An estimated 2,000 people attended the annual Ramona Airport Open House this past weekend. They were treated to tours of the air traffic control tower (ATC), U.S. Forest Service and Calfire operations, and the Classic Rotors helicopter museum. Several classic war birds, to include the famous P-51 Mustang were on display and seen in low-pass “fly-bys.”
Visitors also got a close-up look at the OV-10 Bronco, used as a spotter aircraft for aerial firefighting missions, and the Sheriff’s Copter 10.
Special guests at this year’s event included Captain Claude Rowe (Ret), one of the original Tuskegee Airmen of WWII fame, and Colonel James E. Trotman, Jr. (Ret) who piloted Air Force One during the Reagan Administration.
The Classic Fighters Formation Clinic reunited Obie O’Brien and the F4U-4 Corsair he flew during the Korean War 59 years ago.
Young Eagles, a program for aspiring young pilots, also went up in 12 different flights during the day.
In addition to a variety of aircraft on the ramp, families got to see a “Big Truck” collection of Peterbilts, Kenworths, and Jimmys, as well as an assortment of classic hot rods.
The Ramona Airport Open House is just one of the many free, family events sponsored by County Airports.
