AIR FEST 2013
KGOO
Nevada County Airport, CA
The Golden Empire Flying Association AIR FEST 2013 was held at the Nevada County Airport on July 12 and 13, 2013. Gordon Mills,
a Burning Man friend and resident local to the Nevada County Airport caught wind of the FAA's new policy of charging exorbitant
prices for temporary towers so when they started talking UNICOM, he said "I know a guy who....." I was then called and offered
the duty of UNICOM at the Air Fest. I gladly accepted. Thank You, Gordon!
The "UNICOM Tower" was set up on a flatbed trailer, under a shade structure, where we could see everything necessary. We were out in the open. All radio equipment was supplied, even lunch and refreshments.
I was joined by Gary Schoelen, and old ATC friend from Edwards AFB years ago. He and I arrived at the Nevada County Airport within 10 minutes of each other. We then proceeded to the camping location just east of the Cal Fire ramp. It was a great spot, and we each had an extension chord from Buzz's hangar. Thank you, Buzz! Gary and I put our awnings together creating a great patio area and the good times started!
We welcomed Dennis Gardner! He helped with the UNICOM at Marysville the month earlier, and showed up at Nevada County Airport! Gary and I were happy to have him join the crew. He's actually a local resident to the Grass Valley, CA area, and an emergency room doctor at a local hospital.
The first briefing was in the Airport Manager's office. Procedures were discussed, and things were a bit different compared to other air shows. UNICOM was to be operational during the performances! Usually the Air Boss takes over and UNICOM stands down. Well, we can "roll with the punches"! Everything went smoothly. There were other briefings with the EAA operation, and the War Birds operation. Specifics were discussed and we were all on the same page. These briefings are essential to a safe air show. We all need to know what will happen, what to expect, and what to expect of each other. As a result, everyone did what they're trained to do and we had another safe air show!
We started at 0700 on July 12. Aircraft began to show up and some gave a sampling of their performances. That evening we had a dinner/dance with static displays of aircraft and support equipment. The AirFest began Saturday July 13 at 0800 and included static displays, radio control aircraft with flight demo's, vintage aircraft with flight demo's, and even some rides in open cockpit biplanes. Throughout the weekend, Cal Fire was operational, and the AirFest was required to stand down for their departures and arrivals. In my opinion Cal Fire added to the fun. Here's some of the highlights of the show.
Cal Fire's presence was required. They were still on the job, ready to step up to the plate. They launched many times and seemed to be part of the show. One of the pilots gave us a fly-by we wouldn't forget! Sorry, my camera and I weren't prepared for it. But I did get many good captures of Cal Fire Operations. Here they are at Nevada County Airport.
