Central Coast Airfest

OCT 6-7

OFFICIAL PROGRAM PRINTED BY

PACIFIC P IC PREMIER B R BANK®

CENTRAL COAST JET CENTER

community groups, the Central Coast AirFest has something for everyone.

On behalf of the Santa Maria Public Airport District, our Board of Directors and hardworking airport staff, it gives me great pleasure to welcome you inside our fences to enjoy this family event. For months the airport has been working with our Air Show Director, Chris Kunkle and the AirFest Planning Committee made up of community volunteers assisting with planning the event. I can’t tell you how exciting our first AirFest promises to be.

The community support for this event has never been stronger and more enthusiastic based on the generosity Get ready donations. for a weekendThe of family fun and aerial time for the inaugural Central Coast AirFestto provide of sponsorship committee hasexcitement. booked aIt’snumber of outstanding performers th th scheduled for October 6 and 7 .

With entertainment in the sky and on the ground, a fleet of gourmet food of their skills and talents.

Getdemonstrations ready for a weekend of family fun and aerial excitement. It’s time for the inaugural Central Coast AirFest trucks, a craft beer th garden, th a Kid’s Zone, souvenirs and informational booths from many of our local scheduled for October 6 and . With entertainment in the sky on the ground, a fleet of gourmet food community groups, the 7 Central Coast AirFest has something for and everyone. trucks, a craft beer garden, aheadliners Kid’s Zone,include: souvenirs and informational booths from many of our local These world-renowned behalf the of the Santa Maria Public Airporthas District, our Boardfor of everyone.

Directors and hardworking airport staff, it community On groups, Central Coast AirFest something gives me great pleasure to welcome you inside our fences to enjoy this family event. For months the airport  has Thebeen Canadian Snowbirds, one of theChris world’s synchronized AirCommittee Forces made up of working with our Air Show Director, Kunklemost and the AirFest Planning On behalf of the Santa Maria Public Airport District, our Board of Directors and hardworking airport staff, it  community Eric Tucker and the debutwith of planning his comedy routine volunteers assisting the event.

I can’t tell you how exciting our first AirFest promises gives me to welcome you inside fences to enjoy this family event. For months the airport to be.pleasure  great Sammy Mason with his high energyour Pitts biplane has been working with our Air Show Director, Chris Kunkle and the AirFest Planning Committee made up of  John Cullversupport and his T-6 “Wardog” community thisplanning event has never been stronger enthusiastic based theAirFest generosity community The volunteers assistingfor with the event.

I can’t and tell more you how exciting ouron first promises  Jon Melby in the Hangar 24 biplane of sponsorship donations.

The committee has booked a number of outstanding performers to provide to be. of their skills andthe talents.  demonstrations Warbird demos including P-38 Lightning  These A Red Bull Airforce Parachute Jumpbeen stronger and more enthusiastic based on the generosity The community support for thisheadliners event has never world-renowned include:  Military flybys and including the C-130, F-15, C17, KC-135 and others of sponsorship donations.

The demos committee has booked a number of F-5, outstanding performers to provide  The Canadian Snowbirds, one of the world’s most synchronized Air Forces demonstrations their skills andairplanes talents. and helicopters  Manyofstatic display  Eric Tucker and the debut of his comedy routine  Sammy Mason with his high energy Pitts biplane These headliners include:Coast AirFest a top-notch, quality attraction for the community depends Ourworld-renowned ability to John helpCullver make thehisCentral and T-6 “Wardog” largely on theJon support community sponsors which totaled well over 40, a record achievement in itself. Our Melby inofthe Hangar 24 biplane  The Canadian Snowbirds, one of the most synchronized Air Coast.

Forces This community event will bring  Warbird demos including the P-38world’s Lightning sponsors represent all types of businesses from all over the Central  A Red Airforce Parachute Jumpenable  Eric Tucker and the debutcareers of his comedy routine more awareness toBull aviation and us to give back to the community through aviation  Military flybys and demos including the C-130, F-15, F-5, C17, KC-135 and others  Sammy Mason with his high energy Pitts biplane scholarships and monetary support to volunteer organizations.  Many static display airplanes and helicopters

A2 | October

2018 | Central Coast Newspapers

 John Cullver and his T-6 “Wardog” Jon Our Melby intothe Hangar 24Central biplane ability make with the AirFestdecision a top-notch, quality attraction for the a community depends I encourage you tohelp speak your Coast corporate makers about being part of next year’s show as a way largely on the support of community sponsors which totaled well over 40, a record achievement in itself.

Our  support Warbirdthe demos including themarket P-38 Lightning to community and your business. sponsors represent all types of businesses from all over the Central Coast. This community event will bring  A Red Bull Airforce Parachute Jump more awareness to aviation careers and enable us to give back to the community through aviation Military and demos including the C-130, F-15, F-5, C17, KC-135 and others I would alsoflybys like to offer a word of thanks to the AirFest Planning Committee, who dedicated a wealth of time to scholarships and monetary support to volunteer organizations.  Many displayevent airplanes helicopters bring this static world-class that and will by enjoyed by thousands of air show fans to Santa Maria.

I encourage you to speak with your corporate decision makers about being a part of next year’s show as a way to support the community and market your business.

OurSincerely ability to help make the Central Coast AirFest a top-notch, quality attraction for the community depends largely on the support of community totaled well Committee, over 40, awho record achievement itself.

I would also like to offer a wordsponsors of thanks towhich the AirFest Planning dedicated a wealth ofin time to Our sponsors represent all types of businesses from allbyover the Central Coast. community event will bring bring this world-class event that will by enjoyed thousands of air show fans This to Santa Maria. more awareness to aviation careers and enable us to give back to the community through aviation Sincerely scholarships and monetary support to volunteer organizations.

CHRIS HASTERT, CM I encourage you to speak with your corporate decision makers about being a part of next year’s show as a way to support the community and market your business.

CHRIS HASTERT, CM

I would also like to offer a word of thanks to the AirFest Planning Committee, who dedicated a wealth of time to bring this world-class event that will by enjoyed by thousands of air show fans to Santa Maria.

Sincerely

Airshow history goes back to dawn of aviation Events draw community together, encourage interest in aircraft

T

he Central Coast AirFest Committee, along with the Santa Maria Airport, is very excited to present the first annual Central Coast AirFest at the Santa Maria Airport on Oct. 6-7.

The history of airshows goes back almost to the dawn of aviation itself.

The first was the Grande Semaine d’Aviation de la Champagne, held near Reims, France in August 1909. As with JIM BRAY airshows today, it was designed to show off the latest aircraft and advancements in aviation technology; and almost all of the prominent aviators of the time took part.

Over 500,000 visitors attended the event, and it was sponsored by many of the leading makers of Champagne, including Moet et Chandon and Mumm.

