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2015 Airfest Draws Crowds and Planes to Nevada County

The crowd was amazed with the throaty roar of the War Birds as they flew in formation at the Nevada County AirFest Saturday.

click to hear AirFest War Birds

The weather was not too hot and there were huge crowds attending the 20-15 Nevada County Airfest hosted by the Golden Empire Flying association. Fly by displays included warbirds, experimentals, vintage aircraft and the Patriots jet team.

 

Dean Wright, who’s handle is “Wilbur” is the Patriots lead pilot.

click to listen to Dean Wright

Wright says he will bring the Patriot Jets back next year.

click to listen to Dean Wright

2015 Airfest Draws Famous Aviator to Nevada County

Few people know it, but the man who flew the DC-3 into Nevada County Airport for the AirFest on Saturday has a long list of flying honors.

Clay Lacy is the founder and chief executive officer of Clay Lacy Aviation, established in 1968 as the first executive jet charter company in the Western United States. His professional resume’ includes airline captain, military aviator, experimental test pilot, air race champion, world record-setter, aerial cinematographer and business aviation entrepreneur. Lacy has flown more than 300 aircraft types, logged more than 50,000 flight hours and accumulated more hours flying turbine aircraft than any other pilot. He says he’s been fascinated with flying since he was a kid.

click to listen to Clay Lacy

Lacy was invited to bring his DC-3 to the Airshow this year. Now 82 years of age Lacy says he no longer participates in air racing, but he enjoys coming from his home base in Van Nuys, to the Nevada County Airfest.

click to listen to Clay Lacy

Lacy holds 29 world speed records, including a 36-hour, 54-minute, and 15-second around the world record in 1988 flying a Boeing 747SP called “Friendship One” that raised $530,000 for children’s charities.

 

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