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Bellingham, Washington Air Flight Fest
Fathers Day Weekend
by Ed Anderson
Associate Editor

2001 BELLINGHAM FLIGHT FEST

An obvious success for the third annual Flight Fest held on Father's Day, June 17 at the Bellingham Airport. A welcome sunny sky tempered by a cool ocean breeze helped the organizers and the many volunteers welcome overflow crowds throughout the day. Gates opened at 10am with festivities winding down at around 4pm.

The Navy's P-3 Orien and the Coast Guard HC-130H Hercules were among the popular attractions drawing long lines of walk through lookers. The ground display Navy F/A 18A and F/A 18F Hornets (VFA 204 & VFA 122) likewise garnered lots of close inspections and discussions as did a venerable EA-6B Prowler from VAQ 129. Fly-in beauty planes included a LeBroussard in French Navy markings (N16MH), a C-45 Beech 18, "Texas Rose" (N45N), a spit' n polished bare skinned Cessna 195 (C-FEMN) and a like glistening little 1948 Ercoupe (N94805), an immaculate red Waco Classic, N685AF, a PT-13B Stearman (N65695), a Nan Chiang CJ6-A (N6097G) and plenty of others.

Nothing though, attracts attention faster than the sounds of a "Warbird". Such it was when General William Anders (ret.), taxied out "Wampus Cat", an F8F-2 Grumman Bearcat for a little action. The Bearcat and the Nan Chiang were taken aloft for a few fast and lows over the run-way which thrilled all of us to no end. The Heritage Flight  Museum, presently of Orcas Island WA also flew in, with Bill Anders at the controls, an aerial jack-of-all-trades L-13B 'Grasshopper' in U.S.A.F. markings, s/n 47-412 (N7412) that was in pristine condition. Quite an airplane.

Nine RV's, of the Arlington based "Black Jack Squadron" presented close formation flypasts on arrival. Just a great sight with surround sound which brought on rousing applause from delighted spectators.

The Wings of Dreams bi-planes were busy with rides for pay and live bands filled the air with a wide variety of music. Plenty of vendors plying their fares and wares, with lots of exhibits and displays for everybody. Beautiful Classic and Antique automobiles and motorcycles were also on display and in the gorgeous sunshine they too attracted throngs of admirers.

The Bellingham Airport and the Flight Fest continue to improve and appropriately, I quote a saying I heard some years ago, " Attitude plus Aptitude gives Altitude" and so far folks you have it. Continued good luck and success.

Story and Photos

by Ed Anderson