Dreams, Machines and Icons

Sometimes, childhood dreams do come true. At least, for Greg and Ryan Costo they do. For many years, Greg’s father, a WW2 pilot, was a pylon judge for the National Championship Air Races in Reno, NV. Because of his father’s involvement flying aircraft for the Army Air Corp and later the Strategic Air Command it was a given that this love would be handed down from father to son. When Ryan came along, the tradition continued. Three generations all going to Reno in September and watching their favorite racers speed through sky.

We forward fast a many years to when means and opportunity collide. Dago Red, the beautiful Merlin equipped P-51 Mustang is for sale. Terry Bland has decided to sell. Good business sense has provided the means and Greg and Ryan form Dream Machines, LLC and are on their way.

For those of you who do not know Dago Red, she is a P-51D, rebuilt in 1981 by Bill “Tiger” Destefani as the modified racer #4. Since then, she has been owned by Frank Taylor, Alan Preston, David Price and just prior to the Costo Family, Terry Bland. She won her first year at Reno, 1982, with Ron Hevle in the pilot seat. After several years of maydays, she was back in the winner’s circle in 1998 with Bruce Lockwood at the helm. She then won with Alan Preston and later Skip Holm and currently owns the fastest race speed in Reno History at just over 507 mph.

In recent years, she has been commanded by Dan Martin. If you remember the races in 2005, you probably remember Dan flying his mostly stocker P-51D, Ridge Runner III to a very competitive Gold Final and sadly coming in with a mayday, much to the screaming crowds dismay. He is a fan favorite and a RACER’S RACER, a well respected stick.

Dan raced Dago last year. In the closest qualifying session in history, he came out on top. After incredibly exciting racing, he and Dago came in 2nd to Tiger and Strega, with a very respectable 474+mph race speed.

What does the future hold for Dago? The Costo Family has great plans for their racer. She is currently undergoing a facelift and will be sporting new paint, yes – the KELP IS GONE! Some minor speed mods will be done and she should be back to her winning ways in September with Dan there to guide her once again.

American Icon Tours

But, that is only part of the story. Dream Machines was not just about Greg’s and Ryan’s dreams. They want to share their dreams with as many people as possible. Not just through a fan base for Dago Red, but by actually bringing the Mustang and the people together in what they are calling the American Icon Tour.

From their website, The American Icon Tour was conceived to display, preserve, and continue the Mustang's legacy for future generations. Our mission is to share our aircraft on a nationwide tour that will allow the general public to observe and learn about the aircraft first hand, as well as provide the unique opportunity for our guests to take a flight in these magnificent machines.

To this end, they have purchased not just Dago Red, but also Bernie’s Bo, Three of Hearts, Two TF-51s and an AT-6. Bernie’s Bo has a distinguished past. Sold as surplus from McClellan AFB in February 1958, she found her way to Bob Love, Famous WWII Mustang Ace. Bob Love flew her in Air Shows for many years. After he died in early 1986 and the airplane was sold to NFL Great, Russ Francis. The airplane became famous again when a You Tube Video of a Landing Incident with last owner hit the internet. It was then purchased by the American Icon Team in early 2008 and is currently under restoration.

Three of Hearts was recovered from the Dominican Republic. Acquired in 2003, P-51D Mustang was rebuilt to flying condition as a 352nd Fighter Group Blue Noser carrying the nose art Three of Hearts.

They are very excited to talk about the upcoming two week launch of the American Icon Tour which will coincide with the Indianapolis 500 over Memorial Day Weekend. The Tour will be there, giving rides, providing fly-bys and sharing in a great American Tradition.

Flight School

The final piece of the puzzle is American Icon Tours Flight Training. It wasn’t enough to enable people to see them, touch them, and ride in them. They also wanted to offer people the opportunity to learn to FLY them. To that end, they have purchased, at last count, two TF-51s which are the trainers, basically dual-control Mustangs. These two aircraft, coupled with their AT-6, will enable them to train Warbird enthusiasts to actually fly these beautiful machines.

