Parachutists, Vintage Planes

by ANN Contributor John K. "Janko" Lewis

This past Saturday and Sunday the EAA Chapter 723 held their 24th annual airshow at Camarillo (CA). With an impressive mixture of Warbirds, homebuilts and ultralights, it was an event attended by thousands.

Fly-bys, parachute jumps and aerobatic demonstrations were offered throughout the day. You could take a ride in a Bushmaster (modern day version of the Ford Tri-Motor), Boeing/Stearman PT-13 or Beechcraft C-45 (SNB) in Navy colors.

You could also take a balloon ride to about 100' for a "bird's-eye view" of the airshow. The array of homebuilt/experimental aircraft was impressive. Although the "Legend" is seldom seen on any airport there were no less than three at CMA over the weekend. The antique aircraft, many coming from Santa Paula, included Waco's, B�ker Jungmeisters, and DeHavilland Tiger-Moths.

There was also a huge collection of Warbirds with an impressive input by the Commemorative Air Force chapter located at Camarillo. North American P-51 Mustangs, B-25 Mitchells, AT-6/SNJs, Grumman F4F and F6F, Cessna O-2 and Navion aircraft all flew in the show. There was also an impressive number of Russian and Chinese aircraft.

The static displays included some rare examples including a Curtiss C-46 Commando, A6M Zero, Convair C-131, Piasecki H-21, Lockheed EC-121 and Martin 404.

FMI: www.eaa723.org