Up, up and away

Airplanes.

From my earliest memories I have enjoyed talking about, watching, and being around airplanes.   Seldom in my travels have I passed an air museum that I didn't visit and the sight of anything flying always catches my attention.  Even though I've grown to dislikes heights and the experience of another commercial flight, I'm still fascinated with flight.  So when neighbor Don came knocking at my door with an invitation to attend the local South Haven air show ...  I was all in.  As it turned out, quite a few folks from the RV park decided to join in on the festivities.

I attended last years show but this year was far better attended with more WWII war planes and many many more private aircraft.  All lined up on the grass or tarmac, I tried to visit them all to marvel at the technology, regardless of how old they were.  Just the thought of strapping into one of the old fabric covered winged chariots and escaping the surely bonds of earth get one a little tingly.

Though there were several highlights of the show (sky divers, a pancake breakfast, antiques cars) the premo' attraction was a vintage WWII B-17 bomber.  Shiny and immaculately maintained, this magnificent war bird is still really something to see.  Just sitting on the tarmac or making a low level pass, I can only imagine what a sight it would be with the sky filled with them during the war.  The plane is now stationed at an air museum at Willow Run Airfield (near Detroit) and is flown and maintained by a bunch of guys whose love of flying is infectious.  More than happy to answer any question or tell great old flying stories, this group of airman are doing all they can to preserve the tradition and pride of one of America's greatest aircraft.

With so few B-17's left on the planet, and even less that are air worthy, having it make an appearance at the South Haven Air Show is really special.  And if you had an extra $400+ plus bucks in your pocket you could get a ride in it.

The old bird can still draw a crowd

Low level pass at 200ft

Two old Navy (not the clothing store types) fighter planes with matching paint were parked near the B17 and beside the interesting nose art (you know...images of skimpily clad pin-up girls), had markings on their rudders that indicated they were at one time based at Guantanamo Bay Cuba.  My guess is that they were pretty rare birds as well.

Gitmo Baby

On the 'civilian' side of the show were a number of really neat private aircraft.  And one in particular caught my eye.  Owned by South Haven's very own Don Woodhams was a 1948 Temco Swift.  Its 125hp motor would pull this gleaming beauty upwards to 160mph.  With retractable gear, this little hot rod of the skies had a range of around 1000 miles.  Small and compact, Mr Woodhams classic is what I'd call the epitome of private aircraft ownership.  I wish I had had the chance to talk to the owner in person as I understand he has two more aircraft in his fleet (one a 1941 Aeronca 65-ca).

Temco Swift 125

Swift's cockpit

Some of the other highlights that caught my eye.

I not sure if this is a Piper or Taylorcraft or ? ... but it sure was sweet.

Piper

So if you are ever in the South Haven Michigan area at the time it celebrates its annual Blueberry Festival, one of the neat things you can do is check out the airport air show.  It's a hoot.

So there you have it folks ... another day goofing off with friends and taking pictures and loving airplanes.

Yup!  I'm still livin' the dream.

Phil