There are not that many places in the world which allow training at this level. There is one on the East Coast; this will be the first school dedicated to Warbird Instruction on the West Coast. A great idea and a great chance to really touch the lives of their fans.

While the Airshow and Tour dates aren’t concrete at the time of print, check back on their website.

The Costa’s have surrounded themselves with some of the best people and aircraft in the world. Triple Ace, CE “Bud” Anderson is a friend and a mentor to them, Dan Martin, David Teeters, Tony Banta, Daryl Bond and many others have shared their knowledge and enthusiasm.

Final Thoughts

Special thanks to Greg and Ryan Costo for making us feel like part of the American Icon Tours Family. They have been very open to discussing their dreams and goals. I am proud to call them friends. Please check out www.americanicontours.com for more information about the tours and the locations and dates.

Thank you to WW2 Triple Ace, Bud Anderson for his heroism, his stories and his friendship. It was a pleasure making your acquaintance and I look forward to many more hours of wide-eyed listening. More information about this remarkable man is available at www.cebudanderson.com.

Also, thank you to Rick Pisio for allowing the use of his one of his photos in this column and for his long term friendship. His website is www.rwphotos.com.

Most importantly, deep appreciation goes to my friend, Curtis Fowles, for his labor of love known as www.MustangsMustangs.com. A long time fan of the Mustang, Curtis started this website many years ago and has kept track of the lineage of each Mustang Survivor. He has kindly provided photographs for my column and has always been available to answer questions about “the aircraft that changed the course of a war". Thank you!

Fly Low, Fly Fast, Turn Left

Marilyn Dash
Ruby Red Racing


Pictures

Caption= Bernie’s Bo, was owned and flown by Bob Love
Credit = Curtis Fowles



Caption=Dago Red has always been a competitive racer
Credit = Curtis Fowles

Caption = Yes, friends – the Kelp is GONE!
Credit = Curtis Fowles


Caption = At 507 mph, it is currently the world’s fastest Mustang
Credit = Curtis Fowles


Caption = Ryan and Greg Costo with Triple Ace, Bud Anderson
Credit = Rick Pisio, RWP Photography

WHAT’S NEW IN AIRSHOWS FOR 2009

This month, I thought we could take a quick break from Air Racing predictions and discussion, and focus on the other side of the aviation show, the Aerobatic Performances. In keeping with that theme, I was happy to attend the recent ICAS Convention in Las Vegas.

ICAS was founded in 1968 as a trade and professional association by Airshow industry professionals. Their mission is to protect and promote Airshows and their interests in the growing North American Airshow marketplace. Back then, this small group of Airshow event organizers and performers recognized the need for standardization of industry practices in key areas such as safety and business practices that could only be achieved collectively. They knew that -- for such standardization to occur -- the industry needed to act and speak with a single voice and that voice was established in ICAS. Since then, the industry has grown and changed significantly.

Besides giving a common voice to performers and organizers, ICAS also provides the Aerobatic Competency Evaluations and puts together more than a smattering of events to assist new performers and veterans in running their business, working with the media and performing safely. The ICAS Convention is a place where the group gets together to brainstorm, learn, share and book shows for the upcoming year.

What’s new in Airshows for 2009?

Airshow performances are generally set up in to a few different groups. You have Military Performers, High Energy Performers, Nostalgia Acts (including Heritage and Legacy Flights), Formation Acts, Comedy Acts and acts that combine two or more of these elements. Everyone is trying to figure out what they can do new and exciting to bring the crowds to their feet each year. This was clearly evident by the amount of excitement around the upcoming Airshow season.

