A small squadron flies to honor those who served in World War II
This year the Wings Over Wine Country Air Show will feature a large collection of P51 Mustangs. These classic warbirds boast a V-12 Merlin engine that demonstrates one significant historic leap in aero engine development.
“Of the warbirds, the P51 Mustang is one of the most famous and beautiful,” said Doug Clay of the Pacific Coast Air Museum (PCAM). PCAM organizes the annual Wings Over Wine Country Air Show that will take place at the Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport on Saturday, Aug. 17, and Sunday, Aug. 18, from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
“About 20 Mustangs will be at the air show this year,” said Clay, who considers it one way to honor World War II veterans and all those who’ve served.
Classic Mustang fighters filling the sky together will be a unique spectacle and something new for the 2013 air show. Attendees can also look forward to repeated flybys by the Mustangs throughout the weekend so there should be plenty of opportunities to view the historic super planes that are not only fast, but considered a different breed of aircraft.
“They are one of those marvels of engineering,” said Clay. Used in World War II, the P51 Mustangs were super heroes with excellent dive and acceleration capabilities, the endurance to fly six-hour missions, carry heavy loads and maintain power at high elevations.
Although the Mustangs are sure to be a main attraction at the air show there will be many talented aviator performers at the event as well. Greg Colyer, in his acrobatic T-33 jet, will put on a show and the OV-10 close-support aircraft will demonstrate its amazing maneuverability. Pilot Kent Pietsch and Michael Goulian will be flying aerobatically, and Jon Melby will present his Pitts S-1-11B Muscle Bi-Plane. This is just a sample of the numerous performances scheduled. A Sheriff’s helicopter demonstration will also be part of the show but due to the state of the federal budget, funding for military flight demonstrations like the FA-18, U-2 and Heritage will not be possible this year.
“We still have a great show planned and people will see things that they can’t see any other way,” said Clay. The family-friendly event features a kids area, a radio-controlled aircraft expo, and the opportunity to climb aboard static military aircrafts like an
F-14 Tomcat, F-16 Viper, F-4 Phantom II and an A-26 Invader.
Female Pilot Enjoys
Defying Gravity
The well-known pilot Julie Clark will also be performing at Sonoma County’s air show this year. Famous for her patriotic “Serenade in Red, White and Blue,” Clark will demonstrate more than a few fancy moves.
“Performing in Sonoma County is like coming home for me,” said Clark about the Wings over Wine Country Air Show. The female pilot who began studying flying at the age of 8 years grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and reunites with a lot of friends at the annual event.
Never one to shy away from a challenge, Clark loves to fly. She enjoys defying gravity, “breaking the bonds of earth” and finds flying upside down “invigorating and fun.” As a minority in her field and one of the first female pilots to be hired by a commercial airline, Clark has had to prove herself and flying abilities countless times.
“There’s only a handful of women in this field, and I’d like to see more,” she said. Clark is excited to be at this year’s air show, flying the Team Juice Plus+ T-34. Clark has a long history with the aircraft that she purchased in 1977 and helped to restore with her own two hands.
Clark chose the T-34A because that is the model that she flew while working as a civilian instructor for the U.S. Navy at Lemore Naval Air Station in 1974-75. Navy-trained in tactical maneuvers, formation flying and aerobatics, Clark has won many awards for her talent and skill.
With a patriotic flair and gratitude for the opportunities that the US offers its citizens, Clark chose to create her own version of the “Air Force One.” Perhaps not unlike the president’s plane, Clark’s aircraft undergoes constant upgrades and modifications. The plane recently graduated to a “Straos Plus” series engine with 300-plus horsepower, replacing the original stock 225-horsepower engine.
Although planes will be the main focus at the air show, military vehicles like trucks, jeeps and a half-truck will also be on display compliments of the Northbay Military Vehicle Club.
“This year there will be a small commemoration of the 60th Anniversary of the Korean War Conflict and a tribute to those veterans,” said Clay. The air show will feature a special section of aircraft used during that time period.
Souvenirs and memorabilia will also be available at the air show with a number of vendors setting up shop. Hats, t-shirts, toys and more will be on sale. Foods ranging from corn dogs to vegetarian salads and a variety of other dishes will be offered along with beverages like cold soda, wine and beer.
For those who like to arrive first at the air show and get the best seat in the house, the Pancake Breakfast might be the way to go. Pancakes, eggs, breakfast meat and all the fixings will get those with tickets in the gate an hour early, at 8 a.m. Pancake Breakfast tickets are $8 per person and can be purchased at the gate the day of the show or online.
For more information about the Wings over Wine Country Air Show or to purchase tickets, visit www.wingsoverwinecountry.org. General admission tickets are $18 in advance or $20 at the door; discounts are offered for children and seniors. General admission is free for World War II and Korean Veterans. General admission is also free for active duty military personnel with an ID card.
