Aviators Field of Dreams
Runway at the beautiful Brodhead Airport where the Kelch Aviation Museum collection has 19 original vintage airplanes. Located in Southern Wisconsin it is a true gem of a facility for aircraft buffs.
1929 D-25 New Standard
Taken in Brodhead WI where there is a wonderful museum featuring a collection of antique aircraft. Every time I visit I'm reminded of the movie Field of Dreams. While visiting I was graciously invited to go up for a ride in this beautifully restored barnstormer. The pilot sits in back and there is room for 3 passengers in the front. While flying along you have a spectacular view of the countryside while directly in front of you is a placard which says No Dancing.
Glow
Hot air balloon night glow is where they keep them anchored but show off their colors.
Winging It
In Brodhead WI there is the wonderful Kelch Aviation Museum focusing on antique aircraft. With blue sky, white clouds and endless green grass these beautiful planes quite easily become photographic art.
Twin Beech
The Beechcraft Model 18 (or "Twin Beech") is a 6- to 11-seat, twin-engined, low-wing, tailwheel light aircraft manufactured by the Beech Aircraft Corporation of Wichita, Kansas. Continuously produced from 1937 to November 1969, over 9,000 were built, making it one of the world's most widely used light aircraft. Wikipedia
I took this photo at The Kelch Aviation Museum is an located at Brodhead Airport in Brodhead, Wisconsin focused on the Golden Age of Aviation.
US Navy EA-18G Growler
Boeing EA-18G Growler is a US Navy carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft, a specialized version of the two-seat Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet. Wikipedia
Almost ready to fly!
3...2...1....Hop in!
Fly Fishing
Osprey are pretty easy to photograph because they are curious birds. If I'm near water and one is in the vicinity I can usually count on it coming to investigate me. So as it soars above my head it becomes much easier for me to get a couple pictures as its close and slow.
EAA Oshkosh
Experimental Aircraft Association airshow happens every year in Oshkosh WI. For over a week it's the busiest airport in the world and one of my favorite places to take a camera.
B-1
The Rockwell B-1 Lancer is a supersonic variable-sweep wing, heavy bomber used by the United States Air Force. It is commonly called the "Bone". It is one of three strategic bombers in the U.S. Air Force fleet as of 2021, the other two being the B-2 Spirit and the B-52 Stratofortress.
Into the wild blue yonder
A hot air balloon is a lighter-than-air aircraft consisting of a bag, called an envelope, which contains heated air. Suspended beneath is a gondola or wicker basket, which carries passengers and a source of heat, in most cases an open flame caused by burning liquid propane. The heated air inside the envelope makes it buoyant, since it has a lower density than the colder air outside the envelope. As with all aircraft, hot air balloons cannot fly beyond the atmosphere. The envelope does not have to be sealed at the bottom, since the air inside the envelope is at about the same pressure as the surrounding air. In modern sport balloons the envelope is generally made from nylon fabric, and the inlet of the balloon (closest to the burner flame) is made from a fire-resistant material such as Nomex. Wikipedia
This was one of 23 balloons launched as part of a fundraising festival in Mukwonago WI.
Full of hot air
Inflating a colorful hot air balloon prior to take off in Mukwonago WI.
EAA Oshkosh
Stunt plane
F-35
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is an American family of single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole combat aircraft that is intended to perform both air superiority and strike missions.
Blue Angels Moon
I was very lucky with this photo.
North American T-6 Texan
The North American Aviation T-6 Texan is an American single-engined advanced trainer aircraft used to train pilots during World War II. First flown in 1936, a total of 15,495 T-6s of all variants were built. Wikipedia
I took this photo at the EAA convention in Oshkosh WI
Miss Virginia
Douglas DC-3C (C47) N47E “Miss Virginia” was manufactured in 1943 in Long Beach, CA as a Military model C-47A. She served at POPE with the Training Command in 1944 and 1945, then with the Air Material Command at Davis Monthan, AZ, then with the National Guard in Oklahoma City in the 50’s, then on to the U.S. Army proving ground as a test platform until 1966 when it went into storage at Davis Monthan. In 1990 it began a 10 year restoration. I took this photo at the EAA airshow in Oshkosh WI.
Grumman TBF Avenger
The Grumman TBF Avenger is an American torpedo bomber developed initially for the United States Navy and Marine Corps during WWII.
Nose Art
Nose art is a decorative painting or design on the fuselage of an aircraft, usually on the front fuselage.
While begun for practical reasons of identifying friendly units, the practice evolved to express the individuality often constrained by the uniformity of the military, to evoke memories of home and peacetime life, and as a kind of psychological protection against the stresses of war and the probability of death.
Night Air Show
Long shutter speed records the movement of the twin engine aircraft that occasionally shoots fireworks.
Balloon Launch
Hot air balloon inflation/launch one warm summer evening in Mukwonago WI.
