At the Cold War Air Museum - 14 May, 2011

Every weekend seems full of activity at the Cold War Air Museum. With an Airshow at Corsicana, Texas (KCRS) and visitors on the way to our Airport (KLNC), the day was loaded for work and fun.

With the Big Bird going to the show, Johnny was out early getting things ready.

All set, Johnny leads off in the Mi-2.

The faster Mi-24 soon followed with Coz at the controls. Andy Nixon joined us for the flight and we are looking forward to posting his pictures from the show soon.

And with the shortest flight time of all, Jon soon joined the others on the ground.

Not to be outdone by Corsicana, there was still plenty of activity at the home field.

With the establishment of an aerobatic box next to the airport, there is often additional activity like there was today.

A number of QB's and other visitors stopped by to enjoy the good weather and good company. We appreciate the visitors and donations received today.

Jan Collmer and his beautiful Extra 300, were among those welcomed.

And one of the other L-29's based at the field took advantage of the weather and good company to get out and get some exercise. There are few L-29's with better paint or detail than this one.

Of course, pretty planes attract pretty women. Dressed for a party they were attending later, these young ladies paused long enough to get their picture in today's post.

Just another beautiful day in Texas with great aircraft, great folks and great fun. Thank y'all and please come back again.

Mi-2 attends a Gala Event

The Cold War Air Museum Mi-2 and crew were recently invited to attend the 30th anniversary event at The Studios at Las Colinas.

We are fortunate to be in an area with so many talents and benefits.

Mike clears the area below for the Mi-2's arrival. The crew also kept a sharp eye on the weather. Dumping rain and hail to the South, the weather cooperated for this flight by providing VFR conditions with a dramatic backdrop of low clouds.

We received the Red Carpet treatment and many visitors, actors and executives had an opportunity to see the MI-2 and visit with Cold War Air Museum Associates at the Las Colinas Studios.

The "Gala" was a celebration and review of thirty years of television and movie production complemented by recent change and renovation by the Muller Group.

Larry Hagman, Patrick Duffy, and Linda Grey from the TV show Dallas
were there and Cold War Air Museum Associates got an opportunity to briefly meet them and answer a few questions about the Mi-2 and the Museum.

The show must have been translated and watched in Eastern Europe as people would ask us about "JR" in our early travels there.

And Mike got to sit on the bench that played a supporting role in Forrest Gump while he watched hand rolled cigars being made. Life is even better with a box of chocolates and a good cigar.

With thanks to Mike, Johnny, Brad and Larry for crewing the event as well as Chris Williams for introducing us and sharing these pictures. More great shots from Chris and Bobbi can be found at the www.artsciencephotos.com web site.

Lancaster Airport, 1st Annual Air Race - 30 April 2011

Special event days start early for the Cold War Air Museum located at the Lancaster Airport. More activities and events attract more visitors and we are happy to see them.

Brad gets a turn as "PIC" on this run to the ramp with the MiG-21. Contrary to appearances, the pitot tube is not really going through his head, although it might have tried if he had come to a sudden stop.

The Commemorative Air Force and Cold War Air Museum both brought aircraft out to the ramp for visitors to see.

Once the static displays were was set up, the wait for visitors began. The goal today was to bring pilots and planes to the airport. Gusty winds and an overcast delayed the start of events and kept some away, but everyone had fun and a larger crowd is expected next year.

Arriving aircraft parked across from the static displays.

The "Race" did not put aircraft in close proximity to each other. A timed event, each plane flew against the clock with different categories based on speed. This year, there were no jet or helicopter entries (maybe next year).

These events are a popular way to promote flight activity and interest in general aviation. With well prepared documentation and a good pre flight brief, no one was in any doubt about where they were going or that safety (as always) was paramount.

The briefing material included aerial views and GPS coordinates of the overfly points along the route.

At the finish line, a crew stood ready to record the exact time an aircraft passed over the checkered flag. Jon turned on some smoke as he approached to be sure he would be seen.

The bright red and white CJ likes to be flown and is popular at events.

After each flight the airport crew would compare notes (at least that's what we think they're talking about).

Although this event was targeted at planes and pilots, a small crowd drove to the airport as well. Everyone visited the displays and most walked over to the Museums to look inside. This was good practice for the upcoming June 25th event, when a crowd of several thousand is expected.

The restaurant was filled and a live band provided music.

The band, appropriately named Vinny and the Jets, took a break to pose with the MiG. Playing mostly oldies, 60's and 70's hits, the music fit right in with the cold war aircraft.

After an event, everything gets put up again. This time it's Johnny's turn to drive the MiG. He managed to stay ahead of the aircraft all the way back. Good job Johnny!

And with a great big Texas thanks to everyone that came out today for their help, we'll be doing this again in June, but with more aircraft and people!

Cold War Air Museum - Labels

Projects at the Cold War Air Museum often involve a number of people and many details.

Placing N numbers and labels on an aircraft is one of the many details necessary to complete each project.

Changing critical labeling in the aircraft to English makes the aircraft safer and more convenient to operate. Many of the English label sets were still available from the original Polish factory. Others had to be made.

With some of the original non-critical labeling still in place, there is an interesting mix that adds to the feel and authenticity of the aircraft.

The aircraft lighting system is equipped with both red and white lights for variable lighting conditions and night ops.

Rheostat adjustments allow lighting levels to be increased or decreased. The overall effect at night is dramatic and suitable for fine low budget movie special effects.