by Molly Walsh
Look to the skies this Father’s Day weekend during the 24th Anniversary Olympic Air Show organized by the Olympic Flight Museum. On June 15 and 16, crowds are expected to gather at the Olympia Regional Airport for stunning displays and aerobatic demonstrations from antique aircraft and beyond. The Olympic Air Show grants a unique opportunity to watch these types of aircraft in action in the South Puget Sound region, with additional family-friendly activities and attractions on the ground.
The Olympic Flight Museum is home to a collection of aircraft that span the decades, ranging from historic World War II-era combat planes such as the P-51D Mustang, to the mid-20th century military rescue helicopter, Kaman HH-43 Huskie.
Teri Thorning, coordinator for the Olympic Air Show said there will be both museum aircraft in addition to visiting headlining aircraft that will be performing throughout the weekend. Gates will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days of the show, and the opening ceremony will begin around noon each day, with flight performances following soon after. Thorning added that this airshow is one of the few of its type still operating in Washington state, especially outside of a military base.
“There’s greater emphasis on air shows because there are so few of them around,” said Thorning. “This is the museum’s way of engaging with the community and showcasing what we do and … what our mission is, is education and preservation of historic airplanes and helicopters. And it is a … privilege of ours to actually exhibit them to the public for their enjoyment and for them to learn more about their history.”
Two classics in this year’s lineup are from the Olympic Flight Museum collection, including the AH-1 Cobra and UH-1 Huey helicopters. Thorning said these helicopter demonstrations can help educate the public about the important role, versatility and precision required in military aircraft flight.
“Those are two Vietnam-era helicopters that fly in a sequence or perform together,” said Thorning. “And they’re very impressive helicopters that crowds absolutely love seeing.”
Also from the flight museum is the North American P-51D Mustang, a fighter plane that garnered widespread use during World War II. Another World War II-related plane in the lineup is The Mitsubishi A6M “Tora” Zero, which Thorning said is a replica of the authentic Japanese fighter planes that were used during the Second World War, and is included in the airshow each year. The Aero Vodochody L-39ZO Albatross was created in Czechoslovakia in the 1960s and was an often-used jet for Warsaw Pact countries, according to Thorning.
An anticipated lineup of guest aircraft is also part of this year’s airshow, including a Consolidated PBY-5A CATALINA, also known as “Princess of the Stars” from 1943. The airshow will welcome this visiting plane from the Soaring by the Sea Foundation based in Eugene, Ore. Thorning said this large, amphibious “flying boat” will be part of the aerobatic performances on both days of the airshow. There will also be ground tours of the plane available for a small fee.
From the Erickson Aircraft Collection in Madras, Ore. is the Curtiss P-40E Kittyhawk. Thorning said although over 13,000 P-40 aircraft were built by the end of their production in 1944, there are not many remaining in flying capacity.
A main attraction for the air show is a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, which also hails from the Erickson Aircraft Collection. This particular plane is named “Ye Olde Pub” to pay tribute to service members who flew over German skies in World War II, said Thorning. There will also be rides available in the B-17 during the event.
“Sticking with our reputation for bringing great historical planes to the Olympia area, Thurston County, for the airshow, this is what the Museum does and it’s what we do best.” said Thorning “And we are excited to feature these … for the enjoyment of our public and our visiting community people and citizens. We just love doing this.”
The airshow will also feature a Huey helicopter aerial firefighting demonstration from the Washington State Department of Natural Resources and the Wildland Fire Management Division. The Washington State Patrol (WSP) has their aviation division headquartered at the Olympia Regional Airport, said Thorning, and will be holding an open house where attendees can visit the WSP hangar and learn more about their aviation-related operations.
There will also be performances from the “Sky Dancing,” Anna Serbinenko in a Super Decathlon, an aerobatic-friendly plane from the Canadian Flight Centre as well as the West Coast Ravens, a group of pilots who fly RV aircraft in formation.
On the ground, attendees can also enjoy a range of family-friendly attractions, food vendors and a beer garden. Displays include a patrol boat from the Vietnam War period, from the Northwest Chapter of The Game Wardens Association and a World War II pop-up “museum” from the Friends of Willie and Joe group.
WHAT:
24th Anniversary Olympic Air Show
WHEN:
9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, June-Sunday, June 15-16
WHERE:
Olympic Flight Museum/Olympia Regional Airport
7637 Old Hwy 99 SE, Tumwater
COST:
Per person: $20 online, $25 at the door, $35 for a weekend pass, free for Age 6 & and under
LEARN MORE:
https://olympicairshow.com/