lambs Tillamook Avro Anson Air Museum Lightning Strikes FIFI and Friends AirPower Squadron POOR LITTLE Jack Erickson and his POF Airshow 2013

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1 SPECIAL RESOURCE SECTION WARBIRD RIDE PROGRAMS FIFI and Friends CAF units combine to create AirPower Squadron POF Airshow 2013 Lightning Strikes Jack Erickson and his Tillamook Air Museum POOR LITTLE lambs The Aircraft from the TV series Baa Baa Black Sheep Aggressive Airworthy Avro Anson

Jack Erickson, Founder of the Tillamook Air Museum Photo: Tillamook Air

based Tillamook Air Museum owner and renowned aircraft collector, Jack

With his successes in the logging and aviation world, from companies as

Aero Tanker, one would expect someone of Erickson s s business acumen to

upbringing, and specifi cally from his father, Axel Erickson.

SEUM painted on its side, Erickson s Republic P-47D Thunderbolt, Hairless

Acquired in 2010, the P-47D Thunderbolt fits in very nicely between Jack

The museum bills itself as one of the top five private collections of

Photo: Lyle Jansma Dynasty and Legacy L Jack Erickson and his Tillamook

(main-photo) Holding the distinction for the longest production run of

history, the Chance Vought F4U Corsair was in production from 1942 to

2 Jack Erickson, Founder of the Tillamook Air Museum Photo: Tillamook Air Museum TO THE CASUAL OBSERVER it is diffi cult to discern that Oregon based Tillamook Air Museum owner and renowned aircraft collector, Jack Erickson, has created a business empire. With his successes in the logging and aviation world, from companies as diverse as Erickson Air-Crane, Aero Air, and the newly formed Erickson Aero Tanker, one would expect someone of Erickson s s business acumen to have the outward appearance of wealth; however, Jack s presence lacks any evidence of ostentation.this outward modesty is a trait t that is all too rare in those who have achieved what Jack Erickson has. This ethic of simplicity seems to have originated from Jack s humble upbringing, and specifi cally from his father, Axel Erickson. (op-right-inset) Seen over the iconic blimp hangar with the bold AIR MU- SEUM painted on its side, Erickson s Republic P-47D Thunderbolt, Hairless Joe, is flown by Brent Conner. Acquired in 2010, the P-47D Thunderbolt fits in very nicely between Jack s Lockheed P-38L Lightning and North American P-51D Mustang. The museum bills itself as one of the top five private collections of aircraft in the world. Photo: Lyle Jansma Dynasty and Legacy L Jack Erickson and his Tillamook Air Museum Story by Christian Gurling with Photography by Lyle Jansma (main-photo) Holding the distinction for the longest production run of any piston powered fi ghter in U.S. history, the Chance Vought F4U Corsair was in production from 1942 to Shown here fl ying above the Oregon Coast is Jack Erickson s F4U-7 Corsair fl own by pilot Brent Conner. All F4U-7s were built for the French Navy s Aéronavale. Erickson s was one of last to roll off the production line 1953, and holds the distinction of being a combat veteran. Photo: Lyle Jansma 10 WARBIRD DIGEST #49 JULY/AUGUST 2013 WARBIRD DIGEST #49 JULY/AUGUST

Aggressive Airworthy Avro Anson Story by James Kightly, Photography by James Kightly and Rob Fox The Avro Anson was an

Though little known in the USA, it was widely used as a crew trainer over the border in Canada, as well as in Britain,

It would be hard to find a British Empire airman (or airwoman) of the period who hadn t flown in an Anson at one time

Ansons also served in numerous other countries, the last service examples being of the (then) Royal Afghan Air Force,

However, the Anson was initially operated in a much more warlike role for the Royal Air Force (RAF) Coastal Command,

In this role it illustrates the shift from 1930s rag and tube technology to the more sophisticated, heavily armed,

Armed Ansons vanished from the sky in the 1940s until a New Zealand couple, Bill and Robyn Reid, stepped onto the

W.II bombers are a rare breed. Flying examples even rarer.