The first major airshow in the United States was the Los Angeles InternationalAir Meet at Dominquez Field, which took place in January 1910. It is estimated that 254,000 people attended this 11-day event.

Today, airshows are as popular as ever. The Paris Airshow at Le Bourget Field (where Lindbergh landed), along with the Farnborough Airshow in England, are two of the largest airshows in the world, followed by airshows in Dubai and Singapore.

Le Bourget has been held every odd-year since 1949, and in 2017 attracted over 180,000 general public visitors as well as an estimated 3,450 journalists. The Farnborough International Airshow is a week-long airshow, that is held every

even-numbered year. It is held at the Farnborough Airport in Hampshire, United Kingdom, and is the second-largest after the Paris Air Show.

In addition to these major events, there are approximately 350 airshows per year in the U.S. and Canada. The Santa Maria Airport has its own history of airshows, though there has not been one here locally for the past several years. It obviously takes a great deal of time, energy, effort and community support to present a really first-class airshow, so you may ask ‘Why an airshow here in Santa Maria?’

Obviously, airshows are very popular throughout the world, but the local Central Coast AirFest Committee has some very strong reasons for bringing an airshow to Santa Maria.

The first is the fact that an airshow brings the community together, and is enjoyed by all ages and demographics.

The Central Coast AirFest will feature aircraft stretching back to World War II which will be on the ground for viewing, as well as aerial performances.

Headlining the event will be the Canadian Snowbirds air demonstration team which has thrilled audiences in both the U.S. and Canada. This airshow will also have food vendors, a beer garden, and a section for local non-profits, as well as a McDonald’s Kid’s Zone — truly a community event!

Secondly, an airshow is a great way to get young people interested in careers in aviation, both military and commercial. It is an opportunity to talk to aviation professionals, including pilots, mechanics and ground personnel, as well as our own local airport aviators and operators. Pilots are becoming a critical factor for both military and commercial aviation, and an airshow is a great way to inform young

people about careers in that particular aviation field.

An airshow is also a great way to introduce the community to aircraft that may have never been seen here locally.

The Central Coast AirFest is expected to attract over 50 different aircraft. With the tremendous support of our armed services, the show will also celebrate the power of American aircraft and it’s aircraft industry.

Finally, the Central Coast AirFest will show off the wonderful airport facilities located at the Santa Maria Airport. It is a great way to introduce our airport to potential air carriers, as well as the general aviation public. Given the scope, excitement and community support of the first annual Central Coast AirFest, we believe it will become one of the great American airshows, and a signature event on the Central Coast.

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | October 2018 |

A3

P-38 fighters fly over the Santa Maria Valley during World War II. Contributed photo Santa Maria Valley Historical Society‌

A4 | October

2018 | Central Coast Newspapers

Santa Maria Air Force training base hosted

Justin Ruhge CONT RI B U T ED‌

P-38 PILOTS

‌North of Camp Cooke was located one of the largest World War II bases on the West Coast.

The Santa Maria Army Air Base covered approximately 3,600 acres of land located about four miles south of the City of Santa Maria.

The main gate was located about

one mile west of Highway 101.

Land for the field was acquired sometime before 1942.

The air field was officially accepted by the Fourth Air Force for a bomber base on May 1, 1942.

Colonel Robin A. Day was placed in command. As was the case with most U.S. Bases during World War II, a historian was assigned to prepare a history of the facility. In this

case Edward E. Roed, Fist Lieutenant, was the historian. The original record of the base is at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama.

Due to its strategic coastal location, the Santa Maria Air Base was considered ideal for training of bombardment groups prior to overseas duty. However, the base was transferred to the Fourth Air Service Command in December 1942.

The field was used for service and support training with little emphasis on flying. The field grew monthly with the assignment of more recruit personnel, extension of roads, and construction of more red tar-paper-and-batten villages. New groups of trainees were PLEASE SEE PILOTS, Page A19

AIRFEST PERFORMERS Jon Melby‌

Jon Melby first learned to fly at age 8, when he created a pile of leaves on his Duluth, Minnesota lawn, climbed onto the roof of his two-story home, and jumped like a bird into the leaves! He has been hooked on flying ever since.

At the age of 12, he had the opportunity to meet the legendary airshow pilot Bob Hoover at a local airshow.

Bob Hoover’s sincerity and great personality gave Jon the inspiration to pursue his dream of flying.

When he was financially able, Jon made it a goal to achieve his solo in a glider before his 16th birthday. In only eight flights, he achieved his goal by riding his bicycle 45 miles each hot Arizona July weekend to the nearest glider airport. It was this type of determination that PLEASE SEE PERFORMERS, Page A7

Contributed‌

Jon Melby and his Hangar 24 bi-plane.

PLUMBING REPAIR P

925-9612

Call us before you try others

Lanini’s Plumbing Se Hablo Espanol Military & Senior Discount

Call and Make an Appointment

805-925-9612

Call Lanini’s Plumbing Repair, INC.

Est. 1970 - Proudly owned and operated by Eloise Lanini

Today to receive

$25.00

DISCOUNT

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | October 2018 | A5

Thank you for your continued support. We appreciate your business!

CENTRAL COAST AIRFEST 2018 GROUNDS LAYOUT OVERFLOW PREFERRED PARKING

UBER/LYFT

BUS STOP Ticketing

PERFORMER ACCESS

PREFERRED PARKING

RADISSON HOTEL

PERFORMER PARKING

KID ZONE

FOOD

irs

Souvenirs

CFR

CAT JOHN DEER

Tri-Valley Modelers

625 ft.

150 ft.

BEER

NON PROFIT

TABLES

STATIC

BEER GARDEN

Option #1

CASE

BEER

en uv

STAGE

Air Boss

SBCO SHERIFF

So

VIP

CHP

irs

TOW EQUIP

TABLES en uv

GEN

STATIC

So

70 ft.

SNOWBIRDS TRAILER

FOOD

245 ft.

MAIN ENTRANCE

BRIEFING ROOM

BEER

435 ft.

HOT RAMP

120 ft.

PD

BEEER GARDEN

TRACTORS Suzuki

STATIC

TWY T CLOSED

PRIMARY LANDING AREA

SECONDARY LANDING AREA

Central Coast AirFest 2018 Layout

N Y

A6

1 ft. = 0.0075

12 - 30

A7

TW

Y

A6 | October

H

TW

2018 | Central Coast Newspapers

TWY A

CFR

Performers

Advanced Aerobatic Team in 2013 when he was 19, and has placed in the top four at Nationals every year he’s participated. In 2016 he won the freestyle program.

Mason is currently competing in the Unlimited Level, and holds a 250 ft S.A.C card in the Pitts Special, Boeing Stearman and Fournier Glider. When he’s not flying aerobatics, he’s an ATP and fly captain on a Phenom 300.

