Fantastic Flying Machines at the 2008 Ramona AirShow
By Regina Elling

Scene from the 2007 Ramona AirShow. Photo by Darrel Kinney

It's a warbird! It's a fantastic plane! It's the 2008 Ramona AirShow, flying into town May 31 and June 1.

 

This year promises to be even more exciting than in years past, according to Carol Fowler, air show coordinator.

"Every year, we do our best to put on a different show for the public," she says. "Even if some of the same pilots return, the show is always fun and new."

Interaction is a key word when describing this year's event.

"We will have lots of interaction between the public and the aircraft, and between the guests and the pilots," she says.

This year, the RedStars will delight the audience with their precision formation flying.

"This is a local Ramona group flying out of our own airport," says Fowler. "Nationally, the RedStars include more than 100 pilots from military, civilian and airline backgrounds."

The RedStars will fly four Yak-52 aircraft for the show. One of the goals of the group is to inspire youth to take careers in aviation, so youngsters can expect to find pilots more than willing to take the time to meet with them.

"We also plan on a different kind of interactive experience for kids, in the form of the Palomar R/C Flyers group," says Fowler. "They are great. Their entire club will be here. They will have at least one plane with two controls, so the kids can learn to fly the plane in a safe way."

"The Palomar R/C Flyers group is the largest powered radio controlled flying club in San Diego County. The planes range in size from one-third to one-sixth scale, so they are fascinating to watch," says Fowler. "We plan on giving the group lots of flying time to show their stuff."

In addition to the newer guests, some of the crowd favorites will return, such as John Collver and his AT-6 Warbird, Chuck Hall and his P-51 Mustang and Jacquie Warda and her Pitts Special biplane.

"We are thrilled to have these pilots back with us," says Fowler. "They truly are crowd pleasers and really enjoy flying here."

As usual, the AirShow will be held in conjunction with CDF's Open House. At the event, the CDF pilots will be demonstrating their firefighting aircraft.

Fowler says, "What these guys do is just amazing, and the public is invited to hear their stories and come talk to them."

When not busy watching the aerial displays, guests will be able to shop at numerous vendors and food booths.

"We will have a variety of food available, and some of the vendors this year will be offering real planes," she says.

Fowler says, "The Ramona AirShow is always a good show, and a great time for the family. We definitely invite the adults to come on out, have a great time and the kids will have a great time, too."

The Ramona AirShow benefits the families of fallen CDF pilots and firefighters. Admission is $5 for adults, with free admission for uniformed military and children under 12. Parking costs $1, with parking for handicapped and motorcycles available.

The Ramona Airport is located about 2.2 miles down Montecito Road. For information, visit www. Ramona AirShow.com.