MAM's WWII Airshow - What's the deal?

[sandiego89]

Well...I made reservations at the Cavalier Hotel for 5/17-19. If the Mossie is going to fly, we'll be there. If not, we won't. We've all seen Mossies on video but how many of us have SEEN one fly. That's the only thing that'll get me to spend that much money. Actually SEEING and HEARING one fly.

Mudge the selective

I have never seen one fly either. The chance to see a Mossie and a Lancaster in the same patch of sky in the U.S. is indeed a strong draw.

You should enjoy the Cavalier- the main hotel still retains the old world charm, and is at the quieter Northern end of Virginia beach, but you can still walk the boardwalk, walk to eat, etc. Expect @35 minute drive to MAM.

You are also close to Cape Henry, which is less than a 10 minute drive north of the hotel, this is where the English settlers first set foot in the America's before heading up river to Jamestown. Two lighthouses there. You can get a day pass at the gate by showing your registration or rental car agreement.

You should also hear and see "the sound of Freedom" of F-18's in the pattern at Oceana NAS all day if sequestration does not crimp weekend flying too much.

[planenutti]

I live an hour west of Virginia Beach and Warbirds Over The Beach is a must do event. Have only missed one show so far.

[kalamazookid]

Thanks sandiego89 and Russ Blow for the information. I also like being near the aircraft when they start up so I may park a chair somewhere in case I get tired and spend the rest of the day wandering. Sounds like MAM has a great set up for the show and I can't wait to see all those warbirds! Got a hotel room reserved, just gotta hope I'm able to get Friday and Monday off so I can drive up and back. Gonna be about 7 hours in the car for me one way, but I'm sure it will be worth it. Always wanted to make it to this show and it looks like everything may line up for me to go this year.

[Travisd80elcam]

a little more info concerning the Cavalier Hotel, Jerry's English double decker bus does ferry runs from the Cavalier to the show all day. That is if they are keeping with the same practice they had last year. You can't miss the bus, A because its the only double decker floating around Va Beach, and B because there are warbirds all of it. It truly is a great show, if you can make it, I strongly recommend it. I'' be there at least Saturday hopefully All Week. It should be a great show with all of the MAM collection and our Canadian friends are bringing a good chuck of their flock as well

Travis

[Liza]

...I also like being near the aircraft when they start up so I may park a chair somewhere in case I get tired and spend the rest of the day wandering...

The show doesn't have a "hot box" per se. The aircraft are parked all along the show line and the larger (bomber-types) ones are generally behind the WWI and Restoration Hangars. So, if you're wishing to be near them during start up, might be easier to pick the favorites and try for those.

[VaBeachEd]

Word from the museum is that the double decker bus will be open to all guests from the Cavalier hotel who want to attend the airshow. Saves the trouble of driving to the show, and the price is right!

[kalamazookid]

...I also like being near the aircraft when they start up so I may park a chair somewhere in case I get tired and spend the rest of the day wandering...

The show doesn't have a "hot box" per se. The aircraft are parked all along the show line and the larger (bomber-types) ones are generally behind the WWI and Restoration Hangars. So, if you're wishing to be near them during start up, might be easier to pick the favorites and try for those.

Thanks Liza! Looking at photos from past events it looks like most of the fighter aircraft are parked on the concrete apron in front of the museum so that's probably where I'll try to spend most of my time. If I miss something, there's always the next day. Got my hotel booked and looking forward to the show!

[Liza]

Welcome. May wish to plan to stay late on Saturday as well. There's usually a dinner and hangar dance so the grounds are open to wander through the planes at sunset (no "need" to buy anything to stay late).