Arlington Fly-In Crowds Reach 60,000 Each July
Show Features General Aviation, Warbirds, Military Vehicles, Airshow
May 24, 2009
This year’s 41st air show, July 8-12, 2009, has a typical format but changes in each year's events keep it fresh, drawing repeat visitors as well as new ones from the Western states and British Columbia.
Hundreds of pilots fly in for the Arlington Fly-In, including seaplanes that land at a nearby lake where shuttle buses pick them up. Many of them pitch tents and camp near their aircraft for the week's activities. Airshows are held daily but the flying events multiply when the Cascade Warbirds roar in for the Friday-to-Sunday shows. The entire West side of Arlington Municipal Airport is set aside for the fly-in, providing parking space for aircraft and cars, plus rows of vendor booths, food concessions, RVs and campers.
2009 Attractions Include Cascade Warbirds, NASA Exhibit and B-25 Flights
The Cascade Warbird's World War II, Korean and Vietnam-era planes take off in a mass launch at the start of the airshow, filling the sky for a two-hour program of aerobatic displays, joined by formation flights of 16 Van kit planes flown by the Arlington-based Black Jack squadron, the nation's largest civilian flight formation group.
After landing, the Cascade Warbirds form a grand parade along the taxiway, accompanied by a column of restored military combat vehicles. The parade ends on the west side of the Fly-In at encampments displaying an array of vintage warbirds and American and Canadian military vehicles and equipment.
This year’s displays feature the largest presence in years by the Puget Sound Military Vehicle Collectors Club, with more than 100 World War II, Korea and Vietnam-era vehicles, including jeeps, scout cars, half-tracks, large trucks, mechanical mules, ambulances, a tank and anti-tank cannons. A mobile military history museum presented collections of pistols, rifles, machine guns, mortars, rocket launchers and other wartime memorabilia.
NASA Provides a Spectacular Space Exploration Exhibit
America’s plans for opening the space frontier -- including new human exploration of Earth's moon and future voyages into the solar system beyond -- are featured in an interactive exhibit, designed to give visitors of all ages a vivid glimpse into the nation's ambitious future in space. A multimedia exhibit simulates a breathtaking visit to Earth's moon, using interactive control panels, immersive 3D imagery and special audio effects.
Flying Demonstrations of Radio-Controlled Aircraft Featured
From easy-to-begin electric flyers to fast flying jets and turbine powered helicopters, the Academy of Model Aeronautics chapters from three counties have teamed up to provide an amazing show for this year's event. On display will be antique engines, homebuilt aircraft, gliders, jets and helicopters. Simulators will
be on hand for the public to practice flying radio-controlled models and experts will discuss building techniques, places to fly their flying experiences.
Only Flyable Boeing Model 40 In The World Due at Fly-In
Addison Pemberton of Spokane, Wash., will display his restored Boeing Model 40C, The aircraft had been lost in an accident in October 1928. After years of restoration, Pemberton returned it to the skies for the first time in 80 years, making its second "maiden" flight in February 2008. It's expected to fly into the Arlington Fly-In on July 10.
Only 10 Boeing Model 40Cs were built in 1928-1929, originally designed as an air mail carrier but later converted for passengers. Pemberton began his drive to restore a Boeing 40 when he first saw one on display at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Mich., in the early 1980s. He eventually acquired two Boeing
40C aircraft that had been involved in accidents more than 60 years earlier, and also discovered priceless drawings that detailed many of the 33,000 specific parts of the aircraft.
Nostalgic Warbird and Biplane Rides Returns to Arlington Fly-In
Returning this year is Oregon-based Nostalgic Warbird and Biplane Rides, operated by former fighter pilot and airline pilot Mike Carpentiero. He offers a choice of flying in a 1930 New Standard D-25 biplane or a 1941 PT-17 Stearman, a World War II open-cockpit trainer. In the Stearman, passengers have an option to fly or perform aerobatics in the plane themselves.
B-25 Mitchell Bomber Tours and Flights Available
Also returning this year is the Pacific Prowler, one of only 10 B-25s still flying of the 9,800 produced during World War II. The plane, a star in more than 80 Hollywood films, will be open for tours daily, sponsored by Arlington’s Angel of the Winds Casino. Also, flights can be scheduled on the rare plane.
For more information, visit www.nweaa.org. The Web site includes a four-minute YouTube video of the 2008 Arlington Fly-In air show.
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