's C-47 above, the Jeeps were in the way for a good photo of the whole aircraft. Also, you'll see later how far the L-types were spread out.

More later!

Ryan

[the330thbg]

Here's the first installment:

Flying over...


I had forgotten just how much Cubs are to fly with an open door. South Texas is beautiful right now with enough rain to keep things green. Thank the Lord!


Yeah that's 80 mph in a shallow dive. My ground speed was less...

Ryan

Thanks Ryan.., those shots certainly remind me of my glider days at San Geronimo and Castroville back in the mid 80-s in S. Texas..., I hear the wildflowers are like no one has Ever seen before..,

Thanks for the shots!!!!1

Regards,

Smisek

[Ztex]

Nice IFR shot!

[RyanShort1]

Nice IFR shot!

Actually, that's the only time I was along a road, between Hondo and Castroville... pretty much a straight shot down the road.

Ryan

[RyanShort1]

Thanks Ryan.., those shots certainly remind me of my glider days at San Geronimo and Castroville back in the mid 80-s in S. Texas..., I hear the wildflowers are like no one has Ever seen before..,

Thanks for the shots!!!!1

Regards,

Smisek

Oh, my pleasure. The wildflowers have been really good, I can only imagine how good they could be if we had consistent rains consecutive years in a row!

Ryan

[RyanShort1]

Here's a shout out to a couple of friends! Jake in the Khaki shirt did great work for the team.



It's really good to see the Devil Dog up and running!


Here's what I meant about the aircraft being strung out so far down the ramp.


The bird I brought was at the end of the line most of the day. She's over 70 years old (first built in 1939) and still kicking!


Another L-bird from the Alamo Liaison Squadron.


Some other classics, like this Cruiseaire showed up as well.


Just liked this shot a lot!


GA was represented.


Another Yellow Rose shot.

More later.

Ryan

[RyanShort1]

More...


A Bird Dog!


And another angle.


Bird Dog again...


Back to the heavy iron area.


This Mustang was the only P-51 to show. Guess all of the rest decided Chino was better. Don't blame 'em much.


Good to see warbird guys out and about and enjoying fly-ins.


I just have to say this - once. I'm not so upset about the CAF logos as I thought I would be. I didn't hear one complaint from the crowd, and you know how tough of a crowd it can be in Ober's neighborhood!


Don't forget the guys in San Marcos are looking for another set of wheels...

Ryan

[RyanShort1]

The Rose, flying quite a bit, seemed to be the crowd favorite (nothing against DD).


They were able to do a drawing for a ride in the Rose at the fly-in. They missed my ticket by 8 digits.


Taxiing out


Another view


Nice way to fly out!


For those who can't get enough Mustangs.


Last two Bird Dogs to leave.


The Twin Beech flying by.


L-2 Leaving.

Ryan

[Obergrafeter]

You missed the free ride in the Rose by eight digits but...................the cool thing about it is the guy who won was a WWII Mitchell driver who got one last ride. Pretty cool.

[Lynn Allen]

Well done Ober and Ryan, did they tear down the cafe??

[RyanShort1]

You missed the free ride in the Rose by eight digits but...................the cool thing about it is the guy who won was a WWII Mitchell driver who got one last ride. Pretty cool.

Yeah, that is cool. I'm glad it went to a good cause! Besides, I think the Cub might've been jealous.

Here are the last of the photos worth sharing...


Bluebonnet Belle taxing out to leave


Devil Dog taxies out


One mean nose!




So glad to see the Dog flying!


Bluebonnet Belle wings homeward


Saying goodby. The Rose took off in front of me as I was doing the runup and I missed a great camera shot. Just got this instead.

That's a wrap!

Ryan

[bluehawk15]

I hope to have the ultra-rare U-11A there next year. This annual has taken way too long to get signed off! Most of my allowed airplane time has been spend doing OPS Officer things for the Yellow Rose Squadron and Central Texas Wing. However, the U-11 is about done and should be by the time the IA that helps me can get over to sign her off. I miss flying her, but flying the Rose has helped ease the pain!

[Obergrafeter]

Lynn , all rememance of the cafe is gone, even the one she opened up in town is gone. We have her mementos and ceiling tiles!

[the330thbg]

Thanks for the great shots, Ryan!

all my best,

Smisek