| 2009 Air Shows |
WWII Weekend, Reading, Pa. June 5-7
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Location: Reading Regional Airport, Reading, Pennsylvania |
Admission: $22 at the gate and $10 for children, discounted on internet in advance |
Parking: free.
Access is by a single, two lane road so be prepared for delays. Overall the organizers do a good job under difficult conditions. Parking is scattered about the facility with bus service provided to the show area. Again, be prepared for long lines waiting on the buses. |
| Value: Good |
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The flight paths (depended on wind) for the air show portion provided excellent viewing and photographic opportunities with a telephoto 400mm or longer lens. |
The event is held at the Reading Regional airfield in Reading, PA. The WW II Weekend is put on by the MidAtlantic Air Museum,and is more than just an air show, it is a commemorative weekend starting Friday with a dinner and dance. For further info see (MAAM (http://www.maam.org/maamwwii.html)
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There are more than 1,000 living history re-enactors, dozens of vintage WW II aircraft, hundreds of military vehicles, and thousands of period artifacts. 1944 will come alive for show-goers who witness skirmishes and battles at the recreated airfield and wander the sprawling military camp. There are 40's era dancing, singing, comedy skits, live radio broadcasts and theater at the 'Home Front'. One of the largest military flea markets in the nation, with more than 150 vendors. |
Aircraft rides were available on:
- B-17: $450
- B-25: $450
- SBD-2: $595
- PT-19 - $175
- AT-6/SNJ-4B: $175
- Stearman N2S-1: $175
Flights are about 25 minutes in length. |
Aircraft presented:
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Performers and Static |
B-17G Flying Fortress 'Yankee Lady' |
| B-25J Mitchell 'Briefing Time' |
| B-25D Mitchell 'Yankee Warrior' |
| B-25J Mitchell 'Panchito' |
| TBM-3E Avenger |
| SBD-5 Dauntless |
| SB2C Helldiver |
| P2V-7 Neptune |
| Spitfire Mk.XVIII |
| P-51B Mustang 'Old Crow' |
| > P-51D Mustang 'Gentleman Jim' |
| P-51D Mustang 'Glamorous Gal' |
| F4U CORSAIR ' Sky Boss' |
| P-47M "THUNDERBOLT" 'Jackie's Revenge' |
| C-54E Skymaster 'Spirit of Freedom' |
| C-47D Skytrain 'Yankee Doodle Dandy' |
| C-45H Expeditor |
| SNJ-4 Texan |
| SNJ-6 Texan |
SNV-1 Valiant |
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The "Helldiver is the only one flying in the world. What I believe was a Junker JU 87 'Stuka' , not billed, made several passes and then left.
Food service was plentiful and not overly expensive. Sanitation facilities were plentiful, clean and well dispersed. |
Weather: Rain Friday. Because parking and the viewing area are on unpaved surfaces, mud can be a problem. Clear and hot Saturday and Sunday. This show can get extremely hot so bring shade and sunscreen. |
| There was no designated media parking area so I had to get show officials to issue me a pass for an area close to the entry gate. There was no designated photography area so a good spot on the flight line requires getting there early. Show staff were friendly and helpful. The grounds are pretty compact so you will not walk as much as you would at some shows.
This was our fifth visit to this show and we thoroughly enjoy it every year. |
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Rating: 8.0 out of 10 |
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Review and photos by A.J. Warren |
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