From A5

inspired Jon to purchase an airplane at age 19, and then hire an instructor to learn to fly it.

He received his pilot’s license by flying every day for a period of three weeks, yet eventually yearned to do more in an airplane. In 1996, he purchased a Pitts S2B Biplane and spent three months training to compete in aerobatic contests.

During his first competition with 23 pilots, Jon achieved third place, and in the next two contests he won first and second place, awarding him enough points to become the Arizona State Sportsman champion his first year of competition flying. It was then that Jon knew that aerobatics was his love. Now, flying “extreme” freestyle aerobatics, Jon enjoys flying airshows so he can encourage both adults and children to pursue their dreams, much like Bob Hoover did for him.

Eric Tucker‌

Sammy Mason

Sammy Mason‌

Sammy Mason soloed a glider on his 14th birthday and soloed 10 different powered

airplanes on his 16th birthday including his family’s Stearman. He flew his first airshow in a glider when he was 16, and

started competing when he was 17.

Mason became the youngest member of the United States

Eric’s current aviation adventure is a throwback to the glory days of Barnstorming. Flying an aircraft built in 1941, but designed in the late 20s, Tucker will be performing three very distinct acts: Dead Stick Aerobatics: From a mile high in the sky, Tucker will intentionally kill the engine, stop the propeller and glide down to earth to a safe and gentle landing. But, to take it to the next level, Tucker will perform graceful PLEASE SEE PERFORMERS, Page A22

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | October 2018 | A7

AirFest ‘Air Boss’

has long history of overseeing quality airshows

A8 | October

2018 | Central Coast Newspapers

Contributed ‌Owen F. Ashurst was born and raised in Renton, Washington, just a couple of blocks from Renton Airport, home to The Boeing Company’s manufacturing facility. Renton Airport was Owen’s homeaway-from-home for much of his youth, and from where he took his first flight at five years of age.

After graduating from Renton High School in 1972, Owen joined the U.S. Army taking Basic Training in Ft. Ord, and Advanced Individual Training in Ft. Bliss, Texas. Following a tour of duty on the Korean Peninsula from 1973-74 as Chaparral Missile crewman in 2nd/61st ADA, he returned to the states to serve at Ft. Lewis, Washington in the 1st/67th ADA. Subsequent to his honorable discharge in 1975, Owen completed a degree program in Air Traffic Control in late 1980 and was slated to attend the FAA ATC Academy in Oklahoma City. A labor dispute in 1981 between the FAA and the air traffic controllers’ union forced a change in his career path.

Throughout his professional career, which includes management positions with the U.S. Postal Service and serving as

U.S. Postal Services Management Leadership Facilitator throughout the country, as well as almost 20 years in the legal profession for Eddie Bauer Inc., The Boeing Company and Nuance Communications Inc., Owen has continued to pursue a variety of aviation-related opportunities.

Owen was a tenured Docent at Seattle’s Museum of Flight for over 10 years when, in 2002, he began a 15-year career as a Pylon Judge for the Reno National Championship Air Races. He served in various levels of increased responsibilities, and Owen eventually was promoted to the position of Deputy Chief Judge. His responsibilities involved management oversight for the day-to-day operations of a staff of 130-plus Pylon Judges including but not limited to development and conducting training and mass briefings and development of numerous Standard Operating Procedures to ensure compliance with FAA regulatory requirement.

Owen was recently promoted to the position of Deputy Air Boss – Reno Air Races. In that position, Owen will have managing oversite of the entire operation as it relates to the air

show component of the weeklong event as well as serving in a similar capacity for the air racing component—a highly complex aviation event that requires the utmost in attention to detail and decision-making capabilities.

In 2011 Owen formed Air Boss One, LLC as its sole proprietor. As a member of the International Council of Air Shows, Owen has worked as an Air Boss for airshows throughout the United States featuring all the North American military jet teams, Air Combat Command demos and the who’s who of civilian performers. Owen is regarded as a very professional Air Boss who places the utmost importance on safety of all participants and guests while developing, planning, and executing an exciting airshow.

Owen also achieved a high level of professionalism in another very demanding avocation, spending 10 years working as an NCAA/NAIA college basketball official on the West Coast. Owen currently resides in San Elijo Hills, just north of San Diego. He has three daughters and six grandchildren, all of whom reside in the Seattle area.

Contributed‌

Owen Ashurst

“‌ The Consulate General of Canada is proud to support the 2018 edition of the Central Coast AirFest along with The Canadian Forces Snowbirds, 431 Air Demonstration Squadron. Our partnership is particularly relevant this year as our two countries are celebrating the 60th anniversary of NORAD (North American Aerospace Defense Command), the world’s only bi-national command. The United States is Canada’s most important ally and defense partner and our defense partnership provides both countries with greater security than could be achieved individually. In their 48th season, the Snowbirds continue to inspire with thrilling aerobatic performances and breathtaking fly-bys over cities and towns across Canada and the United States. This is going to be a great show! #FriendsPartnersAllies” - Consulate General of Canada in Los Angeles

Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds perform the Canada Burst.

Airshow piqued major’s interest in aviation career Jennifer Best CO N T R I B U T I NG WRI T E R‌

‌Canadian Air Force Major Megan Latta will embody the spirit of the inaugural Central Coast AirFest when she touches down in Santa Maria. It was an

airshow that piqued her interest in flight. Today, she’s an aerospace engineer and the aircraft maintenance engineering officer leading the 44-member crew that keeps one of North America’s finest flight crews in the air.

“Our whole goal is to connect the community. Air shows, for young people, are about getting that first exposure to possibilities in aviation careers.

It’s interesting. It’s awesome.

You can’t beat jets flying by and making a lot of noise,” said Chris Kunkle, Central Coast AirFest director and committee chairman.

North America is home to three, elite military jet teams: U.S. Navy Blue Angels, U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, and Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds.

In 2018, Santa Maria will serve as one of only 10 stops

in the U.S. for the Snowbirds, and their only appearance in California.

“It’s the 60th year of the relationship between the U.S. and Canadian armed forces in the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

It’s a big year for us. The neat thing about the Canadians is they’re out here promoting aviation, and their team brings more aircraft, they’re more

precise, and they’re more down to earth,” Kunkle said.

The team flies Canadian Air Force CT-114 Tutor aircraft designed and built in Canada

by Canadair. The aircraft served as the Canadians’ primary jet trainer until it was replaced by the CT-155 Hawk and CT-156 Harvard II in 2000.

PLEASE SEE SNOWBIRD, Page A10

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | October 2018 | A9

Central Coast AirFest is Snowbirds’ only California show in 2018

Snowbird From A9

The Tutor’s single GE J(AY)85 engine produces 2,700 pounds of thrust which propels the relatively light aircraft to speeds of over 460 mph. The straight-wing design creates a lot of lift and the controls are finely tuned, making it a classic sports car of the air. Despite its age, with the exceptional maintenance it receives, the Tutor is a perfect platform as a formation aerobatic demonstration jet.

