Janie Tran with Pilot Stephanie Goetz in front of her Aero Vodochody L-39C Albatros. Image by Joe Seemayer
by Janie Tan
The 43rd Annual Wings Over Camarillo Air Show took place on August 17-18, drawing crowds with spectacular performances and meaningful causes. One of the event’s highlights was the Red Bull helicopter, piloted by Aaron Fitzgerald, along with the L-39C Albatros, known as The Pink Jet #Fly4Cancer. The Pink Jet spread awareness about breast cancer, emphasizing the importance of early detection. As a symbol of Strength, Hope, Compassion, and Resilience, it was piloted by some of the world’s most extraordinary female aviators, all volunteering for this vital cause.
This year’s theme, “Saluting Test Pilots,” set the stage for a weekend filled with jaw-dropping aerobatic flights, classic biplanes, and vintage aircraft from WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. Attendees were also treated to an impressive display of classic cars and hands-on exhibits in the expanded STEM Pavilion. Gates opened at 9 a.m., with early arrivals eager to explore the aircraft and classic vehicles on display before the air show began.
The STEM Pavilion was a hub of innovation, featuring robotics exhibitions and showcasing the latest advancements in aviation, aerospace, and other STEM fields. It provided families with the opportunity to watch drones and UAVs in action, learn about the science of flight, participate in hands-on activities, and discover educational opportunities in STEM. Various businesses and aviation professionals sponsored the pavilion, sharing their passion for aviation and STEM with local youth through interactive booths and activities.
As the day unfolded, the Food Court offered an expanded selection of vendors, ensuring that everyone could find something to enjoy. With ample space and great views, attendees could relax and savor the air show from any spot. This year’s Wings Over Camarillo Air Show offered a wide range of activities, making it a memorable experience for the entire family.
Learn more: https://visitcamarillo.com/wings-over-camarillo-air-show/
Living History Presentation – Brigadier General David G. Smith & The B-52
On Saturday, August 24, 2024, from 11 am – 2 pm, the Commemorative Air Force Southern California Wing Aviation Museum will host a talk with Brigadier General David G. Smith, a Special Assistant to the Commanding General for the California State Guard. He retired from the United States Air Force with his most recent military duties as the Inspector General for Edwards AFB and an Experimental Test Flight Radar Navigator attached to the 419th Flight Test Squadron. Currently, he is the Director of the multi-billion-dollar Air Force Production and Flight Test Facility at Plant 42 at the Palmdale Airport. Listen to General Smith as he chronicles his broad-ranged adventures in the military, in flight, and with the California State Guard. The event will conclude, weather, operations, and maintenance permitting, with CAF So Cal flying one of their SNJs for you.
There will also be several iconic CAF So Cal flyable aircraft on display, such as the Grumman F6F Hellcat, the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, and a MiG-17. After the event, their docents will be available to answer questions about the exhibits and offer guided tours of their museum. Light refreshments will be available during the event. Don’t forget to ask about their Warbird Ride Program. Experience what it was like to fly in a Warbird back in the day.
Camarillo Airport, 455 Aviation Drive, Camarillo. A suggested $15 donation per adult is requested to attend.
About the CAF Southern California Wing:
The CAF Southern California Wing is a volunteer organization with members from many different backgrounds. The wing is dedicated to preserving the history of WWII aircraft for generations to come. This CAF location is assigned 12 authentic military aircraft maintained and operated by their volunteers. In addition to flying aircraft, the wing has a wide-ranging collection of World War artifacts displayed in a Hangar Museum. Their opening hours are Friday and Saturday, 10 AM to 4 PM, and Sunday, 12 PM to 4 PM. They are closed Monday through Thursday and on some holidays. The newly expanded wing, at over 55,000 square feet, includes three hangar complexes to house their museum, flying aircraft, warbird restorations, and gift shop. The CAF Southern California Wing is located at the Camarillo Airport at 455 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010. www.cafsocal.com, (805) 482-0064.
About the Commemorative Air Force:
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is the world’s largest flying military aircraft museum. For more than 60 years, the CAF has been dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition, education, and remembrance. Fulfilling its mission, the organization maintains airplanes in flying condition – take the airplanes to the people to experience firsthand the aircraft’s sight and sound in flight. The CAF is a non-profit educational association with more than 11,000 members and a fleet of 165 vintage military aircraft distributed throughout the U.S. For more information, visit www.CommemorativeAirForce.org.
