If I wasn't working as much as I am (going on another overnighter yet again today) I would be going to more events myself. I was able to make some of AOPA's convention last year (not nearly as much as I would have liked to) and it was right at my airport and in the city next to me. These events are more fun than a barrel of drunk monkeys and you meet terrific people and see all sorts of marvelous planes and have a ball! Did I mention the food? lol There was even a band and a big bbq right on the field at LGB when I went.
Here is a list of just what is on AOPA's site:
AOPA Online : Aviation Calendar Events
You can reserach flying clubs in whatever city you live in and near by and flyins and also airshows in those cities right on the net.
I encourage anyone with a love of flying to attend some events and have a wonderful day in the sun with terrtific people and great planes. Bring your dog, bring your wife, bring your friends, bring a cooler and a chair, bring whatever. It's all about the fun and the joy of flight. You won't regret a single second.
Here is another link for Airshows: (there are a zillion of these on the net)
2011 Airshow Schedule
Hells bells Laidback, that is a terrific story. I have met/seen him a few times in the past. He was always at various aviation events. Terrific man. Seriously, a great guy. He is an icon. He has spoken, flown and appeared just everywhere. Yeager referred to him as the best Test pilot in the world at one time. He is considered one of the founding fathers of modern aerobatics, and was described by Jimmy Doolittle as, "the greatest stick-and-rudder man who ever lived." Can you imagine? In the Centennial of Flight edition of the Air & Space Smithsonian, he was named the third greatest aviator in history. It was an honor and an amazing experience for you to have met him, I am sure.
I couldn't begin to count the awards and honors that he has earned in his aviation career. Just to see him in his P-51 or in any plane is something you will never forget. He's an amazing and extraordinary aviatior. His skill is truly unparalleled. Along with the likes of Neil Armstrong, he holds the Wright Brothers Master Pilots Trophy.
This puppy??? Gotta love planes with wheel pants!!! Saw one last year going for 55 grand. Classic.
Bookmarks