Dawn patrol flies in for rendezvous

  • Published
  • By Chris McGee
  • U.S. Air Force Museum Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFPN) --  A trio of Fokker Dr. I triplanes approached the field from the north, emerging over a tree line as they began a measured descent. Their engines punctuated the air with a reverberating roar as the warbirds passed over the field and climbed to a higher altitude once again.

For thousands of observers on the ground, it was another of the many reminiscent scenes from the fourth Dawn Patrol Rendezvous World War I Fly-In held at the U.S. Air Force Museum here Sept. 12 to 14.

The flying event featured more than 40 vintage-reproduction flying and static display era aircraft from World War I. Along with the vintage aircraft were radio-controlled aircraft, war re-enactors in full regalia, classic automobiles and even a fashion show transformed a field here into a grand stage for a trip back in time.

Bringing military-aviation history to life is exactly what museum officials and those from the Great War Aeroplanes Association, said they aimed to do through the event.

“The World War I Fly-In provides a dramatic, dynamic and educational experience through a living history interpretation of World War I aviation,” said Denise Bollinger, the museum’s planner for the event.

Along with the Fokker triplanes, other aircraft included World War I mainstays such as Nieuports, S.E.5s and Sopwiths. Flying mostly seven-eighth-scale aircraft, pilots entertained the crowd by competing in flour-bombing and balloon-busting exercises.

More than 53,000 people visited the museum during the weekend, giving pilots and other event participants a ready platform for teaching World War I aviation history and dispelling many misconceptions.

“Flying these kinds of events are important because they help us set the record straight about any misconceptions that might exist out there, particularly about technical issues,” said Rick Bennett, a Nieuport 23 pilot. “Some people who have written books about World War I military aviation have never flown in these aircraft before.”

Although the event is normally held every two years, event organizers decided to hold this one in 2003 to coincide with the Centennial of Flight celebration.