Golden West Regional Fly-in & Airshow 2013

“DAWN OF AVIATION IN THE WEST”

Golden West Regional Fly-in & Airshow is gearing up for its 2013 event scheduled for June 7, 8 & 9, 2013 at the Yuba County Airport (MYV) in the community of Olivehurst, California.

Golden West 2013 introduces a challenge to aviation history and will be showcasing the first look at the full size replica of the Montgomery Flier, begging the question….Who was really first…the Wright Brothers or John Montgomery?….the East or the West?….where did aviation get is first start?

In a new book, “Quest for Flight:  John J. Montgomery and the Dawn of Aviation in the West” by aviation historians Craig Harwood and Gary Fogel, the story of Montgomery has helped place the American West in context with regard to aviation history.  Some 20 years before the Wright Brothers flew at Kitty Hawk, N.C., California aviation pioneer and inventor, John J. Montgomery flew heavier than air craft in 1883.  Author Craig Harwood will be presenting his story at Golden West.  John Montgomery was the brother of Mr. Harwood’s great grandfather.

In addition to Montgomery’s accomplishments, Golden West is also recognizing a major milestone in military aviation history--the 100 year anniversary of the oldest aviation unit in the U.S. Military.  The 1^st Reconnaissance Squadron at Beale AFB, CA, was originally founded in 1913 at Texas City, Texas as the 1^st Aero Squadron.  The squadron was established to provide aerial support to General John “Blackjack” Pershing’s Punitive Expedition into Mexico while in pursuit of Generalissimo Pancho Villa.  An interesting historical side note is a junior member of Gen Pershing’s staff at the time, was a young Lieutenant by the name of George S. Patton Jr.  In continuous operation since its founding the 1^st RS remains vital to the U.S. military’s Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) mission.  

Golden West brings aviation enthusiasts from all over the West gathering to celebrate their shared love of flight, remember those lost in years past, and celebrate our future in aviation technology. Pilots of all types of aircraft from Light Sport to our military are expected to participate in this aviation convention which is open to the public.  According to Golden West President Amy Clemens, “The event is as much about the aircraft as it is about friends coming together to renew acquaintances and to make new ones

The Golden West Regional Fly-in & Airshow will be open 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM all three days and feature a daily pancake breakfast, forums and workshops. The Kid Qwest^TM hangar will provide aviation-related hands on activities for kids of all ages and our Young Eagles program will be scheduling flights for kids ages 8-17.  Each day an aerobatic airshow will take place featuring Eddie Andreini and his new P51 aircraft, Bill Cornick and Spencer Suderman, with the ARC Racing Challenge, Vicky Benzing, Dr. D, Liberty Parachute Team, Carl Liepold, and others.

Many more exciting and interesting activities are planned for this year’s Golden West Flyin & Airshow.  For more information, visit our website at www.goldenwestflyin.org .

About Golden West Aviation Association

Golden West Aviation Association, Inc. is an all volunteer 501(c)(3) not-for-profit association based in Marysville California and is best known for its annual fly-in. Through the event Golden West “opens the gates to aviation” while achieving its goals of promoting aviation education and safety and preserving aviation history.