“What you can expect to see is a ballet in the sky.”

A10 | October

2018 | Central Coast Newspapers

—Snowbird Public Affairs Officer Lieutenant Michele Tremblay

“The aircraft are fairly awesomely maintained by our special techs. It’s become a perfect aerobatic jet, like a race car of the air. It can go at varying speeds, and its maneuverability allows us to come as close as four feet, wing to wing,” said Snowbird Public Affairs Officer Lieutenant Michele Tremblay.

Major Denis Bandet of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, leads the team that is based out of 15 Wing Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. The team is comprised of more than 80 Canadian Armed Forces members, including Captain Sarah Dallaire, RCAF’s second-ever female pilot. As Snowbird Two, she leads the inner right wing throughout the performance, including the team’s signature maneuver, the Voo Doo Split.

“What you can expect to see is a ballet in the sky. We offer the most time on center stage because, while the other teams fly six jets, we fly nine.

We build our show every year to provide the maximum time at show center for the fans,” Tremblay said.

Together, while serving as ambassadors, all members of the Snowbirds showcase the skill, professionalism and teamwork inherent in the women and men of the Canadian Armed Forces.

Contributed‌

Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds

Corporal Joey Beaudin‌

Montage created in memory of Humboldt Broncos using image CX02-2018-0021-003 and the Humboldt Broncos Logo.

The Snowbirds show their respect to the Humboldt Broncos by performing a huddle, as Honourary Colonel Les Gould salutes the Bronco decal in 19 Wing Comox, British Columbia on April 12, 2018.

Contributed‌

CTV captures members of the Snowbirds as they create a heart.

Watch the Central Coast AirFest flight schedule for autograph-signing meet-andgreet sessions with the Snowbirds pilots and crew including

avionics, aircraft structure and mobile support technicians.

The Snowbirds’ “TankCam,” a modified smoke tank mounted on the belly of the

team lead’s aircraft, holds three, high-resolution cameras capable of capturing stunning video and imagery of the entire formation in flight. As a result, the #TankCam has the capability to capture rarely seen imagery of the formation,

including hometown scenery during airshows for spectators and fans to watch on the team’s official Facebook page.

Look for #TankCam for photos & videos and visit www.facebook.com/CFSnowbirdsFC.

Performer Eric Tucker brings smooth, safe and graceful flight to AirFest Aviator’s car-top landing offers a new spectator thrill Jennifer Best CO N T R I B U T I NG WRI T E R‌

Tyson V. Rininger / www.tvrphotography.com‌

Eric Tucker in his Piper J-3 Cub.

“The car-top landing is the raddest thing. It’s a total wrestling match. It’s pretty challenging and super personally satisfying.”

—Eric Tucker

While other teens were out cruising the streets, Eric took his high school buddies out to fly.

“I was really fortunate to have all these really amazing instructors. Some of the airshow pilots are the best pilots in the world, and they’re certainly eclectic in terms of personality and aerial skill,” Eric said.

But by the time adulthood

rolled around, he was ready to explore other things in life.

He left the airplanes behind in favor of traveling Europe, working as a snowboard instructor, and finally pursuing a degree in aeronautical engineering at Cal Poly.

“During my third year, I was sitting around the campfire with friends, talking, when aviation came up. I mentioned I had a pilot’s license and my

friends were, like, ‘What? I’ve known you for three years and I didn’t know you had a pilot’s license,’” Eric said.

He renewed his license at a local flight school, then started earning his private, commercial and flight instructor ratings.

“Getting back in the air really renewed that passion. Once I got my flight instructor rating, I quit painting houses for a living, and flying’s been my job

every day ever since,” Eric said.

He did earn that degree from Cal Poly, and his first job involved working as a test pilot for a company in which he also worked on research and development.

But when the family business called, he again recognized opportunity. Eric managed his dad’s sponsorship, ran corporate hospitality, kept the ball rolling. The side benefit: flying.

Eric began formation flying and developed the Collaborators Formation Team. He taught his dad how to fly formation, PLEASE SEE TUCKER, Page A12

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | October 2018 | A11

‌Central Coast AirFest will feature breath-taking, highperformance, high-speed acts, but seasoned pilot Eric Tucker is thrilled to present an entirely different style. He’ll pilot his 1941 Piper J-3 Cub at speeds as low as 32 mph, land on top of a moving vehicle, even cut the engines entirely at 6,000 feet for some dead-stick aerobatics.

“All the acts are really counterpoint to the high-performance, high-energy acrobatics, the performances that show the edge of what’s possible. It’s a throwback to the older generations and the glide, the smooth, safe, graceful landings,” Tucker said from his Santa Cruz home.

Tucker is no stranger to highperformance aircraft. His first acrobatic flight was the day before he was born when his dad, famed pilot Sean Tucker, took Eric’s mom out for a roll in the family airplane.

“My dad’s also a badass. He’s a living legend of air shows.

His plane will hang in the Smithsonian Museum. He’s in the National Aviation Hall of Fame,” Eric said.

Now 37, Eric has fond memories of spending his earliest years at his dad’s air shows.

When he was 9, he proclaimed he could do a better job narrating his air shows than the adults who had performed that duty. Sean gave him a shot, and Eric held that position until he was 16.

At age 14, Eric had his first solo glider flight. At 16, he flew the plane by himself for the first time. By 17, he had his pilot’s license.

“I have a million interests, but I also had these incredible opportunities in aviation, so I pursued them as much as I could,” Eric said.

Tucker

A12 | October

2018 | Central Coast Newspapers

From A11

married Jill, started having his own kids, and took a job as a corporate pilot.

Today, his daily drivers are Beechcraft King Airs and Dassault Falcon 900s that he’s paid to pilot all over the world.

But he still finds his passion in aerobatics, whether teaching or playing in his own aircraft.

“I have all these skills, and there’s just no other outlet. It’s an itch you can’t scratch any other way. I’m, like, an airplane guy; an airplane artist. There’s no getting over that,” Eric said.

And now he has an airplane kid of his own, 7-year-old Phoenix, whose life is LEGOs and airplanes.

“He’s the biggest aviation geek in the best possible way I’ve ever seen in my life,” Eric said.

Five-year-old Malloy is along for the ride and up for just about anything, and when Eric said he wanted to find a vehicle on which to land his little Cub, it was Jill who found the ambulance that now plays a part in the act.

“We want to give our boys the kind of opportunities I had growing up in air shows. I really value that, the people I got to meet. I find it so valuable, and it’ll be fun giving our kids that experience,” Eric said.

