Home Aircraft Images Airshow Reviews Positive Images Profile Links Website Updates e-mail
Despite a positive forecast for the weekend Saturday’s flying activities were halted early with the threat of an approaching storm. Sunday’s show went mostly as planned under cloudy skies. Highlight for many was seeing the American Airpower Museum’s FG-1D Corsair take flight with the groups P-40 Warhawk. Another well received participant was The Freedom’s Flying Memorial UH-34 helicopter that was built by Sikorsky Aircraft Division at Stratford. Several local pilots took flight in aircraft such as a Pitt Special, Boeing Stearman and L-39 Albatross jet. Flight experiences were offered in Larry Kelly’s B-25 Panchito and Grayout Motorsport’s Pitt Special.
The Wings & Wheels event offered a special photo package that included night runs of aircraft. Friday evening saw the UH-34 helicopter run up while Saturday night Larry Kelly’s crew ran up the B-25 Mitchell. Along with the two aircraft Connecticut Corsair ran up their R-4360 engine. During the day the engine runs attracted large crowds of spectators. The night runs were more spectacular with the blue flames emitting out of the short exhaust stacks. Both night runs were lit with the help of the Sikorsky Memorial Airport Fire Department truck.
Our visit to the Sikorsky Memorial Airport to cover the Stratford Wings and Wheels event encompassed much more then just the show. Across the street from the airport is the facility that Igor Sikorsky built and made his first flights in the VS-300 during 1939. During World War Two Vought-Sikorsky Aircraft built and delivered Corsairs from the factory. Although the facility is now closed the Connecticut Air & Space Centre house their collection of airframes and artifacts in two of the buildings on the property.
After visiting the CASC we made a mandatory visit for a few beers and lunch at the Windsock Corsair Lounge where many pilots would transit through while picking up Corsairs for delivery. The building is steeped in history and many famous pilots such as Charles Lindbergh often passed through the structure. Adjacent to the Windsock is a slowly decaying Curtiss Hangar, one of only two left on the East Coast of the United States. Steps are currently being taken to secure the hangar for the CASC. During World War Two the building was used to ready Corsairs for pick up and it is hoped to have the structure restored and eventually house the FG-1D Corsair that sat on a pole for many years at the airport.
A special thanks to Jerry O’Neill and all the members and volunteers at Wings & Wheels for their hospitality.
Home Aircraft Images Airshow Reviews Positive Images Profile Links Website Updates e-mail
Welcome to www.airic.ca Photography by Eric Dumigan. The following terms and conditions apply to your use of the Website. Please read these terms and conditions carefully before using the Website. You are not permitted to re-transmit, distribute or commercialise the information or material without seeking prior written approval from Eric Dumigan For written permission to use the information or material from this site, please contact Eric Dumigan.
.