10 minute read
Winging It
Visitors will get a chance to get up close and personal to many of the planes featured in the show.
Photo by Rick Hauser
Wings Over Camarillo air show promises aerobatics, automobiles, and aviation awesomeness
By Misty Hall
Trick airplanes, classic cars, and pyrotechnics. Can you think of a more all-American way to spend a summer afternoon with the family?
Wings Over Camarillo is flying back into town Aug. 20 and 21, with thrills in the sky and on the ground. Along with a fantastic lineup of aircraft, WOC’s bringing back the classic car show and STEM Pavilion for its 41st year. But of course, the biggest attraction is still the planes. History buffs and aircraft nerds will rejoice in the mix of historic and high-tech, and casual observers will appreciate that these are just really cool-looking planes. You’ll be able to get a close-up view of most of them before and after their flights. Some even allow visitors to hop in the cockpit!
Aaron Fitzgerald in the Red Bull helicopter, pulling some insane moves.
Photo courtesy of Wings Over Camarillo
Kids (and grownups!) can get close-up and hands-on at the Wings Over Camarillo show.
Photo courtesy of Wings Over Camarillo
Photo by Rick Hauser
Visitors will get a chance to get up close and personal to many of the planes featured in the show.
When I ask WOC Air Boss Bill Thomas for the highlights for this year, I get the sense that it’s hard to know where to start. He rattles off a slew of performers, like the Red Bull helicopter and its pilot, Aaron Fitzgerald (who lives in Oxnard). “He’s one of the few pilots in the U.S. who do full aerobatics in a helicopter,” Thomas says. Then there’s Sammy Mason, the youngest performer at this year’s WOC, and the youngest member of the Red Bull Race Team. The Santa Paula native is only 27 but has been flying shows for 12 years! He’ll defy gravity in his Edge.
Vicky Benzing performs stunts in her Stearman.
Photo by Rick Hauser
Vicky Benzing waves to the crowd.
Photo by Rick Hauser Photo by Rick Hauser
Vicky Benzing makes a low pass over the runway.
Over Camarillo, as well. Vicky Benzing will tear up the skies in her bright red PT-19 Stearman. This pilot/skydiver/aerobatic competitor/racer has some serious chops with over 30 years’ experience, 6,000 hours of flight time, and 1,100 parachute jumps. “She’s an extremely accomplished lady!” Thomas exclaims. Judy Phelps will join Benzing in the lineup. This local favorite — and 2011 National Flight Instructor of the Year — is a master certified flight instructor in aerobatics for CP Aviation, based out of the Santa Paula Airport. She’ll be showing off her prowess in her Pitts S-2B.
Photo by Rick Hauser Visitors can explore the many aircrafts and booths between shows. How do they get that close together going so fast?
Photo by Rick Hauser
A member of the Air Force Wings of Blue Parachute Team drops down on the runway.
Photo by Rick Hauser
have eight to ten WWII round engine airplanes, fighters, and bombers.” Airplane buffs will also recognize the Corsair, Spitfire, P-38s, Hellcats, P-61s, P-51s, P-38s, Mig-17s, the F/A-18 Hornet, Black Hawks, and tons more. As Thomas simply puts it, “We’ll try to keep a lot of planes in the air!” Air Force Wings of Blue Parachute Team will perform, as well. They’ll be jumping out of the D-Day Doll, C53 Skytrooper, which was instrumental in the invasion of Normandy on D-Day. “They’ll be jumping out like they would have (back then),” Thomas says.
Photos by Rick Hauser
When we say aerobatics, we mean it!
Defying gravity. And physics. And logic.
You’ll also find in the lineup experimental aircraft (some of which can go 200-plus knots!) and our local Ventura County Sheriff’s Air Unit, which will demonstrate firefighting and water-drop capabilities in their UH-60/UH-1. And then, of course, there will be flying formation teams, the WWII Airborne Demonstration Team, and more. And then … there’s the pyro. Who doesn’t love a good explosion or two? Firewalkers International will give the show that extra bang. “There’s going to be big, simulated bombs and strafe,” says Thomas, “and a big wall of fire at the end of the show.”
Photo by Rick Hauser A FIRST tech team prepares their robot for competition in the STEM Pavilion.
The lineup of classic cars.