And at Santa Maria’s Central Coast AirFest, he’ll finally be flying the performance he’s wanted to do since he was 12 years old.

“I was exposed to warbirds, gliders, high-performance acrobatics, but I’ve always loved the comedy act, the kind of rodeo-clown style with barn-storming type of flying,” Eric said.

With long-time friend Justin Ramseier driving the ambulance and Eric in the pilot’s seat, the team will perform the story-based, family-friendly, graceful acts Eric has dreamed of for a quarter century.

“The car-top landing is the raddest thing. It’s a total wrestling match. It’s pretty challenging and super personally satisfying,” Eric said.

And it’s something his dad hasn’t done yet.

Tyson V. Rininger / www.tvrphotography.com‌

Eric Tucker with his family, and Piper J-3 Cub, atop an ambulance during the 2018 airshow season at the Salinas Municipal Airport.

Tyson V. Rininger / www.tvrphotography.com‌

Eric Tucker flies his Piper J-3 Cub along the California coast.

“I come from a pretty unique background, and among my family friends, there’s maybe five of us who have landed on a vehicle. I’ve talked to a lot of them, learned everything I can about the whole process.

It’s everyone’s opinion that it’s probably a pretty hard way to hurt yourself. You have a roll cage all around you and you’re going pretty slow. All that said, it’s probably a pretty easy way to bang up an airplane,”

Tyson V. Rininger / www.tvrphotography.com‌

Eric Tucker lands his Piper J-3 Cub atop a moving van for the 2018 airshow season at the Salinas Municipal Airport.

Eric said.

Central Coast AirFest runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6 and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 7. Admission includes access to food and

beer vendors, seating and the KidZone. Tickets are $15 in advance ($20 at the gate) for adults, $5 ($10 at gate) for children. Children under age 12 and seniors 60 and older get in free.

Len Wood, Staff‌

Jim Kunkle is a WW II fighter pilot hero who still owns six planes that he keeps at the Santa Ynez Airport. He’ll join other veterans and storied aircraft at the Central Coast AirFest.

Storied WWII veteran Jim Kunkle has Pilots will show P-38 Lightning, other historic aircraft Jennifer Best CONTRIBUTING WRITER‌

‌During his military career, Santa Ynez resident Jim Kunkle flew more than his fair share of aircraft: the Bell P-39 Airacobra, Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, and the famed North American P-51 Mustang. He stayed on after WWII to fly the nation’s first

military jets: Lockheed’s P-80 Shooting Star, Bell P-59 Airajet, and Republic F-84 Thunderjet. But his all-time favorite was Lockheed’s P-38 Lightning.

“It’s my favorite aircraft of everything I ever flew in the Air Force. It was a magnificent airplane in combat. It could do almost anything that was required of it,” Kunkle said.

That aircraft, and Kunkle, will join other veterans and storied aircraft Oct. 6 and 7 at Central Coast AirFest. Visitors are invited to inspect the planes, see many of them in flight, and meet and

greet veteran pilots including Kunkle, Rear Admiral H. Denny Wisely (retired), and U.S. Navy Capt. (retired) Charlie Plumb.

“We’re all happy to talk to people.

With fighter pilots, it’s not getting them to talk that’s a challenge; it’s trying to shut them up,” Kunkle said.

And it’s no wonder. They have plenty of stories to tell.

“It was a long time ago, and it was a very brief period of my life. I’ve had what I’d call a wonderful life, and I’ve enjoyed many, many years of flying thanks to the

Air Force. They taught me to fly and paid for all my gasoline. It was just an experience, a great adventure,” Kunkle said.

Now 95, the recipient of the Air Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, Croix de Guerre, Purple Heart and Distinguished Service Cross still flies any of the family’s six aircraft housed at Santa Ynez Airport.

“I fly whatever I can get my hands on,” Kunkle said.

His son, James W. Kunkle, and his PLEASE SEE KUNKLE, Page A14

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | October 2018 | A13

A LOT TO SHARE

Len Wood, Staff

Jim Kunkle with a 1970 Jaquar XKE that he’s restoring.

Kunkle

A14

| October 2018 | Central Coast Newspapers

From A13

grandson, Chris Kunkle, have also been bitten by the bug.

“He gets around on his own.

He still flies. He’s doing his own thing in Santa Ynez. He’s a very impressive guy,” Chris said.

Jim was a senior at Beverly Hills High School when the war started in 1939. He was too young to sign up without his mother’s permission, “and she wasn’t about to give it,” he said.

So, he did the next best thing a flight-crazy kid could do: signed up for the California Air National Guard.

He spent a year at the airstrip in Griffith Park before the Guard was called to active duty, and when the age limit for pilots was dropped from 21 to 18, Jim was on board.

“I signed up with about 500,000 other kids who wanted to fly,” he quipped.

Ten months later, and 100 hours of flight time under his belt, he as off to England.

“We got our practice the hard way,” Jim said.

Throughout the war, Jim flew regularly into Santa Maria Army Air Field, initially built to train B-25 bomber pilots, but ultimately a top training spot for P-38 fighters headed for war.

“We’re all happy to talk to people. With fighter pilots, it’s not getting them to talk that’s a challenge; it’s trying to shut them up.”

—Jim Kunkle

On Sept. 16, 1944, over Aachen, Germany, he learned the P-38’s chief limitation.

“I learned it couldn’t take on a bunch of Germans and last very long,” he recalled.

His 401st Fighter Group was providing cover to two squadrons when he noticed German aircraft coming up behind their formations. A dogfight ensued, Jim was shot down, and his parachute set him down between enemy lines. Infantry recovered him, and after 16 weeks of treatment and recovery from severe burns, he was back in the cockpit.

“I never felt nervous flying,” Jim said.

Today, he hangs out with Navy pilots and Air Force friends, and dreams of flying the P-38 again.

“I don’t want a ride. If I can’t fly it, I’ll stay out of it. I like to fly the way I like to fly,” he said.

And he doesn’t need hand holding.

Contributed Photo

James Kunkle Sr. is shown in front of the P-38 Lightning he flew in World War II. LEFT: After bombers were determined to be too heavy for runways, the Army Airfield became the final training site for P38 Lightning fighter groups on Sept. 16, 1943.

Photo courtesy of the Santa Maria Historical Society

Local food, local talent in music plus aviation excitement equal AirFest

Barbecue, hot dogs, shave ice, Philly cheesesteak among tasty offerings Jennifer Best CONTRIBUTING WRITER‌

‌The inaugural Central Coast AirFest strives to mix internationally renown pilots with locally famous foods, highperformance aircraft of today with the aircraft industry pros of tomorrow. Blending aeronautical performances with family fun on the tarmac is this year’s goal, and food and beverage will be no small part of the effort.

