I would have wanted to go to the first annual Jefferson County Airport Day even if there wasn’t a chance at flying in a 1944 Stinson used in World War II. 

The inaugural event, produced by The Production Alliance, was a celebration of aviation and provided an opportunity to see the Port Townsend Aero Museum at the international airport.

Airport Day, which also marked the 100-year anniversary of the Port of Port Townsend, packed in a lot of things for a first-time event. In the mix were helicopter rides, live music, and a handful of booths and open museum and various activities. Hot air balloon rides, a draw for many, stayed grounded because the operator didn’t like wind conditions.

Safety first, always.

That was a point being made by Mike Smith at the Commemorative Air Force tent near the runways, where the Stinson was parked, amid other aircraft. I’d gone to the tent posthaste after a volunteer with Production Alliance told me not to delay, as they had limited seats and were bound to sell out.

Smith, the executive officer of the Rainier Squadron, one of about 80 connected to CAF, was running credit cards and telling people about his organization and the aircraft. He and cohorts from the squadron — including an incredibly thorough squadron commanding officer (CO)—had flown up from their base of operations at Arlington Municipal Airport.

Mike Berman of Port Ludlow and Phil Rome of Port Townsend had just paid and were filling out the agreement to hold the CAF harmless if anything went awry. I joined them as the fourth person on the 1 p.m. flight, and did the same. 

Paperwork like that is fairly standard, but it’s also true that something went very awry at the Wings Over Dallas Air Show in 2022 when two vintage WWII airplanes flown by CAF collided, killing six people.

Smith was candid about that, but we could also see the aforementioned detail-oriented CO scrutinizing the aircraft every time it returned, up on a ladder checking fluid levels and adding oil at one point.

It was also clear that the aircraft was in beautiful condition. It wasn’t just the impeccable vintage paint job, but an interior that sparkled. The gauges featured a mix of new and original equipment.   

The Stinson was a liaison aircraft used by the United States Army Air Forces (USAAF), U.S. Army Ground Forces, U.S. Marine Corps and the British Royal Air Force. This aircraft, Model AT-IS, Serial No. 43-44046 FBS05, was part of a batch built expressly for use by the British, Smith said.

Berman and Rome were high school sailing friends who lost touch and then reconnected at a sailing party in Port Townsend 36 years later. When Berman told Rome he was going to fly on the Stinson, Rome said he wanted to come along. 

“He was kind enough not to argue with me for the front seat,” said Berman.

We were soon aloft, marveling at Discovery Bay and other scenery as the pilot told us to imagine what it would be like to pick out a person on the ground. He talked about India and the plane’s tour of duty amid spotty intercom coverage. After about 15 minutes he had Berman take the controls to begin the turn back to the air park.

Among other things, flying at 2,000 feet was visual proof of profound beauty of where we live. The only quibble is that the trip ended too soon. 

Berman, a retired photographer, called the trip “a great experience. Just as memorable as my first flight in an antique airplane 56 years ago.” 

Maybe CAF will bring a different aircraft next year and he won’t have to wait so long.

I know I’ll be there if it’s remotely convenient. 

The Production Alliance produces an annual season of events and supports the production of events throughout Jefferson County. It has a network of artists, gig workers, entrepreneurs,  and volunteers, as well as production partners. In addition to the Port, the CAF and the museum, other organizations that supported the event were Historic Helicopters, East Jefferson Fire and Rescue, the Pilots Association, amid others.

Reach Meredith Jordan at editor@ptleader.com