Wind Turbine
Driving through a rural farming area that had wind turbines I thought getting up close might make an interesting photo. I just read modern turbines average 320 feet in height which it taller than the Statue of Liberty.
1929 Waco
The Waco Aircraft Company (WACO) was an aircraft manufacturer located in Troy, Ohio, United States. Between 1920 and 1947, the company produced a wide range of civilian biplanes.
I took this photo at a wonderful airfield in Brodhead WI which is also home to the Kelch Aviation Museum.
1942 Ryan PT-22
Built for the US Army Air Force as a rugged and easy to maintain military trainer. It featured a metal fuselage and fabric covered wings. The "Recruit" was a wire-braced, low-winged monoplane, with open cockpit seating for two in tandem. It trained more than 14,000 pilots for the Army Air Corps. At the peak of activity in the fall of 1943, more than 1,200 cadets were training in schools in Hemet, California and Tucson, Arizona. I took this at a private event for members of the Midwest Antique Airplane Club in Brodhead WI.
The Blues
The Blue Angels are a flight demonstration squadron of the United States Navy. Formed in 1946, the unit is the second oldest formal aerobatic team in the world, after the French Patrouille de France formed in 1931. The team, composed of six Navy and one Marine Corps demonstration pilot, fly Boeing F/A-18 Super Hornets. Wikipedia
I took this while performing on Armed Forces Day at the Boca Chica Naval Air Station in Key West FL.
The plane enters from the right…….
EAA (Oshkosh WI) night airshow shows the plane coming from the right, looping around, launching fireworks from his wingtips before exiting to the left.
Final approach for landing
The Brodhead airport in WI has a fly-in for antique aircraft each summer. This was taken in a 1928 Standard D-25 which was designed expressly for barn-storming.
Sunset Parasailing
Bright sky above the cloud, darker below.
Douglas DC-3
The Douglas DC-3 first flew in 1935 with production reaching over 16,000 planes. Many continue to be used in a variety of niche roles. As of 2023 it is estimated about 150 are still flying. I took this at the EAA convention in Oshkosh WI.
American White Pelican
American White Pelicans feed from the water’s surface, dipping their beaks into the water to catch fish and other aquatic organisms. They do not plunge-dive the way Brown Pelicans do. They are superb soarers (they are among the heaviest flying birds in the world) and often travel long distances in large flocks by soaring. They can grow to an astonishing 9.5 feet in length, 5.5 feet long and weigh as much as 20lbs. I've seen flocks in FL, UT and WI that number over a thousand.
Ft Jefferson Planes
There are 2 ways for people, without a large boat, to get to Fort Jefferson National Park. The ferry from Key West or these amphibious planes that take off from Key West airport and land in the water at the fort.
Growler
The Boeing EA-18G Growler is an American carrier-based electronic warfare aircraft, a specialized version of the two-seat F/A-18F Super Hornet. Wikipedia
Up, stop, over & back down
Stunt plane performing in Oshkosh WI during the annual 10 day EAA airshow.
B-2 Spirit
The Northrop B-2 Spirit, also known as the Stealth Bomber, is an American heavy strategic bomber, featuring low observable stealth technology designed for penetrating dense anti-aircraft defenses. Designed during the Cold War, it is a flying wing design with a crew of two. The bomber is subsonic and can deploy both conventional and thermonuclear weapons. The B-2 is the only acknowledged aircraft that can carry large air-to-surface standoff weapons in a stealth configuration.
Ready To Rumble
The P51 fist flew in 1940 while the F16 behind it entered service in 1980. The EAA convention in Oshkosh WI is an aircraft lovers dream come true. This year 10,000+ aircraft attended, 19,500 or 134 takeoffs/landings per hour during 11 days made it by far, the busiest airport in the world.
B-29 Superfortress
The Boeing B-29 Superfortress is an American four-engine propeller-driven heavy bomber designed by Boeing and flown primarily by the United States during World War II and the Korean War. Named in allusion to its predecessor, the B-17 Flying Fortress, the Superfortress was designed for high-altitude strategic bombing but also excelled in low-altitude night incendiary bombing and in dropping naval mines to blockade Japan. B-29s also dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and became the only aircraft that has ever used nuclear weapons in combat. Only 2 remain flying today, Wifi and Doc.
I took this photo of Fifi's engine at the EAA airshow in Oshkosh WI.
Liftoff
One of my favorite things to photograph especially if they let me wander around while they inflate then underneath while they all lift and fly away. This was taken years ago in Monroe WI which is world famous for award winning cheeses.
Grumman F7F Tigercat
The Grumman F7F Tigercat is a heavy fighter aircraft that served with the United States Navy (USN) and United States Marine Corps (USMC) from late in World War II until 1954. It was the first twin-engine fighter to be deployed by the USN. Wikipedia I took this at the EAA show in Oshkosh WI. It was built in 1943 and named "Here Kitty Kitty".
