The Olympic Airshow
By Paul Tannahil
The Olympic Flight Museum’s “Tora” Zero Replica piloted by museum president Brian Reynolds formed up with the museums P-51D Mustang American Beauty flown by Bud Granley for a few passes and a mock dog fight. (Paul Tannahill) For the 14th year running, Fathers Day weekend and the Olympic Air Show, hosted by the Olympic Flight Museum, at the Olympia Regional Airport, in Washington State, has signaled the start of airshow season for many aviation enthusiasts in the northwest. For the last few years however, less than ideal weather has played a major factor, this year being no different. Low ceilings, poor visibility and showers in the area, likely kept many fly-in visitors and spectators at home. Many of the performers were forced to modify their routines to cope with a ceiling that at times was at or around pattern altitude. Fortunately conditions never deteriorated to the point where the show had to be canceled entirely.
Visiting performers this year included Will Allen, “the flying tenor” in his Pitts S-2C; Renny Price in his Sukhoi SU-29, “Super”; Dave Matheson flying his spectacular MX2; Greg Howard in the Giles G-200; and Paul Hajduk with his Schleicher ASW-15 glider. Of course no airshow in the northwest is complete without an appearance by the Granleys. This show being no exception, Bud Granley took to the air in his trademark gold Fouga Magister before jumping in his Yak-55 later in the day to team up with his son Ross flying his Yak-18T for their dramatic duel aerobatic display.
Several aircraft and helicopters from the Olympic Flight Museum’s own collection, took to the air each day. Helicopter demonstrations were flown in the very rare and very odd Kaman 
“Super” Dave Matheson, defiantly made quite an impression appearing at the Olympic Air Show for the first time with his spectacular MX2. (Paul Tannahill) HH-43 Huskie, as well as a duel ship display showcasing the museum’s UH-1H Huey, teamed up with their AH-1 Cobra, one of only a few Cobras flying in civilian hands.
On the fixed wing side, the Aero Vodochody L-39ZO Albatross took to the sky for a display. The museum’s P-51D in combination with the “Tora” replica Zero, took to the air for a few passes and a mock dogfight, before the Mustang broke off to perform a solo aerobatic display in the capable hands of Bud Granley.
Likely the highlight of the show for many, was the fast and loud F/A-18 Super Hornet demonstration, flown by LT Kyle “Nac” Hartman, of the F/A-18 Super Hornet West Coast Flight Demonstration Team, and VFA -122 “Flying Eagles,” out of 
Low ceilings throughout the weekend restricted LT Kyle “Nac” Hartman to a largely flat show with the F/A-18E Super Hornet demonstration. (Paul Tannahill)California.
Saturday’s show brought a special fly-by appearance by a C-17 Globemaster III, out of nearby Joint Base Lewis McChord. Sunday brought a special appearance by Grumpy, the B-25 from the Historic Flight Foundation. Unfortunately the B-25’s arrival was delayed, possibly due to weather, and only those who didn’t leave immediately after the show were witness to the demonstration. New to the line up this year was the appearance by Bill Braack and the Smoke and Thunder jet car.
The Show was closed each day by the Cascade Warbird Squadron performing fly bys in several vintage warbird types.
Notably missing this year was the traditional helicopter car drop, and the CAF B-17 Sentimental Journey, which made a last minute 
For the true aviation enthusiast, nothing quite compares to the sights and sound of a Mustang being thoroughly put through its paces. Especially when that Mustang, is being flown by a pilot with the skill and experience of someone like Bud Granley, seen here during his aerobatic display in the Olympic Flight Museum’s P-51D American Beauty. (Paul Tannahill)cancellation.
With the end of the weekend rumors were swirling around the show grounds of this being the last Father’s Day weekend airshow, indicating the possibility of a shift to a date later in the year, in search of consistently better weather. Despite the adverse conditions this year however, well done to all involved.
Individuals interested in finding out more about the Olympic Flight Museum, it’s collection, and upcoming events or the Olympic Air Show, should visit their website at www.olympicflightmuseum.com.
