Wings Over Camarillo 2016
The 36th annual ‘Wings Over Camarillo’ air show was held August 20th and 21st at the Camarillo Airport in Southern California. Once known as Oxnard Air Force Base, it is now home to the Experimental Aircraft Association(EAA), the Ventura County 99’s, the Ventura County Sheriff Department, and the Southern California Wing’s Commemorative Air Force. The airport also houses several general aviation businesses such as Orbitz Helicopters.
The show’s Grand Marshall this year was none other than Mr. Bob Eubanks, who helped open the show along with Ron Fleishman. Together they kept the crowd informed and entertained, sharing stories of Bob’s illustrious career in between aerial acts.
In keeping with their annual tradition, the show kicks off with an outstanding pancake breakfast made by the Ventura County’s own 99’s. There was plenty of time in the morning to walk around and look at all of the static displays, as well as the vendors selling all kinds of unique items. As well as show in the sky, there was also a car show each day with participants given the chance to get their vehicle’s picture taken in front of one of the museum’s aircraft. Before and after the show, Orbitz Helicopters had rides available at a very affordable rate. If you’ve never been in a helicopter, or even if you have, I highly recommend you take them up on their incredible discounts during the show next year. They have world class pilots that will take you for a wonderful flight providing breathtaking views of the ocean and surrounding areas before returning back to the show grounds.
Once the flying began, show goers were treated to a variety of aerobatic performances by Judy Phelps, Vicky Benzing, John Collver, Dr. Frank Donnelly(Dr.D), and Tim Just. In addition to the aerobatic displays, there were many warbirds making multiple passes each day. The highlight of the show this year was the museum’s first formation flight of the newly restored PBJ and their B-25 Mitchell, ‘Executive Sweet’. It’s taken 26 years and a lot of blood, sweat, and tears to restore the PBJ, but let me tell you, she is a beauty! They did an amazing job!
With beautiful blue skies, the sun at your back, and a cool refreshing ocean breeze, this show boasts weather few shows can dream of. We are already looking forward to what they have in store for us next year.
Photorecon would like to thank the Southern California Wing of the Commemorative Air Force and Linda Erlich for their incredible hospitality throughtout the weekend.
I would also like to extend a special thanks to Ken Obi and Orbitz helicopters for an amazing flight, and for allowing me an opportunity to shoot the airshow from above.
