WARBIRDS OVER THE BEACH

5/24/2017

MILITARY AVIATION MUSEUM VIRGINIA BEACH has two great air shows each year. The first is the Warbirds Over The Beach held in May. The second is in October - World War I. This years WORLD WAR ONE air show will be held October 7 & 8.

A wonderful place to see anytime, but the air shows are great! If anywhere near, or looking for a road trip, plan on a visit.

Here you will find the worlds largest priviate collection of World War I and World War II aircraft. Additionally you can tour the "Fighter Factory" where much of the restoration is done and the maintainence. The hanger on the right is the authentic German Luftwafe hangar that was relocated from the Cottbuss Army Airfield in Cottbus, Germany. Originally this was built in the small town of Cottbus, just southwest of Berlin in 1934.. Interesting history on this hangar and you can read the full story on the Museums website.

New Fighter Factory

Right: Inside the Fighter Factory.

Cottbuss Hangar

Unfortunatly this years air show, as in several of the years past, the weather did not co operate.
As stated above, these are great shows and that is why I started my day at 1;45AM wake up. Out the
door within thirty minuets. Arrived by 8:30AM Upon arrival the day looked promissing, bright and sunny with a few cotton ball clouds. I was able to take several photos in the morning.

We - the media - were to meet and get escorted across the field for the photo set up. By this time the
ceiling was getting low. The wind was blowing stronger. Hmmm, looking as though the show might get scrubbed.

Thankfully they came back to get us before the
sky opened up. The view hereis from sitting inside the car waiting to depart. Time 2:30PM.
Forcast for Sunday not good. Oh well, going to be
a long day! Arrived home at 9:45. Twenty one hour day makes a looooong day indeed.

The disappointment, however, did start upon arrival when told the Me262 and the Me109 would not fly do to mechanicals. The Me262 had brake issues. Geez guys - you don't need brakes to fly! Put it in the air and then go find a long runway to land on. Laughing, guess that is why I am not the "Air Boss".

Thinking here, wonder if they will ever move this Arizona? Weather is good.

For those that may be interested my driving route takes me across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
The twenty three mile crossing of the Chesapeake Bay is an amazing engineering feat. If interested look it up on the web. Simply put, were else can you be "run over" by frieghter?