Ford Trimotor
The Ford Trimotor is an American three-engined transport aircraft. Production started in 1925 by the companies of Henry Ford and ended on June 7, 1933 after 199 had been made. It was designed for the civil aviation market, but also saw service with military units. It had a cruising speed of 80mph. Wikipedia
I took this photo at the EAA convention held annually in Oshkosh WI. During the 10 day event it is the worlds busiest airport in regards to landings and takeoffs.
American Airlines Flagship Detroit
The Flagship Detroit was manufactured in early 1937. It was the twenty-fourth Douglas DC-3 in American’s fleet which eventually totaled eighty-four aircraft. American Airlines flew the Detroit in regular passenger service until 1947. Since the airplane was not conscripted into military service. the Army Air Corps did not have a dedicated airplane for the President during this time so the Detroit had the distinction of carrying the First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt, on several occasions. Website
I was a little, maybe more than a little creative with this photo. Bright day in Oshkosh WI at EAA Fly-In with clouds and blue reflecting in its mirror finish. I wanted to emphasize the shape, paint, windows and rivets by giving it some contrast.
WWII
P-38 Lightning at EAA Oshkosh
Super Guppy
The Super Guppy has a cargo compartment that is 25 feet tall, 25 feet wide and 111 feet long . It can carry a payload of more than 26 tons. The aircraft has a unique hinged nose that can open more than 200 degrees, allowing large pieces of cargo to be loaded and unloaded from the front. This is at least the fourth trip a Super Guppy has made to NASA Langley. NASA News.
I took this at the EAA convention where it along with the Osprey parked behind it were the shows centerpiece aircraft.
B-29
The Boeing B-29 Superfortress is an American four-engined propeller-driven heavy bomber designed by Boeing and flown primarily by the United States during World War II and the Korean War.
Blackhawk Helicopter
EAA Oshkosh
Up and under
Some had launched while others were still filling with hot air.
1929 Butler Blackhawk
This is one of 19 antique aircraft in the Kelch Aviation Museum located in Brodhead Wisconsin. No more than 11, and maybe as few as 9 Blackhawks were built with only 2 currently flying. It is powered by a Wright 220 hp J-5 engine.
B-29 and Super Galaxy
EAA Oshkosh
Navy T-6
EAA Oshkosh
Douglas DC 3
EAA Oshkosh
Flying & Fireworks
Each July brings the EAA (Experimental Aircraft Assn) show to Oshkosh WI making it the busiest airport in the US for 10 days. Two nights they have a second show after dark featuring stunt planes and fireworks for 3 hours. These night photos make for some of the most surprising photos I've ever taken. This photo shows ground fireworks while a plane, shooting its own fireworks, performs a double loop over the top.
B-17 Flying Fortress
B-17 Top Turret and Cockpit windows - EAA Oshkosh
Brilliant P 47
EAA Oshkosh
Warthog
The Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II is a single-seat, twin-turbofan, straight-wing, subsonic attack aircraft developed by Fairchild Republic for the United States Air Force. In service since 1976, it is named for the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, a World War II-era fighter-bomber effective at attacking ground targets, but commonly referred to as the "Warthog" or "Hog".Wikipedia
The Blues
Field of dreams
The Kelch Aviation Museum in Brodhead WI includes 19 vintage aircraft, 3 vintage automobiles, 10,000 aviation books, 12 original aircraft engines, cabinets of photo collections, and dozens of models, works of art, and one-of-a-kind treasures! Whether you’re a Snoopy-and-the-Red-Baron fan or a researcher sleuthing out original aircraft blueprints, we have something to fascinate you! Kelch website
I've been going there every summer for the past 3 years to take photos of these very unique aircraft while on display in the museum hangers and also while flying about the "field of dreams" as I call it airport.
Sunlit Balloon
The wing walker is the pilot’s wife
EAA Oshkosh
B-52
The Boeing B-52 Stratofortress is an American long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber. The B-52 was designed and built by Boeing, which has continued to provide support and upgrades. It has been operated by the United States Air Force since the 1950s. The bomber is capable of carrying up to 70,000 pounds of weapons, and has a typical combat range of more than 8,800 miles without aerial refueling.
P 57
EAA Oshkosh
Brown Pelican
The brown pelican is one of two species of pelicans found in Florida, the white pelican being the other. It has a wingspan of 6 ft 8 in to 7 ft 6 in.
DC 3
Zillions of rivets - EAA Oshkosh
The Blimps
As of 8/10/2021 there are still 4 of these flying.