“Our whole goal is to connect the community. Air shows, for young people, are about getting that first exposure to possibilities in aviation careers. It’s interesting. It’s awesome. You can’t beat jets flying by and making a lot of noise,” said Chris Kunkle, Central Coast AirFest director and committee chairman.

Len Wood, Staff‌

Aebleskiver from Alice’s Aebelskabels in Solvang will be one of the treats at the Central Coast AirFest.

—Chris Kunkle

Pair that excitement with food and fun with the whole family in mind, and you’ve got Central Coast AirFest.

“It’s a great place to get people out tasting local food,

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | October 2018 | A15

“It’s a great place to get people out tasting local food, listening to local talent in music.

You put together a beer and food festival with a bunch of jets and you’ve got a really cool event.”

Len Wood, Staff‌

PLEASE SEE FOOD, Page A20

California Hot Dogs will be serving hungry AirFest attendees, as well as several local barbecue vendors.

HANGAR 24,

born in an airport hangar, will pour at Central Coast AirFest Pilot Jon Melby will perform in the Hangar 24 Pitts biplane Jennifer Best

A16 | October

2018 | Central Coast Newspapers

CO N TRI B U T I NG WRI T E R‌

‌When it came time to pick a sponsor brewery for the inaugural Central Coast AirFest, Hangar 24 was an obvious favorite. The brewery was, after all, born in an airport hangar.

“Ben Cook, their founder and brewmaster, is still the owner.

They’re down to earth, in tune with their own business, and they’re aviation based,” said Chris Kunkle, vice president at show sponsor Central Coast Jet Center and director of AirFest.

Hangar 24 will bring with them the cachet of 40,000 social media followers, half of whom are also airshow enthusiasts, Kunkle said. The brewery also will bring beer to pour, and the nation’s only breweryowned air force: pilot Jon Melby in the Hangar 24 Pitts S-1-11B muscle biplane.

The brewery isn’t just about flight and suds.

“We’re reaching out to other adventurous people. Not all pilots just fly. They do stuff like off-roading and they surf, water ski,” said brewery Marketing Manager Jennifer Castaneda.

The award-winning brewery began in 2001 when Cook, then a biology student at Cal State San Bernardino, started a home brew in hangar 24 at Redlands Municipal Airport. He later traded that beer for flying lessons.

In 2005, he graduated from the UC Davis Master Brewers Program, and it’s been game-on ever since.

In 2006, construction on Hangar 24’s first brewery began. Two years later, its first commercial kegs were delivered to area restaurants.

Contributed, Hangar 24‌

Hangar 24’s Orange Wheat ale recognizes the role of the orange in the history of Southern California.

Contributed, Hangar 24‌

Hangar 24 founder Ben Cook started homebrewing while studying at Cal State San Bernardino.

Contributed, Hangar 24‌

Hangar 24 has long supported air show events.

Today, Hangar 24 properties include the main brewery and taproom in Redlands and its brewery and grill in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.

Their bottled beverages are sold on the Central Coast at Trader Joe’s and BevMo in Santa Maria, and are served

at Nipomo’s Blacklake Golf Course, Hangar 7 in Lompoc, 805 Eats in Orcutt, and The Garden Mediterranean in Santa Maria. They are also temporarily on sale in Santa Maria at Spencer’s Market, Blast 805 in Orcutt, and O’ Sullivans in Santa Maria. Santa Ynez Valley

suds fans can find the Hangar 24 label at Valley Brewers’ Back Room in Solvang.

Among its top sellers are its signature American-style, orange-wheat ale that celebrates the orange groves of Southern California. The brew menu also includes the Redlands Red Ale, Galaxy Gardens Sour Blonde Ale, Chocolate Bomber, and, in honor of its recent anniversary, the 10th Anniversary Sorbet Gose and 10th Anniversary Imperial Stout Blend.

At Central Coast AirFest, Castaneda said Hangar 24 will focus on four brews: its orange-wheat; Aventura Mexican-style lager brewed with sea salt and whole, fresh limes; the Betty IPA celebrating Betty Grable; and a new peach blonde offering.

Hangar 24 is no stranger to air shows. In 2012, it began sponsoring the Redlands AirFest, a now-annual event in Redlands and Lake Havasu

celebrating the brewery’s core values: joy, community and adventure.

Kunkle said he did look into the Central Coast’s own myriad breweries, but none had a proposal as strong as Hangar 24’s. At least one Central Coast brewery, Naughty Oak Brewery in Orcutt, did make the cut to pour at the AirFest gala dinner and invitation-only cocktail party.

Kunkle said a portion of the proceeds from the weekend’s beer sales will benefit American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Santa Maria, traditionally organized by Tony Gonzales.

Relay volunteers will be on hand to pour beer throughout the weekend.

Central Coast AirFest runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6 and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 7. Admission includes access to food and beer vendors, seating and the KidZone. Tickets are $15 in advance ($20 at the gate) for adults, $5 ($10 at gate) for children. Children under age 12 and seniors 60 and older get in free.

AIRFEST WEEKEND SCHEDULE SATURDAY & SUNDAY Noon-4 p.m.  Red Bull Flag Drop

 Eric Tucker Vehicle Take Off

 RCAF Flybys CP-140 Aurora

 John Melby Pitts Special Solo

 John Collver “Wardog”

 Commemorative Air Force Grumman Bearcat

 Eric Tucker Comedy/ Vehicle Landing  Sammy Mason Pitts Solo  Smoke ‘n Thunder Jet Car  Santa Barbara County Demo  March AFB C-17 Globemaster Demonstration  Commemorative Air Force Supermarine Spitfire

 Red Bull Parachute Demonstration  USMC Helicopter Demonstration  Eric Tucker Dead Stick Routine  Planes of Fame P-38 Demonstration  Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds

* Central Coast AirFest runs 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 6 and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 7. Admission includes access to food and beer vendors, seating and the KidZone. Tickets are $15 in advance ($20 at the gate) for adults, $5 ($10 at gate) for children. Children under age 12 and seniors 60 and older get in free

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | October 2018 |

A17

When you visit...

Bring  Folding chairs  Small umbrellas  Blankets  Cameras

Tyson V. Rininger / www.tvrphotography.com

A18

| October 2018 | Central Coast Newspapers

Eric Tucker lands his Piper J3 Cub atop a moving van for the 2018 airshow season at the Salinas Municipal Airport.

Don’t bring  Ez-up tents  Coolers  Food or beverages  Knives or guns

Andrew H. Cline

The Royal Canadian Air Force Snowbirds will perform two shows over the course of the Central Coast AirFest weekend.

Pilots From A4

Contributed Photo, Santa Maria Valley Historical Society‌

Tragedy struck when a P-38 crashed into the Rusconi Cafe in the 100-block of South Broadway at midday on Jan. 30, 1945. Mrs. Philip Rusconi, John Doff, the cook, and Flight Officer Elmer H. Steffey, the pilot, were killed.

the close of hostilities in 1945.