3 Aggressive Airworthy Avro Anson Story by James Kightly, Photography by James Kightly and Rob Fox The Avro Anson was an important type across the British Commonwealth in World War II. Though little known in the USA, it was widely used as a crew trainer over the border in Canada, as well as in Britain, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and Rhodesia. It would be hard to find a British Empire airman (or airwoman) of the period who hadn t flown in an Anson at one time or another. Fifty Canadian-built examples even served with the USAAF as the Federal AT-20. Ansons also served in numerous other countries, the last service examples being of the (then) Royal Afghan Air Force, retired in However, the Anson was initially operated in a much more warlike role for the Royal Air Force (RAF) Coastal Command, protecting Britain s sea approaches in the late 1930s and into World War II. In this role it illustrates the shift from 1930s rag and tube technology to the more sophisticated, heavily armed, all-metal monoplanes of World War II. Armed Ansons vanished from the sky in the 1940s until a New Zealand couple, Bill and Robyn Reid, stepped onto the scene and rescued an ex-royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Anson. This is their story. Early W.W.II bombers are a rare breed. Flying examples even rarer. Here James Kightly brings us the story of a unique British bomber put back into the sky - on the other side of the world in New Zealand. (main-photo) High over Omaka s Wither Hills, pilot Ryan Southam and owner Bill Reid bring the Mk.I Anson in close on the cameraship. Photo: Rob Fox (inset) The team at Ardmore in September 2012 left to right pilot Sean Perrett; Bill & Robyn Reid; Daniel Frew; Scott Tudor, who was an apprentice on the Anson project; Martin Reid & Mike Cole. Photo: James Kightly 22 WARBIRD DIGEST #49 JULY/AUGUST 2013 WARBIRD DIGEST #49 JULY/AUGUST

SPECIAL RESOURCE SECTION WARBIRD RIDE PROGRAMS The Liberty Foundation CAF Airbase Arizona The Collings Foundation CAF B-29/B-24 Squadron CAF SoCal Wing Warbird Adventures, Inc.

4 SPECIAL RESOURCE SECTION WARBIRD RIDE PROGRAMS The Liberty Foundation CAF Airbase Arizona The Collings Foundation CAF B-29/B-24 Squadron CAF SoCal Wing Warbird Adventures, Inc. Cavanaugh Flight Museum Yankee Air Force, Inc. The Ride of a Lifetime! Introduction by Greg Morehead HUMANS KNOW the most exciting experiences in life often involve the pursuit of activities that stimulate as many God-given senses that a person has. Whether the thrill comes from skydiving, whitewater rafting, or flying in an airplane, the search for excitement fills a primal need. Marrying an exciting experience with one that stirs emotions; including reverence, patriotism, and a sense of connection with past generations, is something unique to the warbird flight experience. Maybe this phenomenon explains the ability of a B-17 to land at a small town airport and sell $450 rides all weekend long. Whatever the explanation, the public is responding to warbird ride programs more than ever. The public interest in these machines, and their support for maintaining them in flying condition, proves the belief that Americans want these airplanes to continue to fly. There are a few different ways a person can obtain a flight on one of these icons of World War II. The first is the most difficult, yet probably the most rewarding and should be considered by those who want a long term connection. Join a warbird organization that has a crewed aircraft and to work as a crew member, thereby earning flights. Another avenue is to become a member with an organization that offers a ride as a benefit of membership. The easiest way to get into the sky within a warbird (funds permitting) is to book a flight on an aircraft that belongs to an organization that possesses a Living History Flight Experience (LHFE) exemption from the FAA. An FAA document explained the creation of the LHFE program: In 1996 the FAA granted an exemption from various requirements of part 91 and part 119 to an aviation museum/ foundation allowing the exemption holder to operate a large, crew-served, piston-powered, multi-engine, World War II bomber carrying passengers for the purpose of preserving U.S. military aviation history. The document went on to say, In granting the exemption, overwhelming public interest in preserving U.S. aviation history In 2007 the FAA policy was amended to consider other types of aircraft than the original mandate. Unfortunately in 2011 the FAA decided to stop granting any new exemptions, effectively blocking fledgling organizations from gaining access to the life-blood of their warbird aspirations. The reason for the moratorium on new exemptions was the FAA continued to receive more and more requests for exemptions of newer generation, more complex aircraft. Without going too deep into the political debate over the moratorium or the LHFE, it is only important to know that more now than ever it is critical for public to support the need for LHFE exemptions. Judging from air shows and tour programs across the country, this support seems assured. None of the politics matters to a young person who wants to know what granddad experienced as his hands held the guns or plotted a course, or held the control yoke. It doesn t matter to an adult who always dreamed of climbing into the back seat of a dive bomber or a P-51 Mustang, and finally said to himself, I m not getting any younger so now is the time to knock this one off my bucket list! Of course among the most devoted warbird addicts there is always a need for the next warbird fix. Whatever the motivation, the demand is there. To fill the demand for warbird rides we have gathered some of the premier organizations offering flight experiences and present them to you with the hope you will take advantage of these amazing opportunities to fulfill not only the primal need for excitement, but also the cognitive need to connect with the past, to understand the generation that flew these planes into combat, and in a way to gain a better understanding of who we are. Photo: Stephen Schapiro WARBIRD DIGEST #49 JULY/AUGUST

