Aviation Event – Flabob DC-3 Fly-In, California | GAR

C-41A N341A – © Paul Filmer – Global Aviation Resource

This was my first visit to Flabob Airport, and it was a nice surprise to see an old fashioned sleepy local airport nestled in a mostly residential area. Paul Filmer reports from the first Flabob DC-3 Fly-In.

C-47A N74589 Placid Lassie – © Paul Filmer – Global Aviation Resource

C-47 formation flight – © Paul Filmer – Global Aviation Resource

The occasion was the first Flabob DC-3 Fly-In, and the organisers had hoped for 20 DC-3s to be in attendance.

C-47A N231GB – © Paul Filmer – Global Aviation Resource

C-47B N791HH – © Paul Filmer – Global Aviation Resource

But reality of maintenance issues plus string winds meant that only 9 turned up, but that’s at least 8 more than you’ll usually find at many airports.

C-47B N103NA Flabob Express and C-41A N341A – © Paul Filmer – Global Aviation Resource

C-47A N62CC – © Paul Filmer – Global Aviation Resource

It was very people friendly, with food, beer and places to sit in the shade, plus access close to the runway to watch the DC-3s come and go on their pleasure flights.

C-47B N131FS and C-47A N231GB – © Paul Filmer – Global Aviation Resource

C-47A N62CC – © Paul Filmer – Global Aviation Resource

The runway direction with the sun at this time of year, however, makes photography particularly difficult until late in the afternoon, so if you want flying shots you need to explore outside of the airport.

C-47A N74589 Placid Lassie – © Paul Filmer – Global Aviation Resource

DC-3A N43XX – © Paul Filmer – Global Aviation Resource

Crowd numbers were surprisingly low, which was unfortunate, but the weekend clashed with an airshow 30 minutes away, which included fast jets and a beer festival into the night, so I expect families, given the choice, went to the latter.

C-41A N341A – © Paul Filmer – Global Aviation Resource

DC-3A N8336C – © Paul Filmer – Global Aviation Resource

It was a very good first effort, however, and the organisers are planning for another event next year so lets hope they plan for a date that doesn’t clash with anything else in the area.