Photo by Rick Hauser
education. “We’re really pushing S.T.E.M. this year,” says Thomas, referring to the pavilion featuring science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It’ll feature FIRST robotics team creations, flight simulators, UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) flight demonstrations, and more. In short, the STEM Pavilion will offer plenty of hands-on fun for the kids (and yes, grown-ups are welcome, too).
“One of the things we have coming is a mini jet,” Thomas says. “When you look at it, you think, ‘Oh, that looks like a kids’ plane,’” because it’s so small. But once you watch pilot Tom Larkin rip through the sky at seemingly impossible speeds, well, it’s clear this is no kiddie plane. Visitors can get a close-up look at Larkin’s jet, which will be parked in the STEM Pavilion when he’s not in the air performing.
By this time, you might be feeling inspired and want to get in the air yourself. WOC has you covered. There will be opportunities to take flights in both airplanes and helicopters outside of show times.
If you need yet another reason to come out, all of this fun is for a good cause, too. In 11 years, the Camarillo Wings Association (which presents WOC) has donated more than $521,000 back to the community.
Photo by Rick Hauser Taking a test flight in a flight simulator, in the STEM Pavilion.
Photo courtesy of Wings Over Camarillo Wings Over Camarillo attracts some seriously pristine custom cars.
lic.#01488460
BEAUTIFUL MEDITERRANEAN-STYLE ESTATE
723 OAK GROVE COURT
Gated and private, this beautiful Mediterranean-style estate is sitting perfectly on 2 acres in Rancho Matilija. Designed by local renown architect, Marc Whitman, the special attention to detail can’t be overlooked. With a dramatic entry which leads you to the open spacious great room you can’t help but notice the perfect mix of indoor/outdoor living where light filled rooms blend with the lush landscaping. Perfect for entertaining with two outdoor kitchens, saltwater pool and spa and a private pool house or art studio. Back inside you will love the gourmet kitchen with commercial grade appliances. Vaulted ceilings, three fireplaces, a media room. You will love the sweeping staircase leading you to an exquisite room which can be used as an office or family room. There is a gentlemen’s orchard, an oversized three car garage along with lovely mountain views. This home is one of a kind and a must see.
RE / MAX Gold Coast Realtors® (805) 798-0516
SIMI HILLS GOLF COURSE
Simi Hills Golf Course offers tree-lined rolling fairways and plush greens that will challenge golfers of all skill levels. Water hazards come into play on eight holes, and over 50 bunkers are strategically placed throughout the layout. The course is extremely fair and fun for all golfers - just pick one of the five sets of tees to match your game, and you’ll be on your way to a great day. Simi Hills is dedicated to providing an exceptional golf experience and one of the best values in the state. In addition to 18 great holes of golf, Simi Hills offers exceptional practice facilities, with a lighted driving range and practice putting green, as well as chipping and bunker practice areas. 5031 Alamo St., Simi Valley, CA 93063 (805) 522-0803 simihillsgolf.com
PRESIDEN TIAL
L IBRARY & MUS EUM
One of California’s most beautiful and unique destinations!
World Premiere Exhibition REAL SECRETS REAL STORIES REAL ARTIFACTS
Open now through October 9, 2022
Ask about our docent-led group tours Two restaurants available with tour group options
REAGANLIBRARY.COM
Tickets include admission to the Reagan Library, where you can touch an actual piece of the Berlin Wall, view an exact replica of the Oval Office, and climb aboard Air Force One! 40 Presidential Dr., Simi Valley, CA 93065 • 800.410.8354
lic.#01488460
BEHIND THE GATES OF RANCHO MATILIJA
12407 MCDONALD
Photos by Chad Jones Photography
Located behind the gates of Rancho Matilija, this home has some of the most magnificent views. Enter into the home and you enjoy the light-filled living room showcasing the mountains. The great room opens to the kitchen and leads out to the backyard. The views are breathtaking with pink sunsets and early morning sunrises. You won’t want to miss this home. Bring your creative touches and make this charmer your home for life. With the trail right outside your door, you can walk your dogs, take a hike or ride your horses. Horses are welcome on this equestrian property. Private and gated.
RE / MAX Gold Coast Realtors® (805) 798-0516
lic.#01488460
BEHIND THE GATES OF RANCHO MATILIJA
12407 MCDONALD
Photos by Chad Jones Photography
Additionally, you will find a separate 1300 sqft. commercial space with it’s own private entrance directly across from Bart’s Books. Close to all of the downtown amenities this turn key home is ready for you!
