By Brent Mosbrook
The Central Coast Airfest returned Sept. 12–13 this year. Once again, Planes of Fame outdid themselves with an incredible lineup, family-friendly events, and a smoothly run operation from parking to seating, to flawless execution of the lineup! In contrast to many other shows this year, the weather also cooperated. The ocean led to the predictable morning fog, which was one of the factors in not hosting the photographers’ favorite “sunrise access” pass for the flightline. However, the fog lifted in plenty of time for the show, and the sun was shining with a mild breeze for a perfectly enjoyable day. To download or purchase prints of Brent Mosbrook’s photos, click HERE.
While there didn’t appear to be a particular theme, Planes of Fame is known for its very strong warbird lineup, always bringing in some special surprises from around the country. If I had to anoint a theme, I would say it was “drop tanks”. Whether by design or due to flying in from other states, a good number of the aircraft featured drop tanks this year. In the days leading up to the show, I was fortunate to be able to complete several air-to-air photo sessions with some of the pilots.
(Image credit: Brent Mosbrook)
The first such flight was quite unique. Mark Peterson was scheduled to fly his A-37 Dragonfly. This aircraft was designed to replace the A-1 Skyraider as the Vietnam War was beginning, performing FAC operations. This particular aircraft is itself a combat veteran – completing hundreds of missions during the war. As the flight briefing started, Jason Somes offered to fly his Mig-17 to make it a “Vietnam Flight”; who could refuse? We took off from Santa Mara and headed over to the coast for some stunning background scenery. What sticks in my mind is the incredible noise that the Dragonfly’s GE J85 turbojets generate. Communication via headset was nearly impossible due to the proximity of the jet.
(Image credit: Brent Mosbrook)
(Image credit: Brent Mosbrook)
The next day, after Kevin Eldridge completed his practice routine over the airport, he flew POF’s F-86 Sabre for a quick photo mission. My father was a 40-year North American Aviation employee, and I grew up watching Bob Hoover speak at various employee events and fly in airshows, so this aircraft has always been special to me. I have been on a quest to shoot the F7F Tigercat for many years, in awe of its power and grace, and of its performances at numerous previous POF shows. This year, my persistence paid off, and Jay Consalvi flew Lewis Air Legends’ F7F “Here Kitty, Kitty”. This Navy fighter looked perfectly at home over the Pacific Ocean. On Friday evening, POF held its evening reception for sponsors and VIPs, featuring a few performances at sunset. For more information about the Planes of Fame Air Museum, visit planesoffame.org. To learn more about the Central Coast Airfest, visit www.centralcoastairfest.com. To download or purchase prints of Brent Mosbrook’s photos, click HERE.
(Image credit: Brent Mosbrook)
(Image credit: Brent Mosbrook)
