Aviation Photographers are Dedicated People

If there is group even more dedicated to the History of Aviation than the Pilots, Mechanics, Volunteers and Sponsors that keep our Birds flying, it may be the Aviation Photographers. These dedicated people spread the story and keep Aviation History alive through pictures and prose. Our reach to these twenty plus photographers will be multiplied by thousands, or hundreds of thousands by the time their pictures are published, posted or viewed.

On May 23rd, the Cold War Air Museum (CWAM) had the privilege and pleasure of such a group visiting for a sponsored event and dinner. They will have their own event posted on their web sites (along with much better photographs taken with much more expensive equipment). But it was a pleasure to watch them at work, even in the rain and catch a few quick photos of the photo takers with my trusty smart phone.

Event planning and co-ordination with Airport management allowed them limited, but close up access for some special picture taking. That is an advantage of an airport and aviation history oriented community such as ours. The only element not fully on board with today’s events was the weather.

The "Cavanaugh Caribou Came to CWAM" for the Photographer's Pictographic Pleasure. Making the 20 mile trip from the North to the South of the DFW Metroplex seemed as if it might not happen with Torrential rain and Tornadic Winds passing through the area earlier. Our thanks to the Cavanaugh Museum for helping to "make the day" for these Hunters of History.

Towards the end of the day, the Mi24 returned from the nearby State of Oklahoma. Weather had not been kind to the planned trip or event but the Bird and it's Crew made a safe return with another photo-op for the group.

With the photographers getting their pics and the crew getting the Bird safely put away before yet another storm passed through, the event ended successfully with a dinner for the group at the museum.

CWAM at the Corsicana Airshow, Part 1

The Cold War Air Museum gets a fun opportunity to participate in the Corsicana Airshow every year.

The crowds enjoyed seeing our aircraft as well as a great many others.

Big kids and little kids are always fascinated to see flying machines, especially the Mi-24.

With the B-17 flying overhead and lots of other activities, there was plenty to see, hear and do.

Including getting your picture taken by our friendly guys.

The L-39 was a hit as well. With the price of fuel being what it is today, it is more of a burden for turbine aircraft owners to attend shows.

Old and new, a view of the B-17 on approach from the L-39 rear seat.

Thanks to Andy Nixon for sharing these fun photos with us. We'll have more soon in Part 2 of this series.

Mi24 Road Trip

The Cold War Air Museum, Mi-24 frequently flies in the North Texas area and is a popular attraction wherever it goes.

Although the Dallas Metroplex is home to millions of people, the Texas countryside is only a few flight miles away. Small farms and ranches abound in the flat to slightly rolling countryside.

Texas, especially to the West, is very dry. Before GPS, spotting lakes and rivers made navigation easier, because they were relatively few and far between. This riverbed, filled from a recent rain may soon be dry again.

A helicopter and wide open spaces just naturally go together.

With a handshake across the windscreen, Johnny almost looks like he is symbolizing the joining of the East and West. The Mi-24 at the Cold War Air Museum is a joining of the best of both.

Kids love to see the big green beast and we love for them to see a part of cold war history.

The Museum is open every Saturday 10-4 at the Lancaster Airport (and generally we are also open on Sundays as well, when volunteers are working on aircraft), but not today, Easter Sunday, April 24th, 2011. Come see us next weekend or stop by and say hi if you see us at any local event in the area.

And with thanks to Andy Nixon for sharing these fun photos with us.

Feature Associate Update - Larry Dodson

We are fortunate at the Cold War Air Museum to have a fine group of associates and volunteers.

Our previous post on Larry, (click on the associates label, below) featured his Bell 47, but it is time for an update since he has upgraded to this beautiful MD500D.

Related to the OH-6 of Vietnam era, this "D" model is distinguishable by it's 5 main rotor blades and "T" tail.

Previously employed at the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, N58431 was used for Patrol, Mountain Rescue and Training during it's 25 years of service. Valued for her high availability and "up-time", many were sad to see her go, but departmental policy dictated upgrading the entire fleet to "F" models for improved "hot and high" performance.

With thanks to Larry for sharing his story and flying with the Museum, and thanks to Andy Nixon as well for sharing some of his great photo work.

Mi-24 Aerial Photos

As pictures continue to trickle in from the Warbirds on Parade event we enjoy posting them to the Blog site. Andy Nixon sent these to the Cold War Air Museum for us to share. A hearty thanks to Andy. Keep 'em coming folks!

Cold War Air Museum