The Santa Maria Army Air Base would probably have had a lackluster history if it had not been for the arrival of the P-38 Lightnings. Designed by Kelley Johnson at Lockheed, Burbank, the P-38 fighter was one of the premier aircraft of World War II. Used in both theaters of the War, the P-38 was referred to by the Germans as “the fork-tailed devil” and by the Japanese as “two planes with one pilot.”

Many a bomber on his way to Frankfurt or Berlin saw his chances of returning increase to nearly 100 percent with an escort of these powerful aircraft, which were designed to fly as high as the bombers and with the same range. Many a Zero or Messerschmitt pilot

saw his luck run out after an encounter with a P-38. Thousands of kills were scored by the P-38, which had greater firepower and accuracy with its four 50-caliber machine guns and one 20 mm cannon clustered at the center of the aircraft fuselage. Over the war years some 5,000 P-38s were built, primarily by Lockheed but some 200 by ConsolidatedVultee. Today very few of these “wild ones” are in existence.

On Jan. 28, 1989, a 50th anniversary celebration marking the first flight of the Lockheed P-38 was held at the “Field” in Santa Maria. At this event Left Garner demonstrated for veteran and novices alike his “No. 13” White Lightning P-38 which he has completely restored.

Colonel Ralph Garman, one of the first pilots to fly the P-38, presented a history of the P-38 and commented on his experiences with it in combat.

This anniversary celebration was also the occasion for a reunion of the World War II pilots who received their wings at Hancock Field.

As with most other bases on the Central Coast, when World War II came to an end, a slow phaseout of the Field began.

It was placed on the surplus property list in 1946. In 1948 the City of Santa Maria and the County of Santa Barbara formed a district for joint management of the Field and its red tar-paper-and-batten buildings. In 1964 a special district was formed and the Field became the Santa Maria

Municipal Airport.

Today most evidences of the World War II look have been removed. The primary structures left are one of the original hangars and the P-38 bore sight and test stand at one corner of the airport. Many pilots learned to “fly” the P-38 in an aircraft securely tethered to this concrete stand. *** Many who live in the Santa Maria area today represent a rich heritage of those pilots who trained for war on the Western Front.

Ruhge, J. M. (1988). Chapter 10: The Santa Maria Air Force Training Base for P-38 Pilots.

In The Western Front: The War Years in Santa Barbara County, 1937-1946 (pp. 10-1-10-2).

Quantum Imaging Associates.

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | October 2018 | A19

rotated every month. As at Goleta, many living amenities were provided, such as theater, bowling, laundry, restaurant, church, etc. Base activities were publicized in the Field newspaper, The Bombsighter, which was first published on April 7, 1944.

It became apparent that the Field was being wasted as an air service command, as there were only eight aircraft assigned, and aircraft maintenance instruction was the only aircraft-specific program underway. The Field possessed three runways originally constructed for bomber use.

Therefore, the Field was transferred to the Fourth Air Force on Sept. 15, 1943, and most service groups were transferred to other organizations.

As the Fourth Air Force prepared to turn the Field over to the Fourth Bomber Command, a dispute developed as to whether or not the Field could be used as a bomber base. Earlier experience indicated that the runways would not stand up under constant use by heavy bombers because they were constructed on loamy, sandy ground with only a thin layer of hard pan on top. This proved to be the case, so again command was transferred, this time to the Fourth Fighter Command on Sept. 16, 1943, for final training of fighter groups. So arrived the P-38 Lightnings.

The move again changed the complexion of the Field. Seasoned pilots were being given final tactical training and moving on. The standing service army was not needed. Air-toground ranges and small-arms training ranges were installed for the pilots. These pilots were putting the final touches on combat maneuvers prior to shipment overseas.

Early in October 1943, the anti-aircraft artillery units appeared on the Field. In December 1943 Oxnard Flight Strip, Oxnard, and Estrella Army Air Field, Pas Robles, California, were assigned to the Santa Maria Field. This was the organization of the Field until

Food

A20 | October

2018 | Central Coast Newspapers

From A15

listening to local talent in music. You put together a beer and food festival with a bunch of jets and you’ve got a really cool event,” Kunkle said.

Kunkle, a third-generation pilot, also serves as vice president of operations at Central Coast Jet Center, a sponsor of the Oct. 6-7 event at Santa Maria Public Airport.

“The airport is a great thing for the community, and we’ll be including the agricultural community with tractors, renting from local companies, featuring local gourmet food trucks, and welcoming talent with local ties. That’s the part that has been missing from air show efforts here for a long time,” Kunkle said.

Eric Tucker, a Cal Poly graduate, will be featured in his low-and-slow aerial performance. Another Cal Poly alumnus will fly an F-18 from Naval Air Station Whidbey Island for the event. Santa Ynez Valley High School 2004 graduate Amy Moore will co-pilot the U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III Tactical Transport Aircraft into the show.

“Anyone who comes out to the air show will be able to get relatively close to really important people who are very good at what they do,” Kunkle said.

The greatest exception to the effort to focus on local talent and local ties is the inclusion of Canadian Forces 431 Air Demonstration Squadron.

The Snowbirds are one of only three elite flight squadrons in North America, and Kunkle said they bring remarkable precision and a cooperative spirit to the event.

Chances are good visitors will be able to schmooze with Snowbirds, interview war veterans, and get up-closeand-personal looks at a variety of aircraft while also enjoying shaved ice, bratwurst sausages, barbecue and more.

Food vendors include Big Truck Foods from Lompoc, Philadelphia cheesesteak from Lido’s Concessions of Santa Maria, Big Joe’s Brats out of Santa Maria and The Chef’s Touch barbecue catering

Len Wood, Staff‌

Teri Faulkner shows off a Philly cheesesteak sandwich from Lido’s Concessions of Santa Maria.

Donna Polizzi, Contributed photo‌

Naughty Oak Brewing Company in Old Orcutt will be featured at the invitation-only AirFest gala.

out of Santa Ynez. Others on hand include G Brothers Smokehouse out of San Luis Obispo, Whiskey Bent BBQ of Buellton, Alice’s Aebelskabels out of Solvang, Mercado y Carniceria Su Mesa of Santa Maria, and the Central Coast’s own Kona Ice, California Hot Dogs, Kettle Masters and Coastal Cravings.

A few local wineries and breweries including Orcutt’s Naughty Oak Brewery will also be featured at the gala event

and invitation-only cocktail party related to Central Coast AirFest.

The major beer vendor will be Hangar 24, a Redlandsbased brewery founded by pilot Ben Cook, selected in no small part due to its ties with fans of flight. The brewery has 40,000 social media fans, half of whom are also fans of all-things-flight, and ties to pilots, other air shows and flight-related industries, Kunkle said.

