Organizers for the 2009 edition of the Arlington Fly-In at Arlington Municipal Airport (AWO) couldn’t have scripted it better.  Weekend weather was superb.   July 8-12 provided various forums, workshops, displays, exhibits, guest speakers and light flying demonstrations during the day, 8 am to 8 pm.

  The airshow component was an afternoon event.  Performer acts involved; Bud and Ross Granley with their Yaks, veteran airshow pilot John Mrazek and his Harvard Mk.IV, “Pussy Cat II”, Renny Price (SU-29), Ken Fowler/Eric Hansen Rocket Aerobatics, Kathy Hirtz, Matt Groth, Will Allen, John Pierson, and Hans von der Hofen.  Also attending were the Cascade Warbirds, Squadron 2.  And, throughout the day numerous aircraft fly-bys also made for a busy sky.

  Judging of presented aircraft began early each morning and finished up around 12 noon on Saturday.  The award ceremony followed at 10 am Sunday, July 12.  Award categories included Grand Champion, Reserve Grand Champion, 1-4 Champions, 1-4 Workmanship.  Results can be viewed at www.nweaa.org.  An Early tally was upwards of 700 aircraft registered for this year’s show.

  Visiting Antique planes were led by a pair of rare birds – a 1928 Boeing 40C  (N5339) and a 1930 LC-1B 300 Laird (NC 10402), both from Spokane WA.  Pilots were Anson Pemberton and Larry Howard respectively. The Boeing 40C was judged Antique Grand Champion, and the 1930 Laird, won the Antique Champion trophy.

  And, for the younger set, along with the rest of us, plenty of souvenir tents, food stands and side attractions including, for fare, helicopter, biplane and B-25 bomber rides. A Hot Air Balloon Night Glow, and Runway Theater Movies served up the evening entertainment.

  Sunday was also Veteran’s Appreciation Day-free admission to all U.S. Armed Forces, past and present.  The day closed with a Special Tribute airshow followed by large parade of collector military vehicles and post fly-past taxi of warbirds.