Warbird Information Exchange

We had our annual airshow two weeks ago and it was terrible weather (again). I think October might be a little too late in the airshow season.

They cancelled everything, but the Collings Foundation came through and flew their beautiful B-17 and B-24 in. Watching them taxi in and out with the paying customers on board was the only flying we got to see. (Note to self: Start saving money for next year.)

There was a gorgeous Spitfire on static display in a hangar, and some USO cuties put their 1940's show on. A TBM sat out on the ramp, too far away to photograph.





I recall reading about this Spitfire in an old issue of Flypast. I had no idea it lives in VA, now.

No offense intended to the Collin's folks, but the right side of Witchcraft looks awful with 10 millions names pasted on the side.

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Don't touch my junk!!

I agree, but I understand that's how they pay their bills.

I've been thinking that I'd better get on the ball and buy a flight before it's too late.

Hey Richard where does the airshow take place? I used to live about 10 minutes from Manassas/Bullrun for 3 years and dont remember hearing about the airshow.

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The conquest of space is worth the risk of life. - Gus Grissom

Is that all the warbirds that were at the show?

Eric

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Keep 'em flying!

There are alot of people who detest the names on the side of both the B-17 and B-24. The people who donate money as a sponsor represent a large portion of expense coverage. My favorite analogy overheard from a passerby "where do you put the names on your B-24" This airplane is the last of her breed to probably ever fly. The names and paint schemes she wears are a continuing history of this airframe.

As for the show at Man...we had a great time even though weather socked us out for two days. We made it and everyone was happy.

Jim Harley

It's at the Regional Airport here. It's sponsored by the Freedom Museum and it's only been held for the last 4 years.

Not a "classic" airshow, really. More static display than flying, and the weather's been lousy almost every year.

That was all the Warbirds, but it was satisfying enough for me, though. I was at my house shaving that Saturday morning when I heard something "funny". This is what I saw when I ran outside:

There were airshows in Manassas about a decade ago. I distinctly recall going to one either in 1992 or 93. The Collings Foundation was there as well. I got to go through the "All American" as the line was too long at Nine-O-Nine. We did get to watch both fly and boy did they put on a show! I'm told the FAA now prohibits the "mowing the grass" maneuvers that we witnessed that day...I'm glad I could witness it.

In 2003 the Collings Foundation was at Montgomery Airpark at Gaithersburg, Maryland, just a few miles down the road from my house in Damascus. I had gotten in late the night before, so I was sleeping late. I started to hear a familiar sound. "Radial Engines", I thought to myself. I jumped out of bed and pulled up the shade to be able to see Nine-O-Nine coming right over my backyard. Now that's a way to wake up!