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On October 22nd, CAFSoCal presented the third installment of the Fighter Plane series at the museum.

Previous presentations had covered the Mitsubishi A6M3 Zero and the Grumman F6F Hellcat aircraft. The latest installment was about the museum’s Supermarine Spitfire Mk. XIV and was by far the best attended event of it’s kind at our facilities – a testament not only to the popularity of this warbird, but also the to the ever improving efforts of the museum’s volunteer staff in organizing and conducting events such as this.

Many thanks to Rob Hertberg to organizing the program, to Steve Barber for his presentation on the flight characteristics of the Spitfire as well as his flight demonstration at the conclusion of the event, and to Ron Fleishman for speaking about the history of the specific aircraft that is part of the Wing’s cadre of warbirds.

Lastly, thanks to all the many tireless volunteers who worked behind the scenes to contribute to the success of this event, with special mention to Gene O’Neal for providing the following video and still shots for those of us who missed it.

The 2nd annual Mentor West Fly-In gathering will take place at CAFSoCal hangars in Camarillo followed by a Veterans Salute flyover in Santa Barbara. The event will take place over four days with aircraft arrivals starting on Thursday November 11, a mass formation fly-over of Santa Barbara for the Veterans Parade on Saturday afternoon and departures on Sunday.

Saturday’s mass formation will be the largest fly-over for a Veterans Day parade anywhere in the United States. Last year over 20 aircraft participated in the event, including Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Helicopters, a P-51 Mustang, an F6F Hellcat, multiple T-34’s, Nanchang’s, Yaks and a B-25.  This year we expect multiple B-25s, C-47s, T-34s, CJs, Yaks as well as other aircraft.

Come by the museum to watch our very busy ramp full of T-34 Mentor and other aircraft departing the airport for this  event.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bob Hoover, one of aviation’s greatest pilots. A legendary aviator and a gracious gentleman, he will be sorely missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Sy Robins, Clay Lacy and Bob Hoover visiting CAFSoCal in 2016

Our condolences go out to Bob’s Family

Mark your calendars and plan to attend an event at CAF SoCal facilities commemorating the 80th anniversary of the legendary Spitfire with a presentation on the history and impact of this warbird, the lineage of the CAFSoCal Spitfire mark XIV followed by a “walk-around” tour of the aircraft and a flight demonstration.

The Summer of 1940 was a critical time in the early stages of World War II. Britain stood alone against the German armed forces and Germany had its sight set on the U.K.

Enter this airplane, the Supermarine spitfire. The Spitfire along with its air defense cohort, the Hawker Hurricane, held back the mighty German Luftwaffe in the Battle of Britain, which raged  from July to October of 1940.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of the first flight of the Spitfire. One of the most recognized and beloved and iconic aircraft of all time.

Welcome to the commemorative Air Force’s Southern California wing at Camarillo Airport.

On Saturday, October 22 CAF SoCal is hosting an event on  honoring the Spitfire.

Come hear Steve Barber our very own CAFSoCal Hall of Fame member talk about the development of spitfire, the Battle of Britain, and what it’s like to fly this  international treasure.

Ron Fleishman, our Unit Historian will outline the history of CAFSoCal’s own Mark XIV Spitfire, and we’ll conclude the event, weather and maintenance permitting by flying the Spitfire for you.

We’d love to see you on Saturday October 22nd for our Spitfire Event. Come experience living history.

Hosts:     Ventura County Ninety-Nines, Ventura County Career Education Center, California Aeronautical University, SBBCollege, Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 723, Commemorative Air Force SoCal Wing, Channel Islands Aviation, CP Aviation, Ventura County Department of Airports and Scofield Catering.

What:      Ventura County High School Aviation Career Day

When:     9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 28, 2016

Where:    Commemorative Air Force Museum Camarillo Airport, 455 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA

Why:       An event for all high school students in Ventura County to learn about various aviation careers available in this growing industry. Students will have the opportunity to speak to aviation industry professionals, military professionals, pilots, and aviation schools.  Visit with representatives from Parker Aerospace, NASA Armstrong, AeroVironment, Sun Air Jets, Air Traffic Controllers, UAV industry professionals, Civil Air Patrol, US Air Force, Channel Islands Air National Guard, US Navy, flight schools such as CP Aviation, Channel Islands Aviation and Camarillo Flight Instruction, as well as local Colleges including California Aeronautical University, Cal State LA and Spartan College. There will also be a flight simulator, drone demonstrations and various aircraft on display, including a flying car.

Highlight: Make Garbage Fly Contest:  Students bring their gliders made from recycled materials and compete for $850 in cash prizes for their School.  For contest rules, please visit www.facebookcom/vcaviationcareerday.

RSVP:        Students should sign up with their Career & College Counselors and/or STEM Teachers, or call 805-312-9299 for more information.   Schools can sign up at www.aviationcareerday.eventbright.com.

The PBJ and SNJ “290” have been in Sacramento for the 2016 California Capital Airshow as part of the Air Power History Tour along with the B-29 FiFi.

Both aircraft are busy giving rides to warbird enthusiasts.

You can book a ride HERE.

The PBJ will also be participating in the airshow with other WWII vintage aircraft as part of “warbird alley” .

We will be posting photos and videos to this news item as the show proceeds.

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Sacramento ABC10 News Spot

of our comrade CAF – So Cal Wing member, James Paul Corcoran.  
Paul was a docent at our wing for the past 2 years; since he moved from Buffalo NY.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Elizabeth Toth, loving daughter, Lisa Marie (Eyal) Erez and adored grandsons, Eli Zvi and Liam Jacob; siblings Martin (Faye) Corcoran of South Africa, Mary Elizabeth (late Patrick) Henry, Padraig (June) Corcoran, Gerrard (Anne) Corcoran, Anne (Joe) Gilmartin, Thomas Corcoran, Claire (Eugene) Reynolds, Joseph (Chris) Corcoran, Catherine (Don) Brosnan and many nieces and nephews in Ireland.

Funeral Services will be held:

Thursday, Sept. 29, 2016

10:00 a.m.

Padre Serra Catholic Church

205 Upland Road

Camarillo, CA 93012

Our condolences go out to his wife Mary and their family

The PBJ will be at Sacramento from September 26th to October 3rd. It will be part of the B-29 tour during that time.  You can schedule a ride while it is on tour by going to the Air power History Tour Page.

Enjoy the ride!!

As most of you know the Mustang’s engine is being repaired.  Our latest estimate of when it will be flying is now December 1.

All of our Fighters, save the Mustang (Engine Repair) have left for Reno.  They will return next Monday the 19th of September.