British Idiots Abroad – volunteering at the Planes of Fame Airshow, Chino

That was this one: http://www.warbirdregistry.org/p38registry/p38-4267543.html

I used to be a regular visitor to Chino in the 80’s and 90’s We moved to California from London in 84 and lived in San Dimas not far from Chino. The museum back then was very different and remember my two young boys were always being shoved into various aircraft by museum staff! I joined the museum and took the “experience” flight in the mustang, one of the highlights of my life That. it was supposed to be a 20 min flight but while we were up the pilot was told that the P38 lightning was up on it’s post restoration flight and they wanted to do some air to air shots with the Mustang and P38, the pilot (Kevin Eldridge) asked me if I wanted to return and exit the plane or just stay in and stooge around waiting for the P38? I remember thinking what a daft question!! So I ended up getting over an hour in the Mustang and air to air photo’s of me in the back with the P38. I can’t remember the name of the P38 but it was unfortunately the one that crashed at Duxford a short time later. And poor Kevin went on to the bail out at the Phoenix air races……….

That was a fantastic read Elliot, thanks for sharing! Now I have an urge to put my hand up to assist.

I’ve also recorded Ayres Hotel and Flo’s Cafe for my own future pilgrimage to Chino…I’m a big eater 😉

Lovely read and great photos

A very nice report, Elliott, thank you! That was the one and only Planes of Fame Airshow I’ve been to, and being a boy from Minnesota, I ended up lobster-red too by the time I left California. And I sure remember those winds and the sand/dirt everywhere – I took that day to stick around Chino and visit with Aero Trader and Yanks.

Damn I’m going to have to mop up all the drewl off the floor now!