FIFI and Friends CAF units combine to create AirPower Squadron Story by Steve Schapiro Photography by Scott Slocum and Steve Schapiro IF YOU WERE IN Southern

Flying up the Pacifi c Coast was a formation of six World War II aircraft led by FIFI, the last airworthy B-29, and its four Wright- 3350s droning in unison.

5 FIFI and Friends CAF units combine to create AirPower Squadron Story by Steve Schapiro Photography by Scott Slocum and Steve Schapiro IF YOU WERE IN Southern California this past March you may have seen, and heard, something in the sky that has never been in the air before. Flying up the Pacifi c Coast was a formation of six World War II aircraft led by FIFI, the last airworthy B-29, and its four Wright- 3350s droning in unison. No longer enemies, the CAF Southern California Wing s Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero, one of five original Zeros still fl ying, joins the only airworthy B-29, FIFI, over the Salton Sea. Photo: Scott Slocum 50 WARBIRD DIGEST #49 JULY/AUGUST 2013

POOR LITTLE lambs The Aircraft from the TV series Baa Baa Black

Black Sheep turned many young American boys into life-long fans

five-years-old when the show debuted in September 1976.

VMF- 214, or a debate about the historical accuracy of the

It is simply a history of the Corsairs used on the show and a

pilots: Thomas Friedkin, Steve Hinton, Steve Rosenberg, and the

(main photo) Four Corsairs, a TBM, and three B-25s at Chino

6 POOR LITTLE lambs The Aircraft from the TV series Baa Baa Black Sheep Story by Stephen Chapis THE SHORT-LIVED TV series Baa Baa Black Sheep turned many young American boys into life-long fans of the famed Corsair, including the author who was five-years-old when the show debuted in September What follows is not a biography of Pappy Boyington, a history of VMF- 214, or a debate about the historical accuracy of the series. It is simply a history of the Corsairs used on the show and a collection of memories from four of the Black Sheep television pilots: Thomas Friedkin, Steve Hinton, Steve Rosenberg, and the late Bill Yoak. (main photo) Four Corsairs, a TBM, and three B-25s at Chino Airport in February 1977, filming Episode 23- Last One For Hutch. Corsairs L-R: FG-1D BuNo 92132, F4U , F4U , and F4U-1A Photo: Frank Mormillo 56 WARBIRD DIGEST #49 JULY/AUGUST 2013

(top) The 2013 Planes of Fame Air Show began with a unique missing man formation.

