Bethel, PA — It’s easy to forget that it’s 2016 when you’re at the Golden Age Air Museum‘s Flying Circus airshow.  The museum holds the event twice each year along with a fly-in, radio controlled aircraft show and a “pumpkin drop” in the late Fall.

Golden Age Air Museum's 1918 Curtiss Jenny and one-of-a-kind 1926 Winstead Special
Golden Age Air Museum’s 1918 Curtiss Jenny and one-of-a-kind 1926 Winstead Special – photo by David Eckert, Air Museum Network

The field is loaded with rare and unique vintage aircraft from the Golden Age of aviation. While there are a few reproductions most of the aircraft are the real McCoy. Even the reproduction Fokker Dr I  triplane is fitted with an authentic Le Rhone rotary engine.

The Crazy Professor
The Crazy Professor at the Golden Age Air Museum – photo by David Eckert, Air Museum Network

The Golden Age Air Museum is located on historic Grimes Field which is nestled in the rolling farm country of Berks County and the small town/rural atmosphere permeates the event. One feels almost as if they have been transported back to 1920’s and 30’s.

1928 Velie Monocoupe
Golden Age Air Museum’s 1928 Velie Monocoupe – photo by David Eckert, Air Museum Network

What makes a great airshow is not just the airplanes or their flying performance. It’s also the organization behind it and the performers and you can feel the love and dedication at this event. It’s also the crowd. Everyone seems genuinely friendly as people from all walks of life and all ages come to enjoy the show.

Fokker Dr. I running up it's authentic Le Rhone rotary engine
Golden Age Air Museum’s Fokker Dr. I running up it’s authentic Le Rhone rotary engine – photo by David Eckert, Air Museum Network

There are no over priced vendors selling a variety of food but a couple of family owned vendors selling the usual fair of hot dogs, hamburgers, sodas and ice cream all at surprisingly reasonable prices.

Antics of a "drunk" pilot
Antics of the Golden Age Air Museum’s resident “drunk” pilot – photo by David Eckert, Air Museum Network

If you’ve never visited one of the Golden Age’s events then you’re truly missing out.

Visit the Golden Age Air Museum’s website: http://www.goldenageair.org/

Click on thumbnails below to view additional images.

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The Golden Age Air Museum’s Flying Circus Airshow is a step back in time

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