AirShowPix Productions
"Where Images Take Flight"
Father's Day Fly-In
| 43rd Annual Father's Day
Fly-In - A Salute to Our Armed Forces - By Clark Cook,
Editor Columbia, CA - Since 1966, the Father's Day Fly-In at the Columbia Airport has grown into a favorite family tradition. Located near the historical town of Sonora California, nearly 1,500 people attended the two day event under near perfect weather conditions. Aviation enthusiasts were able to enjoy a pancake breakfast at the  campground
across the runway, then get shuttled to the flightline for a very close
look of at least three different P-51 Mustangs departing and making low
level passes over the runway. In addition to the P-51's that flew most
of the day, airplane rides were sold from the airport's own Springfield
flying service, operating two Cessna 172's and a Stearman Bi-Plane.
Rides were also sold from a company based in Stockton, flying a Twin
Beech.The airfield, normally an uncontrolled airstrip had a temporary control tower in place, with people from NorCal Approach keeping us all safe. Arriving aircraft, both vintage and modern provided for excellent photographic opportunities throughout the morning. The official flying started with members of the local Color Guard presenting our nation's flag as a local resident sang the National Anthem. As the music concluded, two P-51's in tight formation made a left banking banana pass over the runway. Shortly after, the Mustangs were joined by a pair of Homebuilt Rocket aircraft. The Rockets which are high performance aircraft had no problem keeping up with the Mustang duo as they flew past the crowd. Cal-Fire, which has an Air Attack Base at the Columbia Airport, demonstrated the fire fighting tactics of putting out wildfires. The unit operates a pair of S-2T Tankers and an OV-10 Bronco, supplemented by a UH-1 Super Huey helicopter. Cal-Fire did have a real time call, but returned in time to perform the demonstration. The OV-10 
took to the air first, followed by the S-2T Tankers and UH-1 Helicopter.
As the OV-10 orbited high above a mock scenario, the tankers were
positioning west of the airfield for their water drops as the UH-1
equipped with a Bambi Bucket flew to nearby New Melones Lake for a water
pickup. The OV-10, which also has a lead plane role, flew fast and low
over the runway with a trail of smoke to mark the drop locations for the
tankers that followed behind. The first tanker dropped one continuous
line of water, while the second tanker performed a series of smaller
drops, followed by the UH-1 dropping water west of the runway. Other flying events included demonstrations from AirMed Medivac Helicopter based on the airfield, remote controlled model airplanes and helicopters from a local R.C. club and a banner pickup/drop. The Coast Guard C-130 unit based in Sacramento made a low high speed pass and a slower pass with the rear cargo bay door open, as the crew waved to the crowd. In addition to the flying events, people were able to see many of the vintage aircraft on display up close. Cal-Fire also offered tours of the tanker base each day. One of the unique features of Columbia Airport is its fly in only campground. Pilots can stay in one of 25 camp sites or pitch their tent under the wing of their airplane. Several flying organizations use Columbia Airport and the campground for their annual events. For more information about the Columbia Airport, please visit www.tuolumnecounty.ca.gov. |