NAS North Island Open House

[Jay Beckman]

February 12, 2011.

Via the Indy Transponder: ComNavAir announces an open call to any and all owners or operators of historic Naval aircraft to participate in fly past activities or static display at NAS North Island.

http://indytransponder.blogspot.com/2010/10/to-all-naval-aviation-aircraft-owners.html

Road trip anyone?

[Matt Ottosen]

February 12, 2011.

Road trip anyone?

Sounds like a good idea!

[Jbong]

I am game... I love this time of year.

[Jay Beckman]

Just found out through another source that there's a twist at North Island for this Open House.
Civilian aircraft will only be allowed to participate in fly bys.  No landings at North Island.
I have a feeling that this could have a bit of a chilling effect on things.  Why fly all the way to SD and not be allowed to be on display?
I guess there's lots of warbirds in SoCal that could just fly down, go around the pattern a couple times and then go home but <Shrug>

Seems kinda dumb to me.

[Chris Kennedy]

According to their release, plane owners have the option of static display of their aircraft.

"Surrounding this flyover, there will also be an Open House on Naval Air Station North Island.  If you feel your aircraft would be better served as a static showcase for this Open House, we would be glad to provide you the space for displaying your beautiful piece of history."

[Jay Beckman]

I get the feeling that that's changed since the original announcement went out.

My guy (up in NorCal) tells me that several folks he knows with very old aircraft (Bleriot, Curtiss and similar first generation "Langly-era" aircraft) were going to take them to North Island by truck but have since decided not to because they won't be welcome on base property and aren't substantial enough to base out of say, Montgomery and just do fly bys.

Guess we'll find out more as it gets closer.