Arlington
Fly-In and Airshow: The
Northwest Experimental Aircraft Association Fly-In and
Sport Aviation Convention is held at Arlington,
Washington in mid July each year. The West's version
of the famous "Oshkosh" just seems to get bigger and
better every year. Testimony, no doubt, to the efforts
of countless aviation enthusiasts who volunteer their
time, talents and hard work in organizing and tending
day to day tasks of a fly-in, convention, and airshow
of the highest calibre. On site there is an abundance
of commercial exhibitors, forums, workshops,
manufacturer's demonstrations and vendors of all sorts
with a variety of food and drink stops for
everyone,plus lots of attractions for the youngsters
as well.
Aircraft
demos and flypasts are ongoing throughout the day.
Flyovers in the past have usually included the
Arlington based "Black Jack Squadron." Fifteen neat
and nimble kit RV's in close alternating formations,
undoubtedly admired by even the best of military
trained pilots and certainly by the public at large.
Each day, early light greets Hot Air Balloons and late
light presents Runway Theatre where full length films
are shown in an outdoor setting. A night airshow using
pyrotechnic displays normally follows at
9:30.
Generally
upwards of 2000 aircraft of every description, shape,
size, and colour, fly in for judged competition,
general display visitor parking, and flypasts most of
which, other than the hotside airshow performers, can
be checked out up close, with the bonus of relaxed
friendly conversations with owners, pilots and crews.
The airside people, of course, also make themselves
available, but only after taking care of business,
then chatting, joking, and signing autographs come
easy. Crowd attendance over the five days, Wednesday
through Sunday is often in excess of 50,000 and
weather is usually accommodating which makes for a
superb overall event.
Each afternoon
is highlighted with a two hour airshow, 3:00 to 5:00,
other than Sunday (1:00 -3:00), followed by fly-bys
and a taxi parade of the fabulous Warbirds that in
past years have numbered more than 60 aircraft
comprising all types. The sounds of Pratt &
Whitney, Wrights, Merlins and other piston engines is
a universe unto itself.
The Northwest
E.A.A. Fly-In, as of last year, is now on the list of
D.O.D. approved events and is, therefore, allowed to
host military flypasts and static displays of military
aircraft.
The Warbirds
village, now nicknamed "AWO Island Airbase" is
sponsored/organized by the E.A.A. Cascade Warbird
Squadron 2. The warbird and military history groups
have re-created quite an exotic airbase scene lent to
WWII. The Warbird Forum Tent and the Fly-In's Main
Entertainment Tent are often packed to standing room
only to hear stories of experiences from some of those
who served in the Womens Air Service Pilots
(W.A.S.P.'s), Tuskegee Airmen, survivors of the attack
on Pearl Harbor and other Veteran's or war-time
groups. Adding to the overall effect, the music of
Glenn Miller or other Big Bands of the era fill the
air, with flags waving at full mast. Quite an
impressive scene including all types of military
vehicles, restored to pristine condition.
At the end of a
satisfying day, you pack away the gear, change your
boots and listen to sweet sounds of departing aircraft
in the still air and warmth of a setting sun - doesn't
get much better.
Story and
Photos by
Ed
Anderson
