The weather can be one extreme or the other, but usually the forecaster's are pretty accurate. I remember at one airshow in the 90's, it got down to the 40's and was BITTERLY cold during the airshow. A few years ago, they had record highs in the 115's, so check the forecast before you depart, so you know what to bring. Generally speaking though, it tends to be in the 90's during that time of year at Chino. Also, bring some good, comfortable walking shoes. Even though they have a "trolley/people mover", sometimes the lines are not short, and many people decide to walk. It's a good mile or so from the parking lot to the flightline.
If at all possible, try to arrive there on Friday for a few reasons:
1) Check out the Yanks Air Museum:
http://www.yanksair.com/Unfortunately, the museum shuts down to the public during airshow time on Sat. and Sunday. The only way you can view the museum is to go there the Friday before the airshow. They also close early, at 4:00 PM.
2) There is a hub-bub of activity at Chino, with warbirds arriving and many times "shake down" flights and last-minute practice runs are flown by many of the warbirds.
Other observations:
1) The food at the airshow is pretty decent. They do offer more than your standard burgers and hotdogs, with some exotic ethnic food being offered, (Thai, Indian, etc.)
2) If you want to check out the actual POF museum, either go on the Friday before the airshow, or go during one of the "must miss" performances during airshow time. I usually go during the Monster/drag car event or during one of the modern aerobatic routines.
3) There are a lot of good restaurants in the area for after the airshow, typically centered around the Ontario Mills Mall and Milliken avenue,
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4) If you want to ride in a warbird, do it then! Usually after the airshow, the POF pilots offer rides in various planes, including the P-40, P-38, P-51, SBD, etc. You might have to coordinate that before hand however. It's probably best to call the Museum and set that up before you arrive. Last I checked, all of the prices were very reasonable for warbird rides!
5) Bring an extra bag to bring home goodies from the airshow. Besides the typical vendors at the actual airshow, the POF giftshop at the museum has an outstanding selection of videos/DVD's/books/posters/autographed items and warbird stuff. There have been many times that I had to buy an extra "duffel bag" at Target or somewhere, just to carry all of my stuff home on the airplane.
6) Depending on which way the wind is blowing, everything will smell like cowcrap in Chino. This is due to the many dairy farms surrounding the airport. Get used to it!
7) There are many ways to get to the Chino airport, assuming you stay near the Ontario airport. Most people take Euclid avenue, but I usually go on the "back roads" and miss most of the traffic. The traffic actually isn't that bad, even at peak times.
8. The Chino airshow is probably the best run and staffed airshow I've ever been to. They've been doing it right for many years and really have their act together. The wait times for anything - parking, tickets, food, sani-huts, etc. are typically shorter than most airshows I've experienced.
9) Get out and talk to some of the pilots flying the airshow. Most are very approachable and enjoy talking to the crowds. If you can catch Steve Hinton when he's not too busy (easier said than done), he's happy to converse with the general public about warbirds or any questions you might have.
10) There are several other organizations/museums on the field - Aero Trader, Tallichet's holdings, Allied Fighters, etc., but don't expect any of them to open their doors to you or allow you to tour their facilities. Unless you know someone in these groups, just enjoy the peep through the hangar door crack. Don't expect anything and you won't be disappointed.
That's about all I can think of, good luck!
