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Arlington
EAA Fly-In, July 9-13, 2003 Forums,
forums and more forums, Homebuilder's Workshop,
Exhibits, Manufacturer's Demonstrations, Special
Guest Speakers, Young Eagles Flights, Aircraft and
Helicopter rides, (for hire) plus, of course,
aircraft judging and awards &endash; Homebuilts,
Ultralights, Antiques, Classics, Contemporary,
Rotorcraft and Warbirds. Also lots of food and
drink, plenty of vendors, an abundance of family
entertainment, activities for the youngsters,
evening programs and the Runway Theatre (movies).
Certainly no lack of things to see and
do. The bonus for
all aviation enthusiasts was the tremendous variety
of visiting aircraft, ranging from Ultralights
& Kits to Jets (Aero L-39 'Albatross' and
Canadair CL-41 Tutor). A special attendee at this
year's show was a replica of the 1931 "Miss
Veedol", a Bellanca Long - Distance Special Model
J-300, built by EAA Chapter 424. This beauty owned
by Dave Stadler of East Wenatchee WA, was judged
Reserve Grand Champion Antique. In the overall, a
lot has to be said about the easy going style and
laid-back atmosphere, helped along nicely by
announcer Gene Soper and other mike masters.
Flypasts were
common throughout the day, and particularly
impressive as usual, was the formation flying of
the full sixteen ship Blackjack Squadron of
colorful kit RV's. The U.S. Air
Force also gave us a few surprises on the Saturday,
releasing for fly-over missions an F117A
'Nighthawk' Stealth fighter and a B-52
Stratofortress. Wow!! quite a sight, especially the
BUFF, comin' at ya low and fast with "eight" a
smokin'. In addition lots of fascinating military
vehicles of various sorts, shapes and sizes
rendered up by the Military Collectors Association,
and displayed openly in the Warbird area for all to
check out at close quarters. Last but not
least, there were the thrills and excitement of an
airshow every day, along with a night airshow and a
Hot Air Balloon Glow. Some would say, a
mini-'Oshkosh'. Over the course of the five day
event Airshow Performers included; Eric Beard &
"Russian Thunder" (Yak 54), John Mrazek and "Pussy
Cat II" (Harvard Mk. IV), Fraser Blues Flying
Formation Team, (5 Navions), Lon Arnold & the
Long EZ, Ken Fowler in the Harmon Rocket, Summer
Goodwin (Cessna 152 Aerobat), Tom Ellsberg flying
his specially designed and built "Oregon Streaker",
George Leloup in his alter ego "Capt'n Lazer" act
aboard a Hughes 269 Helicopter, Tim Webber with his
German built Extra 300, Renny Price (Sukhoi SU-29),
Kathy Hirtz-Wolf and her nifty Pitts S2-B biplane,
Bud and Ross Granley displaying the T-6 Texan and
the Yak 55 M in aerobatic routines, who never fail
to amaze and entertain the audience. Story and
Photos By Ed Anderson Judging
Results:
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