Quonset Airshow 2010 Wrap Up or, How I broke the law for a good cause.

Working as vendor is a double-edged sword. On one hand I do get to meet some really cool cats with some great stories. I also get to play a role as somewhat of an authority on flying (“Wow, you fly that?” Why yes, yes I do.) At the same time, sometimes I guess I wouldn’t mind just being a spectator.

The show was barely enjoyable for me based solely on the account of the weather for the weekend. It was hot, and humid enough for me to sweat in areas I didn’t know were anatomically possible. It felt like the sun was mere inches from my face at all times regardless of where I tried to seek refuge. Somehow I managed to escape without the traditional third-degree sunburn.

At the end of Sunday’s festivities there was a whole lot of hurry-up-and-wait going on. We had two airplanes (Cessna 172SP and the D(!)) that we couldn’t move until a fence came down. The show was over by 4 and we were told 6pm would be the earliest time we could move our stuff. I seized the opportunity.

Now, I don’t condone breaking rules. I don’t condone doing anything stupid at an airport. However, I am a big proponent of taking the occasional risk if opportunity waits on the other side. In this case “the other side” is quite literal in that I was eyeballing the performers hangar stocked with Tucker’s Wolfpitts, and Goulian’s Extra. Of course, several armed members of the Army prevented the General Public from accessing this illustrious spot of airport real estate. But, wait…I’m not general public! I’m a pilot. I’ve met each of those guys before. I belong over there.

I turned to our crew and announced that I was going to go do something stupid. I walked up to the guards, pretended I knew what the heck I was doing and meandered right on through to the hangar. No fuss, no muss. Next thing ya know I’m hanging out by Goulian’s Extra with David Kicklighter his ferry pilot and crew chief. Mike was there too but preoccupied with some official business. I asked Kicklighter point blank “how do I get into the airshow business.” His answer was profound with its simplicity. He knew I’m flying the D. His only real comment: “keep doing exactly what you’re doing. Get as much tailwheel experience you can and keep meeting as many people as you can.”

Well that felt pretty good.

Next up, I should be back in the saddle of the D again this week as long as the thunderstorms stop timing their arrival to coincide perfectly with my departure. I would say at this point that there is a 0% chance that I won’t be an airshow pilot.

Disclaimer: I didnt really break any rules or laws. I had been through the restricted area many time over the weekend but always in a group of people as we had to take care of some business with the Air Gaurd. As a spectator I would never cross any lines without authorization and neither should you!