Don't miss Open Cockpit Day on Sunday at Castle

By Beverly Barela
September 2, 2010

Did you think Open Cockpit Day at Castle Air Museum takes place on Memorial Day weekend?

Yes, you’re right, but this year it’s also on Labor Day weekend.

“We have received numerous requests for another open cockpit day,” said Joe Pruzzo,  the executive director of the air museum. “So we thought we would have a Fall Open Cockpit Day.”

The family event will be held Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and will feature a whole day’s lineup of activities for children. 

“We will have a bounce house, children’s airplane-themed rides, and car rides on the grounds,” Pruzzo said. “Volunteers from the air museum and the Fresno Hobby Club’s make-and-take program will help children put together snap-together planes.”

The museum, located at 5050 Santa Fe Drive in Atwater, cultivates an appreciation for our Armed Forces with its display of restored military aircraft.

Open cockpit day is a time when many of the historic airplanes are open for viewing. 
“About 25 of our 53 military aircraft will be open for viewing, including the SR-71, B-52, F-15 fighter, and the A-4 Sky Hawk,” Pruzzo said. 

“We’ll have people out on the grounds to explain the hardware of the airplanes. There will be vintage military vehicles, and World War II re-enactments with people dressed up as paratroopers.  They will be near the C-47, the plane used to drop paratroopers into Normandy on D-Day in 1944.

“We are fortunate enough to have two people who have flown the SR-71 Blackbird who will talk about it.  One is Tim Shaw, a Blackbird Reconnaissance Officer, who lives in Merced.  The other, Brian Shul, from Northern California, will give a power point presentation seminar in the banquet room, explaining the flight characteristics of the Blackbird.

“He was the pilot who flew this very airplane over Libya 25 years ago after the U.S. reprisal attack in 1986 for Libya’s terrorist activities.  It was fired upon, but didn’t come close to being hit.  They just increased their speed.”

For guests who work up an appetite strolling the beautiful tree-lined grounds of the air museum, enjoying the day, there will be plenty of food.

Pruzzo said, “We will be serving our famous Bomber burgers and hot dogs, and on the grounds, there will be homemade ice cream.  We will have shaved ice, kettle korn, and different Coca Cola refreshments.  You’ve got food, you’ve got entertainment.  It doesn’t get any better!”

Fall Open Cockpit Day will also offer rides.

“Guests can take a helicopter ride for $40 per person.  It’s really a pleasant flight and gives you a bird’s eye view of Castle Air Museum and the base and the area.

“There is a possibility that a member of the Commemorative Air Force will bring a T-6 single engine World War II trainer from Northern California to give War Bird rides.  We hope he will be able to make it here with a pilot for the event.  For 20 minutes of actual air time, it will cost $200, and 30 minutes will cost $300.

“In addition, we will be actively flying some radio control helicopters.  Also, the indoor museum has been renovated with lighting and displays highlighting the history of Castle Air Force Base.

This is one of our biggest fundraisers to allow us to continue to preserve aviation military history so people can see the sacrifices it took 100 years ago to maintain our freedom.
“We are a non-profit, and we have to pay to retrieve an airplane, and to restore and maintain it.”

Anyone is welcome to fly in for the event, and Castle Air Museum will provide a free shuttle from the base’s airport to the museum.  To fly in, Gemini Flight Support can be contacted at (209) 725-1455.

The cost for admission to Fall Open Cockpit Day is $12 for adults, $8 for seniors, $30 for a family of four, $5 for youth ages 6 to 17, and it is free for kids age 5 and under and for active military personnel.

For further information, those interested can contact Castle Air Museum at (209) 723-2178.