North American B‐25J Mitchell “Old Glory”
“Wings Over Wine Country,” the Pacific Coast Air Museum’s annual air show, took place September 20‐21,
2014 at the Charles M. Schulz – Sonoma County Airport. Both its date (a month later than last year) and its
location (at the south end of the airport, closer to the museum) were changed this year. The highlight of the
show was the first appearance here of the MV‐22 Osprey. Sadly, the continuing effects of the budget se‐
questration process were noted in the absence of other U.S. military aircraft. The flybys by the U‐2 and T‐
38s from nearby Beale AFB, once a standard at this show, were sorely missed. The Canadians, however, did
send two RCAF T‐6A Texan II trainers which appeared on static display. The show also featured a number of
aerobatic and warbird performances.
The venue this year shifted back to the southern end of the airport, close to the museum grounds. This
made it easier for the museum to stage essentially all of its aircraft on static display. Most of the aircraft
were opened up, making the cockpits accessible to kids of all ages. Crew chiefs and volunteers were on hand
to answer questions. A number of warbirds were also on static display prior to their flying performances.
Military participation was limited to the MV‐22 and two RCAF T‐6 Texan IIs. The flightline was much shorter
than that in recent years, but there was sufficient space between the chalets to set up folding chairs and get
a good view of the action. Bleachers and box seats were available for an additional fee. The gates opened at
0900, but early birds had the option of purchasing a pancake breakfast which allowed access an hour earlier.
The breakfast was served in the hangar through which stunt pilot Frank Tallman flew a Beech 18 in the
movie “It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World.” Saturday morning’s weather was overcast with a low ceiling and
the entertainment began with the local RC club flying some of their aircraft. This was followed by the local
SWAT team putting on some demonstrations of their capabilities. A simulated hostage rescue saw the police
team, accompanied by a K‐9 unit, being airlifted in. The whole team, including the dog, was clipped to a rope
suspended from a Bell 407 helicopter.
The flying demonstrations began shortly after noon, although the overcast had not yet lifted. A flight of four
Nanchang CJ‐6 aircraft performed a number of formation flybys including a missing man formation. This was
followed by the warbirds. Although there was a nice selection of trainers, fighters and a bomber, the num‐
bers were down significantly from last year’s show. The airport began during World War II as a P‐38 training
base, so it was nice to see “23 Skidoo” from the Planes of Fame Air Museum in attendance. Also up from
Chino was an early‐war F4U‐1 Corsair. They were joined by a trio of local Mustangs, a Yak‐11
“Blyak” and the B‐25J Mitchell “Old Glory.”