Muroc Lake, Edwards AFB, Mojave, Plant 42, NASA Dryden Flight Research Center, Scaled Composites; L-1011 Tristar, F-117 Nighthawk, B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit, Spaceship One. And the list goes on. Antelope Valley in Southern California has a long and storied history of aerospace innovation and development. So it is surprising that the last airshow in the area was the 2009 show at Edwards AFB. Local organizers finally took it upon themselves to remedy this situation and, as a result, the inaugural Los Angeles County Airshow took place at William J. Fox Airfield in sunny Lancaster, CA, on March 21 and 22. Originally envisioned for the fall, organizers were quick to reschedule when the cancelation of the airshow at March ARB freed up a slot in the Blue Angels’ calendar. (The unusual Friday and Saturday dates were also a result of this rescheduling.) In addition to the U.S. Navy’s Flight Demonstration Squadron, the solid four hours of flying featured warbirds from World War II, Korea and Vietnam as well as thrilling aerobatic displays. In addition, a number of aircraft on static display and a multitude of interactive and educational exhibits provided plenty to see and do on the ground.

The gates opened at 0900 (although an early-bird photo tour gave photographers an opportunity for sunrise shooting). Close-in parking was handled well by a large cadre of volunteers. Pre-purchased tickets kept the lines at the ticket booths short and security was well-managed. Taking pride of place just inside the entrance was the futuristic Proteus from Scaled Composites. Other aircraft on static display were at show right, while corporate and VIP chalets were arrayed at show left; the Blue Angels were parked directly at show center. In addition to a large variety of food, beverage and airshow vendors, there were quite a few educational and outreach displays. Chief among these were the NASA tent and Lockheed Martin’s STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) pavilion, featuring not only corporate displays but a number of school programs as well.

The flying began with the Red Bull Parachute team bringing in the flag while being circled by Kirby Chambliss in the Edge 540. Strong, gusting winds affected Friday’s performances, but Saturday was a perfect day for an airshow: CAVU, calm winds and temperatures in the low 70s. Kicking off a long line of warbirds was the B-25J Mitchell “Executive Sweet,” which made several low-level passes. Steve Oliver started off the aerobatic performances with a really nice demonstration of the capabilities of the de Havilland Chipmunk. His wife, Suzanne Asbury-Oliver, the nation’s only female professional skywriter, had been entertaining the crowds earlier in the morning with her smiley faces and writing in the sky. Then, in keeping with the intimate nature of this show, a demonstration of formation flying was put on by four of the locals: a Yak-52 led two Thorp T-18 Tigers and an RV-8 in a series of changing formations.

“NASA operates two Lockheed ER-2 Earth resources aircraft as flying laboratories in the Airborne Science Program under the Agency's Science Mission Directorate. The aircraft, based at NASA's Science and Aircraft Integration Facility in Palmdale, CA, collect information about Earth resources, celestial observations, atmospheric chemistry and dynamics, and oceanic processes. The aircraft also are used for electronic sensor research and development, satellite calibration, and satellite data validation.” That down-to-earth description from NASA’s fact sheet doesn’t come close to capturing the beauty of the aircraft or the raw power and climbing ability of this amazing plane. NASA 806 performed several passes as it spiraled down from altitude. Making one final low-level pass, it zoom-climbed with an incredible roar and quickly disappeared from view in a performance as unforgettable as it is rare.

Review and photography by Norman A. Graf for ASR MEDIA LLC.