It has been another beautiful day at the fly-in. The mail has flown again, lots of flying has been going on, and attendance is upwards of 320 aircraft. The field was nearly full at the height of the day.

With all the visiting, flying, and meeting folks, your webmaster didn't have much chance to take pictures, so today's photo report is a bit short. I'll post more pictures as I get them in from other photographers at the fly-in, so check back.

Early morning light and dew on an Airmaster.

Gary Van Farowe inspects the Boeing Model 40.

Photo by Tamara Williams

This 170 is a close tie with an Ercoupe for most highly polished aircraft on the field. As a veteran polisher I applaud their efforts!

Spinning some tales.

Photo by Tamara Williams

Dawn patrol in the Stearman. I love the smell of engine oil in the morning.

Frank Schelling, Skeeter Carlson, and Jim "Speed" Miller compare notes on the Jenny.

Ryan Pemberton and assistant doing some on-field maintenance.

Photo by Tamara Williams

The Blakesburg Fly-In is in full swing. The mail flew and the DH-4 arrived. Friendships were renewed and many rides were given.

Antique Airfield is filling up. The drive-in parking lot filled up by mid-afternoon.

Photo by Gilles Auliard

The mail arrives by Model A, with Bob Taylor and the Blakesburg Postmaster officiating.

The Air Mail pilots are registered and sworn in.

Addison Pemberton models the latest in air mail pilot fashion before departing for Ottumwa in the Boeing Model 40.

The DH-4 arrives at Antique Airfield. You should hear that Liberty run!

Treasures are found and treasure is spent at the Fly Market. Harman Dickerson has his Second Annual Pre-Estate Sale as well as holding down the front desk with the Fly Market crew.

Taking in the sights and sounds of Antique Airfield. Lots of action this morning as the mail flights departed.

Greg Herrick's Ford Trimotor on the mail route to Iowa City.

Photo by Gilles Auliard

Eric Presten briefing wing walkers and ground support for the Jenny's mail flight.

Jenny in the air.

Photo by Gilles Auliard

Crew for the Iowa City mail run.

Photo by Gilles Auliard

The parking crew at Antique Airfield after a busy day. Well done guys, we couldn't have the fly-in without you.

Jim Reddick, Jim Clark and friends catching up while relaxing in the shade under Mike and Candy Vaughan's Howard's wing. I wish my airplane had a high wing on a sunny day like today.

A proud of his Callair, and a happy first-timer at Blakesburg. Thanks for coming!

The crew from Washington State arrived today. Addison Pemberton's Boeing Model 40 was the featured ship along with Larry Tobin's mailplane Stearman C3B and Ben Scott's Stearman Speedmail. Prior to landing at Blakesburg there was a rendezvous at Harve Applegate's strip in Missouri. Six ships lined up on the grass led by Harve's Cabin Waco, what a sight!

Note the regulation Air Mail Pilot tie sported by Jay Pemberton.

About an hour after the Boeing landed at Blakesburg, Greg Herrick's Stinson and Ford Trimotors arrived near to sunset. What a great end to the day.

Thunderstorm lines and low visibility have been holding up a number of people on Thursday, but Friday's weather is predicted to be clearer. Hope to see you all there at Blakesburg!

Pre-registration for the 2008 Fly-in is now closed as the fly-in has begun. If you're still on the fence about coming, please do so! Registrations can be taken at the field when you arrive.

Online pre-registration has been a success, we've had 40 members register themselves and their family or guests. If you have thoughts or comments about online registration or website ideas please do send them to me. Thanks!

Here's a short video of the Jenny doing a test flight at Antique Airfield. Wednesday she flies the mail!

Download the full video in MOV/QuickTime format.

Attached pics show our progress as of this afternoon. Ground speed is a little slow, as you can see.

Cynthia Grant and Howard Hollinger

The Hisso-powered Jenny has arrived at Antique Airfield, and is now assembled!

The Jenny being off loaded into the APM hangar for assembly. Note a number of the younger generation (teens and 20's) lending a helping hand. Not many young people will ever get the opportunity to help work on aircraft like a Curtiss "Jenny" except at places like Antique Airfield.

First set of wings attached.

The assembled Jenny at rest in the APM hangar. After rigging and making certain all is safetied properly she should be ready for a test flight Tuesday evening.

The crew from Spokane sent us these pictures of Larry Tobin, Terry Middaugh, and Russell Williams in formation heading for Blakesbug. Arrival at Antique Airfield should be Thursday. Photo credits: George Perks

Are you heading for Blakesburg this week? Send us a picture of yourself along the way! Or even if you're not heading for Blakesburg, send us a picture. Keep the photos coming in!

John Deere Convention?
Tractor pull at Antique Airfield?
New Reality Show?

No, the group pictured are volunteers from two states that showed up to help prepare Antique Airfield for the onslaught of antique airplanes this coming week. With a diverse group of AAA members/volunteers, seventeen tractors/mowers plus other shovels, rakes and implements of destruction, Antique Airfield has been mowed, trimmed, weed eated and prepared for the upcoming fly-in.

It is due to the dedication, help and hard work of these volunteers that Antique Airfield always looks it's best when our members and their aircraft begin arriving for what the pictured group feel is the best fly-in anywhere.

See you later this week!!
Brent Taylor