2009 is fast approaching. Who says they flew too much in 2008? Right. Let's fix that in 2009. Here is one possibility:
I spotted this notice on Avweb:
The National Biplane Association board of directors, citing costs, has announced that 2009 will witness the "final aviation event for the organization." Over 23 years, some 2,500 biplanes and 7,000 other aircraft have drawn some 75,000 fans to the Biplane Expo, but times are changing. The events ran annually since 1987 and included exhibits, type club gatherings, forums and seminars, attendee-decided aircraft judging, aviation rides and famous personalities. With admission fees set at $5 and under, the 2008 event saw retired Air Force Colonel Joseph Kittinger speak. An earlier year included Paul Tibbets of Enola Gay fame. But increasing staffing requirements and costs have conspired with a deteriorating economy to pull the plug. Enthusiasts are now facing what is being billed as the Grande Finale at Bartlesville, Okla., June 4-6.
The coming year's honored guest is yet to be announced. The National Biplane Association was formed as a non-profit organization in 1987 to "educate the general public on the history and development of biplane aircraft and to promote their preservation." Membership is open to anyone interested in biplanes and in preserving them.
So, if we ever want to say we went there, our last chance is approaching.With the current price of fuel, it may not be an inexpensive trip but:
- None of us are getting any younger
- Avgas will probably never be as cheap as the summer of 2009 again
- It should be a load of fun, especially if we end up with a big group
From my base at Parkside, I would head South through the central valley of California, turn East at Bakersfiled and then head to Bartlesville via Palm Springs and Albequerque.
Please respond to this idea, and send this email along to other biplane friends you may have. Open to everyone, folks can join us and leave us anywhere along the route. And of course the route above is preliminary, changes are easily made for weather, to meet other
travelers, whatever.
Please let me know what you think!
Peter
Peter van Schoonhoven