We all know that organizing an airshow is no small effort. Now imagine organizing one every year for 38 years, that is a lofty milestone for any airshow to reach, especially in challenging fiscal environments that have impacted many airshows. The California International Airshow (CIA) Salinas has always tried to set themselves apart, starting with the name. International performers have typically been featured in the Salinas event, although that would not be the case this year. Although there were plenty of performances during the day, the only international flavor would be two Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft on static display. Civilian performers in the lineup included Chuck Coleman in his Extra 300, Vicky Benzing with her distinctive scarlet Stearman, and airshow newcomer Tony Higa piloting his Pitts S1S.
were operating from nearby Monterey airport, which has a requisite 7,000 ft runway. Other military aircraft were onsite for display, ranging from the Travis-based C-5M Super Galaxy at one end of the tarmac to the NAS Lemoore VFA-122 F/A-18F Super Hornet at the other end. A fair number of civilian static displays were on hand including Cal Fire aircraft, a replica Nakajima torpedo bomber, and a smattering of vintage general aviation planes. Kudos to airshow organizers for providing one of the nicest media photo pits I’ve seen, complete with elevated shooting location. Note that for 2019, the show is being moved up to the weekend of March 23-24 and will feature the Blue Angels.
Warbird fans were rewarded with a duo of P-51 Mustangs and the Commemorative Air Force’s B-17G “Sentimental Journey” which performed flight demonstrations. Those wanting a bit more power enjoyed the performances by Jerry Conley in his sinister all-black de Havilland DH-115 Vampire jet trainer, and Greg Colyer with his T-33 Shooting Star “Ace Maker II”. Military flybys were conducted by a USAF C-130H Hercules from the Kentucky ANG and a USCG C-27J Spartan. All of the day’s flying, including some very-low level flight by monster trucks, led up to the headliner appearance by the USAF Thunderbirds. The T-birds
California International
Airshow Salinas
Article and photos by Hayman Tam