The Military Performers are not just the three major Aerobatic Jet Teams, (Blue Angels, Thunderbirds and Snowbirds); this group also includes the Demo Teams. Some of the most exciting flying comes from these groups. They have released their schedules for the year, so you can now go to their websites and find out which teams will be coming to an Airshow near you. One thing I do know is the Blue Angels will be at Reno this year. That’s the first thing I personally check each year.

The High Energy Performers are another popular Airshow addition. These include incredible acts such as Sean D. Tucker and Patty Wagstaff. And they are generally separated into three groups, Biplanes and Monoplanes and the big muscle Russian Planes, like the Sukhoi. They all have smoke, they all make noise and they all keep the crowds excited.

This year, you will continue to see veterans like Sean and Patty, but you will also see some of the newer shows including Rick Volker and Doug Jardine both flying Sukhois and both providing incredibly exciting shows.

Caption = Eddie performs the inverted Ribbon Cut

Credit = Eddie Andreini Airshow

Two people who combine Nostalgia and High Energy quite successfully are Eddie Andreini and John Mohr. They both perform in Stearman and both put on a heck of a demonstration. The Stearman isn’t a Pitts, it is a beast to fly with a very heavy stick and both of these men make it look effortless. John Mohr performed last year at the Gathering of Mustangs and Legends and was the talk of the ramp. All of the Warbird pilots were impressed with his show. And Eddie, well – Eddie is Eddie. He is a true professional in his Stearman and his Yak 11, Barbarossa. These two are both worth the drive out of the airport, even in another state.

You will also see acts like Julie Clark and John Colver putting their Military Trainers through the paces. And this year, Sophomore performer Gary Miller will be showing his stuff with his beautiful T-6, Mystical Powers. Gary races in the T-6 Class at Reno and has decided to use his machine more than a few weeks a year to wow audiences with his performance.

Nostalgia and Comedy are on the agenda for the Sons of Legends – Kyle Franklin and Matt Younkin are dynamic together or separately as they prepare for their next season. You couldn’t find two more different personalities, but in the air, it’s magic.

The Franklin Flying Circus is just what the name implies. Kyle has taken the showmanship that was his father’s passion and made it his own. With "Pirated Skies," Kyle acts as Captain Kyro and puts the Waco Mystery Ship through the ringer with the inverted flat spin, and lomcevak, all performed to a fantastic soundtrack with a great storyline.

While Kyle used to be a wingwalker for his dad, he also performed the motorcycle-to-airplane transfer for over 5 years. Kyle now performs as the pilot in which the transferer, Andy Roso, jumps from the back of a moving motorcycle onto a rope ladder hanging from the bottom of Kyle’s Super Cub. Kyle is filled with energy and excitement and his show is also.

Caption = Kyle Franklin in his Super Cub picking up a passenger.

Credit = Bill Fauth

Now, Matt Younkin is the laid back one. He grew up on a private airstrip in Lowell, AR. His third word was "airplane" and when he wasn't riding in his father's Beech 18 or AT-6, he was playing what he called "airshow center" with his toy airplanes over an airport he had drawn on the driveway with a piece of chalk.

He performs different routines in four different aircraft – including a NIGHT PYRO Show in the Beech 18. Matt describes it as.. “Imagine the Airshow circuits largest, noisiest, and smokiest airplane lit up like a Christmas tree and performing aerobatics at night!” This I gotta see.

Caption = Matt Younkin in his Twin Beech Christmas Tree.

Credit = Scott Slocum

Another group of individual acts who have joined forces include Jurgis Kairys, Skip Stewart and Rich’s incredible Pyro. This is a show filled with smoke and noise and WOW. This is High Performance at its finest.

Jurgis is from Lithania and is one of the world’s finest Airshow performers. Many of you have seen the video of him flying under a bridge or any number of his amazing stunts. He has travelled all over the world impressing pilots and non-pilots alike. He is one of my personal favorites.

Skip Stewart performs in his 400 hp, highly modified, Pitts S-2S Speed Racer named Prometheus. The best description I heard for his show was, “hard hitting, brake dancing, rock and rock blow out”. Now, that sounds like fun.

