Its all over now. Seven days of complete aviation bliss! As I mentioned in yesterday’s update I interviewed the DC-7s First Officer, which was conducted in the cockpit! While we were doing the interview the rest of the crew was preparing the ship for a late morning departure…with passengers heading for its next stop in Detroit, Michigan.

Spectators kept trying to tour the aircraft even while the crew was settling in the passengers and the plane being towed out. A tug towed it out to the edge of the taxiway so it could start up its four massive smoke bellowing flame shooting engines which is something to see in itself. After everything was ready, they taxied out for takeoff and the crowds lined the show line to watch. Once airborne they circled around for a farewell photo pass and the crowd loved it!

This seemed to spark the exodus of aircraft from AeroShell Square and the military apron on the east side of the field.

That’ll pretty much do it for this years day by day. I didn’t cover even a fraction of what I saw and did, but I will be sharing more pictures soon. Now its time to get packed and ready for the IPMS Nationals! During the coming week I’ll be sharing my thoughts, experiences and images of my trip, starting with my first stop…Sprue Brothers!

Saturdays are typically very well attended days, but the weather was again gloomy and overcast…but folks still turned out to see the airshow! To me the highlight of the day spent walking around loaded with camera gear is rewarded by the Honor Flight formation. Today wasn’t a disappointment either…two P-38 Lightnings accompanied by an QF-4E and F-15E.

The F-4E and F-15E were participating in another airshow and were late to the party, but they still managed to awe the crowd watching as they made three passes. There tardiness allowed me to capture another great shot as we stood in line for a hot dog. As the P-38s orbited, a Bell 47 happened to just be at the right place when I looked up and saw the shot that was to be.

After the three passes by the Honor Flight each aircraft made a solo high speed pass…the F-4 was spectacular…IMO.

Keeping with jets for the moment, the final act of the day was the Sea Harrier. This show was a bit longer than his early performances…probably because it was the weekend.

As I mentioned previously, the Collings Foundation’s F-4 had a mishap as it taxied to takeoff for the performance…the rear canopy separated from the aircraft. Well, in GI fashion it was reattached, albeit temporary with the help of some packaging tape of all things. I don’t know if it will be flying anytime soon or sitting here waiting for repairs.

The DC-7B was given an award for the Best Contemporary Limit Production Aircraft by the Antiques Division! My wife Shari was along today so we were asked to attend the ceremony by the crew…as their official photographer of course. It was neat to see them get recognize by their peers for the hard work that went into this six year restoration project…many which said it couldn’t be done.

I’ll post more of the shots taken from today at another time. Tomorrow is the last day of the show and the DC-7B is scheduled to depart. I have an early interview with its First Officer for the Timeless Voices Program…so that’s all for today. See ya!