A
t a recent round-table discussion
at the Challenge offices, we were
bemoaning that fact that the great
Warbird and classic aircraft shows are
now pretty much a thing of the past.
Events such as Breckenridge, Chino,
Harlingen, Merced, Shafter, Watsonville,
Madera, Titusville, Geneseo, Porterville
and others are now either just fading
memories or function as greatly scaled-
back events. Why is that? Well, there
are numerous reasons. The economy
greatly figures into this decline along
with decreasing interest from the
younger generation. Fuel and
insurance costs are going off
the charts while more and
more restrictions are being
added for both spectators
and pilots alike. Also, in
airshows of the past theWarbirds tended to be owned by the
pilots that flew them in. Today, we find
large numbers of these aircraft owned by
a relatively small group of individuals,
Thus, motivation to take planes to shows
may not be as strong. However, there are
still some gems out there and we will take
a look at two events.
During the 1970s/1980, Madera,
California, hosted one of the great
Warbird shows — a huge variety of
aircraft came from all over to participate
in what we have to call “fun” flying. Well,
Madera is fighting its way back. This year
saw the fifth annual Madera Warbirds
Reunion and Classic Car Show. Located
off historic Highway 99 in central
California, this is not really an airshow
but more of a memory of the famous
“Gathering of Warbirds” that began at
Chandler Field in Fresno and continued
at Madera through 1991. Then, the new
organizers moved the event to the Fresno
Air Terminal where it promptly failed.
For the past five years, Madera has
been attempting toWARBIRD & CLASSIC REPORT • WARBIRD & CLASSIC REPORT • WARBIRD & CLASSIC REPORT • WARBIRD & CLASSIC REPORT • WARBIRD & CLASSIC REPORT • WARBIRD & CLASSIC REPORT
CALIFORNIA
WINGS
THE GREAT WARBIRD AND CLASSIC AIRCRAFT SHOWS MAY WELL BE A THING
OF THE PAST, BUT THERE ARE STILL PLENTY OF SMALLER EVENTS THAT
OFFER A FANTASTIC VARIETY OF FLYING MACHINES
COMPILED BY DOUG FISHER BY ROGER CAIN12 AIR CLASSICS/August 2022
The Smokewinders
on Dennis Sanders’
Sea Fury leave an
unusual trail down
the Ione runway.