Caption = The Patriots Jet Team put on a colorful and exciting show

Credit = Airshows America

A Civilian Owned Jet Team seems to be an oxymoron, but The Patriots from Airshows America have been around for several years now and are still going strong. In fact, according to team lead, Dean “Wilbur” Wright, they expect some great flying this year.

Another favorite for me is the Comedy Acts. These are the low and slow planes that put on a heck of a show. Cubs, T-Crafts and Cadets, all normally seen doing flour bombing or toilet paper cutting, are also aerobatic joy rides. I have enjoyed watching in awe as veterans Kent and Warren Pietsch have entertain the crowds in their aircraft. And also have enjoyed watching Greg Koontz in his Drunken Farmer act.

Flown in the 1946 Piper J-3 Cub, this act begins as Greg, farmer Clem Cleaver, climbs up on the announcer's stand, demanding a flight lesson. Later in the show, he "steals" the plane and takes off solo, with his whole crew chasing. Grandpa shoots off a tire to get him down, and Clem lands on his pickup truck as it races down the runway. This show will have the whole family laughing.

Caption – Greg Koontz showing what he can do in a J3 Cub.

Credit – Travis Reynolds

ICAS AWARDS

The ICAS organization likes to grant their membership with different awards, plus their Hall of Fame. The ICAS Sword of Excellence has been won in the past by notables like Duane Cole, Wayne Handley and Art Scholl. It is given out each year to recognize outstanding service and personal contributions to the Airshow industry. This year’s recipient was Air Boss Ralph Royce for his tireless efforts to ensure the Airshow industry remains a safe venue and preserving our heritage through the Lone Star Museum.

The next award is the Art Scholl Award. This award is given to the Airshow act or performer that best exemplifites the qualities of showmanship demonstrated by Art Scholl himself. This year’s recipient was Gene Soucy, who holds many titles and records but can now add the Art Scholl Showmanship Award to his mantle. Nicknamed, "Mr. Airshow" Soucy was twice a member of the World Aerobatic Championship team and the famed Eagles Aerobatic Flight Team.

The ICAS Foundation also announced the three newest inductees into the Airshow Hall of Fame, Bobby Bishop, Paul Bowen and Bessie Coleman.

Bobby Bishop is being recognized for many different contributions to the Airshow community during a career that spanned more than 35 years. An innovative aircraft designer, Airshow sponsorship trailblazer, impassioned aviation safety advocate and world-class Airshow pilot, Bishop focused on the entertainment aspects of Airshows throughout his time in the business. Bishop flew his first Airshow at the age of 18. He is best known for his pioneering sponsorship with Coors Light in the 1980s and 1990s. He served several years on the ICAS Board of Directors and is a past recipient of the ICAS Sword of Excellence.

In 1971, Paul Bowen helped start the Royal International Air Tattoo, the largest and most successful Airshow in all of Europe. In addition, he was involved in the founding of several other Airshows and Airshow organizations, including the European Airshow Council, the European sister organization of ICAS. Along the way, Airshow event organizers from throughout Europe depended on Bowen for his expertise, experience and professional support. Sadly, Bowen passed away in May, 2004 after a courageous battle with cancer.

An Airshow barnstormer in the 1920s, Bessie Coleman was an African-American, female pilot at a time when the business of Airshows was dominated by white males. Persevering in difficult circumstances, she toured the country as an aerobatic plot, parachute jumper and occasional motivational speaker.

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners.

Conclusion

Grab the folding chairs and the kids – let’s head out to an Airshow this season. You should start planning your trips now. This is going to be a great year.

And the next few months, I will be talking with the new owners of Dago Red, Furias and Rare Bear to see what they have in store for us in Air Racing for 2009 and in the future.

Stay tuned.

Until next time, fly low, fly fast and turn left!

Marilyn Dash

Ruby Red Racing