Geneseo Show In New York Worth Waiting For

Story and Photos
By Jack Watson

For the aviation enthusiast, the annual 1941 Historical Aircraft Group (HAG)  airshow in Geneseo, N.Y. is a fixture.

For the warbird enthusiast more specifically, it’s a bold mark on the most prominent wall calendar in the house. This year’s theme of “A warbird gathering” being very vague, opened the door to all the possibilities, and checking the association web site prior to the show promised some real rarities.

However, dealing with old airplanes, there always is a difference between what is announced and what makes it to the airfield. Friday, July 9, was arrival day, and, if everything had gone according to plan, airplanes should have been trickling in from various directions until sundown.

The weather decided, yet again, to throw a curve ball.  In the afternoon, a nasty front had the bad idea to go through upstate New York, a region that had not seen rain for weeks.

The timing could not be worse, and the airplanes on their way had to divert for an overnight stay, waiting for a clearing. Looking at the bright side, the bad weather did not interfere with the show itself, and the airplanes poured in early Saturday morning.

The newly restored Canadian Warplane Heritage (CWH) Westland Lysander dropped in just before the show on unsuspecting spectators, followed shortly by the equally pristine CWH Fairey Firefly.

This duo was reason enough to make it to Geneseo, as they were there for the first time.

Gerry Yeagen decided to bring a real treat out of his awesome collection: his De Havilland Dragon Rapide, the only flyable example of the breed in the North-American continent. Painted in a bright red and blue scheme, the Geneseo grass was the perfect setting for the vintage airliner.

Might I be so bold as to suggest next year’s venue to Mr. Yeagen ? Could you please, bring the Polikarpov Po-2, or, at least a Polikarpov I-16, or, even the I-15Bis?

Most awaited was the return of the Minnesota Wing of the Commemorative Air Force “Red Tail” P-51C after its extensive restoration process. In the hands of Doug Rozendaal, the airplane - between its displays during the show, VIP and Tuskegee rides and photo shoots - flew more hours than an airliner.

The weather, however, precluded a high antique and classic participation, as they do not have the same capabilities as more complex airplanes. One classic stood out from the pack: Elaine Huf’s Stinson 10A, especially authentic in its Civil Air Patrol markings.

Hard to miss, it will be the center of an upcoming feature in the pages of your favorite paper.

Saturday delivered on the promise of a gorgeous day, with a seven hour - yes, seven hour - show encompassing every type of machine that can grace the air, including gliders. On that day, Manfred Radius gave his most perfect aerobatic sailplane demonstration.

In the near-still air, his smoke lingered over the field, underlining the flawless execution of his display. Even he was happy with his performance, which says a lot, knowing his perfectionism.

Sunday followed pretty much the same scenario, with a slight increase in temperature and humidity. As an added bonus, some nice puffies rolled in in the afternoon, giving more depth to the blue skies.

Once more, Geneseo delivered the goods for the general public and the more informed amateurs alike. Everybody had a field day, and are awaiting impatiently the 2011 edition of the 1941 HAG airshow.