North American P-51D Mustang and Chris Fahey in the Planes of Fame Air Museum s North American F-86F Sabre.

California. This year s theme, Lightning Strikes Chino, celebrated having six Lockheed P-38 Lightnings on display, with fi ve of them taking to the skies for daily demonstrations.

7 (top) The 2013 Planes of Fame Air Show began with a unique missing man formation. John Maloney led in the Planes of Fame Air Museum s Boeing P-26A Peashooter, along with Steve Hinton in The Fighter Collection s Curtiss P-40C Tomahawk, John Hinton in the Planes of Fame Air Museum s North American P-51D Mustang and Chris Fahey in the Planes of Fame Air Museum s North American F-86F Sabre. Photo: Frank Mormillo Planes of Fame Airshow 2013 Lightning Strikes Story by Scott Germain AMERICA S PREMIERE WARBIRD museum held its annual airshow on May 4-5, 2013, at the Chino airport in southern California. This year s theme, Lightning Strikes Chino, celebrated having six Lockheed P-38 Lightnings on display, with fi ve of them taking to the skies for daily demonstrations. (bottom-left) Robby Patterson makes an impressive pass in front of the air show crowd in Jim Slattery s Douglas A-1E Skyraider. Photo: Roger Cain There are only seven airworthy in the world. Founded by Ed Maloney in 1957, POF has always been a recognized leader in the warbird movement. Their reputation continues today with a worldfamous collection of warbirds from the 1930s to present. Starting with 10 aircraft in the late 50s, today s collection contains approximately 150 aircraft, of which 50 are flyable. Warbird fans make their yearly trek to Chino for the airshow because the museum always has a unique theme or event. In past years, the airshow has featured five Grumman Bearcats flying together, three P-38s together, or three Zeros together. Pacific, European, and Korean War-themed flying displays have also been featured. The airshow also debuts new restorations fresh out of the shop. Having five flying P-38s this year was a huge draw, and the grounds seemed rather full despite cloudy weather and the threat of rain on Sunday. Approximately 35,000 were in attendance over the weekend show. (bottom-right) John Curtiss Paul brought P-51C Mustang Boise Bee down from the Warhawk Air Museum in Nampa, Idaho. Part of the success of the Planes of Fame airshow is how they team up with other quality air museums to provide a wide range of aircraft on display. Photo: Scott Germain WARBIRD DIGEST #49 JULY/AUGUST

THE AERIAL BALLET of the Great War Flying Museum has entertained Canadian and American airshow goers

With up to six replica aircraft from World War I the museum performs aerial dogfights during the

Ace and Victoria Cross recipient Billy Bishop.

Along with a modest size hangar the museum features a second building that houses many World War I

8 THE AERIAL BALLET of the Great War Flying Museum has entertained Canadian and American airshow goers in the Great Lakes region since With up to six replica aircraft from World War I the museum performs aerial dogfights during the summer months that feature the likes of Manfred von Richthofen (Red Baron) mixing it up with Canadian Ace and Victoria Cross recipient Billy Bishop. The museum is located at Brampton Airport (CNC3) in Caledon, north of Toronto. Along with a modest size hangar the museum features a second building that houses many World War I artifacts. THE GREAT WAR FLYING MUSEUM Story and Photography Eric Dumigan (main-photo) Edward P. Soye fl ying the SE5a leads Keith Robb in the Fokker Dr.1 Triplane during a photo-shoot at the Geneseo Airshow. 74 WARBIRD DIGEST #49 JULY/AUGUST 2013

The Duxford Air Show.

The Duxford Air Show... Text: Pictures: Flying Legends 2011 Flying Legends is perhaps the best known warbirds airshow in Europe, Year for year it attracts unique participants besides firm favourites. In