Given the Moses Lake show was the same weekend and had all the big military demos, I was half tempted to drive out for that one, but in the end, the proximity of this show won out (40 minute drive, vs. 4+ hours...). Plus, I've been finding as of late that sometimes it's nice to go and take in the "atmosphere" at a smaller show, worry less about getting photos, and focus more on the experience.
No Yak-3 or -55, but Ross flew a typically impressive Granley demo in the Yak-18...
Bud flew the P-51 for a few passes with the "zero" - I seriously hope that when I'm in my 50s I'm doing half as well as he seems to be in his 90s...
Untitled by
Josh Kaiser, on Flickr
Other highlights included the 3-ship H-1 flight (two Hueys and the Cobra), and the OFM's L-39 (sporting some "revised" markings this year)
ALBATROS by
Josh Kaiser, on Flickr
And probably my favorite, the OFM's HH-43 - it's just such a unique thing to see fly, and looks, sounds, and handles so differently from any other helicopter I've seen. This was my third time seeing it in person, and it was still just as odd as the first.
HUSKIE by
Josh Kaiser, on Flickr
The DNR Huey demo was pretty cool as well; they did their water drops far away from the crowd line, but it was neat to see one of each of their water drop systems in action. Living and working in the area, I've had plenty of chances to photograph their Hueys, anyway.
Overall, fewer aircraft present than in years past, and it would be great to seee the show pull in some active military participation again, but for what it was, a nice way to spend a Saturday. Might post a few other photos, as I get around to editing them.