Len Wood, Staff‌

Shave Ice from Kona Ice will be one of the treats available from local vendors at the Central Coast AirFest.

CENTRAL COAST JET CENTER

PACIFIC PREMIER BANK®

Northern Santa Barbara County United Way

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | October 2018 | A21

Club of Santa Maria Breakfast

Performers From A7

aerobatics (loops, rolls, spins and hammerheads) while soaring thru the air like a bird in complete silence.

Car-Top Landing: Tucker will attempt to land his aircraft on a moving vehicle. It’s just something that you have to see to believe.

Comedy Act: Think rodeo clown takes to the skies in this thrilling and entertaining aerial adventure.

Aircraft‌

America’s most iconic light aircraft, the J3 Cub. Tucker’s bird is a stock, Cub Yellow with Black Lightning Bolt, 1941 J3 with a C-85 engine pumped up to 100hp. 100hp doesn’t sound like much until you consider that that original prototype for the Cub had just 20hp.

So, weighing in at just 770 pounds, Tucker’s Cub is a firebreather. The J3 Cub found its way into the history books thru WWII in service as the L4 Grasshopper as a primary pilot trainer and later with roles in reconnaissance.

This airplane is best known for its speed, slow speed to be exact. It can lift off the ground at just 32 mph (that’s slower than most birds fly), cruises at only 75 mph and weighs in at a whopping 770 pounds. So, it’s not a going places airplane, but it’s absolutely the funnest aircraft in the sky.

A22 | October

2018 | Central Coast Newspapers

Car-Top Landing Vehicle‌

It’s a 1990 fire-engine-red ambulance that spent most of its life in service to the Ponderosa Fire Department in Flagstaff, Arizona. This vehicle is a crowd pleaser, and with the lights and sirens fully ablaze, it’s over the top show-business.

In its off time, it gets use taking Tucker’s kids to school and traveling California as the family camper van. It’s affectionately referred to as the ‘Campbulance.’

John Collver‌

Together John and “War Dog” have been thrilling audiences with their aerial tribute to the military for 36 years.

John and “War Dog’s” Salute to the Greatest Generation was

Contributed‌

Eric Tucker

inspired by his father, a WWII veteran. John’s father’s military service influenced John’s choice to fly the T-6 Texan. The Texan is a WWII trainer celebrating its 80th year of service; known as the pilot maker because it trained more military pilots than any other airplane in history.

John’s flying career started 50 years ago, at the age of 13, and at the age of 16, he soloed five different types of airplanes. At this time, he has logged more than 15,000 hours flying time and has been entertaining audiences across the West, with more than 1,200 air show performances at major military and civilian air shows.

His aerobatic career started with competition in 1974 in the International Aerobatic Club, where he achieved high rankings in their Gold Cup Championships. He continued to advance his career with the formation of his own aerobatic training school out of Hawthorne, and in 1982 he flew his first air show in Porterville.

Simultaneously, he was

flying as a corporate pilot for Northrop/Grumman, where he flew everything from turboprops to jets. At Northrop/ Grumman he became a captain who flew such notables as Vice President Dick Cheney, Defense Secretary Casper Weinberger, State Senators Diane Feinstein, and Barbara Boxer, and Brigadier General Chuck Yeager. Among the more than 50 different types of aircraft John has flown are the Goodyear Blimp “Columbia” and television’s “Airwolf” helicopter. And in “War Dog,” John flew Louis Zamperini, made known to many through the book and movie “Unbroken”.

John’s airplane “War Dog” is a 1944 Marine SNJ-5 Texan, built in Dallas, Texas. She was based in Orange County at Marine Corps Air Station El Toro on property known today as The Great Park. “War Dog” belonged to the VMT-2 training squadron.

The letters VMT stand for “V,” heavier than air, and “MT,” for military trainer. The WD painted on “War Dog’s” tail stands for Walt Disney. Walt Disney

Contributed

John Collver

designed Ferdinand the bull, a red bull with small wings as the El Toro base mascot. In reciprocation, the Marines painted Walt Disney’s initials, WD, on all the aircraft based at El Toro.

There is another interesting connection John and “War Dog” have to Disney. For a brief time, Disney was in the air show business. Their show took place off the stern of the Queen Mary as part of a 1940’s inspired entertainment venture, put on three times a day, every day, for about six months. And John and “War Dog” were one of only four acts chosen to fly in the air show.

When John acquired”War Dog” he chose to restore her to her original paint scheme, from her El Toro days. The green stripes on her wings designate her as an instrument trainer. In 1946, after serving at El Toro, she was reassigned to serve at Marine Corp Air Station Miramar. Later, she was assigned to the Naval Training Command where she was used for carrier qualifications aboard the USS Cabot off the coast of

Pensacola, Florida.

In the 1950’s “War Dog” was retired from the Navy and was sent to Japan to serve in the Japanese Self Defense Force. After several years of service with the Japanese, “War Dog” was retired and was due to be scrapped.

Instead, she was saved along with several other T-6 Texans when they were purchased by civilians in the US. John helped with her restoration and eventually became her sole owner.

John’s performance consists of speeds of 60 mph to over 200 mph and altitudes from the surface to 3,000 ft.

“War Dog’s” propeller is 108 inches long, and the distinctive sound you hear coming from “War Dog” is the sound of the propeller tips going supersonic.

During the Korean War, the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps used the plane as forward air controllers. And during the Vietnam War the French used the T-6 for light attack. Over 15,000 examples were produced.

The last model was produced in the early 1950’s.

Did your checking account pay you $315 last year?

If not, consider making the switch.

FREEDOM

PLUS CHECKING APY=Annual Percentage Yield. Rate effective July 9, 2018. High dividend of 1.26% APY will be paid on qualifying balances up to and including $25,000. Base dividend of .10% APY will be paid on balances that do not qualify for high dividend, and qualifying balances over $25,000. Dividend rates subject to change. Fees may reduce earnings. Dividend Example: on a $25,000 balance for one year with 1.26% APY, yearly dividends earned would be $315. Criteria required each month to receive high dividend APY; receive a minimum of one direct deposit of at least $100 to the checking account, or complete a check or cash deposit of at least $500 each month, perform a minimum of 10 debit card transactions (ATM and BillPay transactions not included), sign up to receive eStatements only, and maintain a valid email address on file with CoastHills. Minimum balance to open is $50. There are no minimum daily balance requirements. Federally insured by NCUA.

Lee Central Coast Newspapers | October 2018 | A23

CoastHills.coop/Freedom

2018 | Central Coast Newspapers

A24 | October

“Join us on October 6 and 7 for the 1st Annual AirFest in Santa Maria.”

Janet Silveria, President / CEO