Great horned owl
Adult great horned owls can be as large as 2’ tall with a 5’ wingspan.Despite their size they are capable of “silent flight”, which is the way owls fly while making almost no discernable noise. And they can fly at a very low speeds as slow as 2 miles per hour when they are gliding on breezes while hunting. At dusk, the owl utters a few calls before flying to a more open sing-post, i.e. large bare branch or large rocks to deliver song. Normally several perches are used to mark occupied territory or to attract a female. Wikipedia
I took this photo in SW Utah where a pair have been seen each year. In the past 5 years they have produced offspring twice. Baby owls are ridiculously cute and always under the very watchful eyes of a adult.
F-18 Super Hornet
Boca Chica Naval Air Station
P-51
The North American Aviation P-51 Mustang is an American long-range, single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber used during World War II and the Korean War, among other conflicts. Wikipedia
I took this photo at the EAA show in Oshkosh.
1928 New Standard D-25
Recently restored, the New Standard D-25 was a 5-seat agricultural and joy-riding aircraft produced in the US from 1928. I took this in Brodhead WI during an antique aircraft fly-in. The previous year's event I was thrilled to be given a ride in one.
Boeing B-17
The Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress is a four-engined heavy bomber developed in the 1930s for the United States Army Air Corps. From its introduction in 1938, the B-17 Flying Fortress evolved through numerous design advances becoming the third-most produced bomber of all time
Great Hornet Owlets
These were on a ledge about 40 feet off the ground and the mother owl was close by. These owlets owls are 'born ready' and develop quickly, developing flying and hunting skills by instinct rather than by watching their parents. When they are 42 days old they will give their first attempt to fly. But they will fully learn to fly at the age of 70 to 84 days. In the meantime, they can just afford to move into the branches while keeping away from the predators. I found them a couple days later high on a tree branch so when I took this photo (in Utah) they were 42-84 days old.
Air Show Stunt Pilot
Performing at Boca Chica Naval Air Station
Night Air Show
The EAA show runs 10 days each summer in WI. On two evenings they have a special show after dark. It is hard see the planes but the engine heat, LED lighting and firework launchers you can see where they've been. Here the plane entered from the right then performed a loop and exited back to the right launching fireworks. For this photo I left the camera shutter open for 46 seconds.
1929 Travel Air over Oshkosh WI
Taking off from Pioneer Airport in Oshkosh WI we flew around the countryside in this old biplane enjoying the scenery. I was using a small camera that to take a photo and I had to hold it up above the windshield, point into the wind a push the shutter button without knowing what would be in the photo. Got lucky on a few but most were just blurs as the camera and I just bounced around amongst the clouds.
B-25 Mitchell
EAA Oshkosh
Wing Walker
This show was at the Naval Air Station in Key West. Here the wing walker was flying over a parked Blue Angel F-18 Super Hornet
The Blues
In April 2016 the Blue Angels performed in Key West at the Boca Chica Naval Air Station for Armed Forces Day. They are one of the best things to photograph because they fly with such precision, so fast and so very close to the ground.
Oh Say Can You See
During the War of 1812, Francis Scott Key penned these words as he looked for the American flag the morning after a huge, strategic battle. If he were to see Old Glory still flying like it had been the evening before, then he would know that the American troops had been victorious. And he was not disappointed. In his joy, he wrote the words of what would become our national anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner.”
Fat Albert
Blue Angels' Fat Albert C-130J taking off over Blue Angels' Hornets
B-26
EAA Airshow Oshkosh WI. This WWII B-26 was a shoulder-winged monoplane of all-metal construction, fitted with a tricycle landing gear. It had a streamlined, circular section fuselage housing the crew, consisting of a bombardier in the nose, armed with a .30 in machine gun, a pilot and co-pilot sitting side by side, with positions for the radio operator and navigator behind the pilots. A gunner manned a dorsal turret armed with two .50 in machine guns, and an additional .30 machine gun was fitted in the tail.
Stunt plane over parked Blue Angel
Air show at Boca Chica Naval Air Station
EAA Airshow Oshkosh
The North American B-25 Mitchell is a medium bomber that was introduced in 1941 and named in honor of Major General William "Billy" Mitchell, a pioneer of U.S. military aviation.
Fort Jefferson National Park
Amphibious plane reflection. You can fly out for a 1/2 day trip or take the long ferry ride.
P-51
EAA Airshow Oshkosh WI
Airbus
landing gear
Final Approach
B-1 Bomber
Boca Chica Naval Air Station - Key West
Warbirds Flyover
EAA Airshow Oshkosh
WWII Bomber Art
EAA Airshow
F-35
EAA Airshow
EAA Airshow
Husband is flying & his wife is up top
EAA Airshow
Blue Angles
B-1 Bomber
Key West Naval Air Station
Big Stunt Plane
EAA Airshow Airbus demonstration
Hot Air Fun
MARK-REINNOLDT-351
Miami Beach flyover
P-51
EAA Airshow
The Blue Angels
Boca Chica Naval Air Station Key West