What a great fly-in this year! Hats off to the crew of volunteers at Blakesburg for making Air Mail Days one of the best fly-ins I've ever attended. Over the next few days, and probably weeks, I'll be posting up photos from the fly-in. If you have photos you'd like to share, please send me some email at webmaster@antiqueairfield.com and I'll put them on the site.
Photo by Gilles Auliard
Jonathan Baron and Lynn Ford were weathered out of Blakesburg from their east coast locations, but in spite of that they did some flying this weekend with an impromptu Bellanca Triple Tail Tour ™ stop at Butler, Pennsylvania. Congratulations to Lynn for completing his recover in the past week!
It has been another beautiful day at the fly-in. The mail has flown again, lots of flying has been going on, and attendance is upwards of 320 aircraft. The field was nearly full at the height of the day.
With all the visiting, flying, and meeting folks, your webmaster didn't have much chance to take pictures, so today's photo report is a bit short. I'll post more pictures as I get them in from other photographers at the fly-in, so check back.
Early morning light and dew on an Airmaster.
Gary Van Farowe inspects the Boeing Model 40.
Photo by Tamara Williams
This 170 is a close tie with an Ercoupe for most highly polished aircraft on the field. As a veteran polisher I applaud their efforts!
Spinning some tales.
Photo by Tamara Williams
Dawn patrol in the Stearman. I love the smell of engine oil in the morning.
Frank Schelling, Skeeter Carlson, and Jim "Speed" Miller compare notes on the Jenny.
Ryan Pemberton and assistant doing some on-field maintenance.
Photo by Tamara Williams
The Blakesburg Fly-In is in full swing. The mail flew and the DH-4 arrived. Friendships were renewed and many rides were given.
Antique Airfield is filling up. The drive-in parking lot filled up by mid-afternoon.
Photo by Gilles Auliard
The mail arrives by Model A, with Bob Taylor and the Blakesburg Postmaster officiating.
The Air Mail pilots are registered and sworn in.
Addison Pemberton models the latest in air mail pilot fashion before departing for Ottumwa in the Boeing Model 40.
The DH-4 arrives at Antique Airfield. You should hear that Liberty run!
Treasures are found and treasure is spent at the Fly Market. Harman Dickerson has his Second Annual Pre-Estate Sale as well as holding down the front desk with the Fly Market crew.
Taking in the sights and sounds of Antique Airfield. Lots of action this morning as the mail flights departed.
Greg Herrick's Ford Trimotor on the mail route to Iowa City.
Photo by Gilles Auliard
Eric Presten briefing wing walkers and ground support for the Jenny's mail flight.
Jenny in the air.
Photo by Gilles Auliard
Crew for the Iowa City mail run.
Photo by Gilles Auliard
The parking crew at Antique Airfield after a busy day. Well done guys, we couldn't have the fly-in without you.
Jim Reddick, Jim Clark and friends catching up while relaxing in the shade under Mike and Candy Vaughan's Howard's wing. I wish my airplane had a high wing on a sunny day like today.
A proud of his Callair, and a happy first-timer at Blakesburg. Thanks for coming!
The crew from Washington State arrived today. Addison Pemberton's Boeing Model 40 was the featured ship along with Larry Tobin's mailplane Stearman C3B and Ben Scott's Stearman Speedmail. Prior to landing at Blakesburg there was a rendezvous at Harve Applegate's strip in Missouri. Six ships lined up on the grass led by Harve's Cabin Waco, what a sight!
Note the regulation Air Mail Pilot tie sported by Jay Pemberton.
About an hour after the Boeing landed at Blakesburg, Greg Herrick's Stinson and Ford Trimotors arrived near to sunset. What a great end to the day.
Thunderstorm lines and low visibility have been holding up a number of people on Thursday, but Friday's weather is predicted to be clearer. Hope to see you all there at Blakesburg!
Pre-registration for the 2008 Fly-in is now closed as the fly-in has begun. If you're still on the fence about coming, please do so! Registrations can be taken at the field when you arrive.
Online pre-registration has been a success, we've had 40 members register themselves and their family or guests. If you have thoughts or comments about online registration or website ideas please do send them to me. Thanks!
Here's a short video of the Jenny doing a test flight at Antique Airfield. Wednesday she flies the mail!
Attached pics show our progress as of this afternoon. Ground speed is a little slow, as you can see.
Cynthia Grant and Howard Hollinger
The Hisso-powered Jenny has arrived at Antique Airfield, and is now assembled!
The Jenny being off loaded into the APM hangar for assembly. Note a number of the younger generation (teens and 20's) lending a helping hand. Not many young people will ever get the opportunity to help work on aircraft like a Curtiss "Jenny" except at places like Antique Airfield.
First set of wings attached.
The assembled Jenny at rest in the APM hangar. After rigging and making certain all is safetied properly she should be ready for a test flight Tuesday evening.
The crew from Spokane sent us these pictures of Larry Tobin, Terry Middaugh, and Russell Williams in formation heading for Blakesbug. Arrival at Antique Airfield should be Thursday. Photo credits: George Perks
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