Camarillo Air Show 2015
The Wings over Camarillo Airshow had something for everyone of all ages…just as billed. For those that showed up early, the Ventura County 99s cooked an amazing pancake breakfast, an annual treat of the show. For the kids in attendance there were swings, bouncers, and inflatable slides that kept them enthused all day. Another annual treat was a very nice classic car show that had visitors ‘oogling’ over hot rods that they wished they owned themselves(including me). Rides in Orbic helicopters (which I took with the family both days), trainers, and even a B-25 Mitchell bomber were available at very affordable rates, and there were enough vendors selling such a variety of goods that someone could spend half the day shopping. For those wanting to speak with actual WWII veterans, there was a tent set up where you could meet, listen to, and thank the veterans of our greatest generation. These veterans gave so much to preserve our freedoms that we enjoy today. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you!
Oh yeah, AND there was an airshow!
The Wings over Camarillo Airshow was held August 22nd and 23rd at the Camarillo airport. This show boasts a great line up of performing aircraft, great lighting for photographers, and near perfect temeratures with the sun at your back all day long.
Once again there were a wide array of civilian and aerobatic performers flipping their planes all over the sky, which brought many “oohs” and “ahhs” from the crowd. Aerobatic performances were conducted by Chuck Aaron, Judy Phelps, Dr. D, and Vicky Benzing.
There were also plenty of World War II aircraft flying each day to keep show goers enthralled. A few of the big providers of the WWII aircraft were the Palm Springs Air Museum, the Planes of Fame Air Museum, and of course, the Southern California Wing of the Commemorative Air Force.
Showcased this year was the United States Marine Corps MV-22 Osprey. The Osprey is a multi-role aircraft that has both a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), and short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability. It was used heavily in Iraq and Afghanistan, and is replacing the aging CH-46 and CH-53 helicopters. It can take off like a helicopter, and then transition to flying like a plane, which allows it to fly faster, higher, and further in support of combat and humanitarian operations.
Another highlight for me, was the final performance at the Camarillo show of Chuck ‘Malibu’ Aaron in his Red Bull Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm Bo 105 helicopter. Chuck is the only pilot in the United States licensed to perform helicopter aerobatics, and after a very successful career, has decided to retire from the air show circuit following this year’s show season. 
He has only three shows left which include the MCAS Miramar Airshow and the Red Bull Air Races in both Dallas and Las Vegas. The circuit will be losing a legend, and here at Photorecon, we wish him and his family nothing but the best. Thank you for the great times Chuck!!
Next year’s show should have the a few firsts as the new hanger complex will be completed by then, and the CAF’s PBJ-1J Mitchell which has been under restoration for over 13 years should be ready to fly in the show. I can’t wait!
I would like to thank Linda Erlich and Mike Greywitt for their help in providing access and for their incredible hospitality. They are a joy to work with each year! I would also like to extend a special thanks to Ken Obi and all of Orbic Helicopters, who gave my daughter her first helicopter ride, and for providing aerial platforms with their helicopters so I could provide aerial coverage of the show.
