World War II aviation: “Wings Over Gillespie” air show June 1-2

Gillespie Field will be the scene of wonder and remembrance, both up in the air, and on the tarmac below. The El Cajon air field will host the yearly Wings Over Gillespie Air Show. The show flies from 9 to 4, Saturday and Sunday, June 1 and 2, 2013.

The San Diego chapter of the “Commemorative Air Force,” Air Group 1, organizes the exhibition annually at Gillespie. This year there will be examples of aerobatics, wing-walking, a pyrotechnical staged aerial fight, military reenactments, an area of games for children, and a beer garden for the grown-ups. In addition, of course, a multitude of vintage and modern aircraft of all types. Among it all will be amusement rides, scientific presentations, and naturally, plenty of places to buy things to drink and eat.

The 2013 air show honors the major role San Diego played in the development and use of war-time aviation during the Second World War. There will be exhibits showing scenes from the area during the 1940’s, when more than 1,000 pilots lived here. The many aircraft facilities, both public and private, that operated here during the war will also be displayed in exhibits.

The following planes and other craft, among many others, will be seen at the show: the only Northrup N-9M “Flying Wing”; the  Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer, which is the Navy version of the famed B-24 bomber; a P-63 Soviet Kingcrobra; a Douglas C-53 D-Day Doll paratroop carrier; a p-51 Mustang called “Lady Alice” and the PBY-Catalina amphibious flying-boat.

General admission at the gate is $20 for adults and $15 for children between ages 7 and 14, seniors 65 and older, and active military members. The event is free for children 6 years old and under, and to all WWII veterans, Korean War veterans and Purple Heart recipients. Special two-day passes are also available. Online tickets start at $8.

For further info, or to order tickets online, go to Air Group 1’s website at: www.ag1caf.org .