Embracing perfection for 44 years

By ROBERT TALARCZYK

New Garden Flying Field (N57), located in beautiful Chester County, Pa., was transferred to the New Garden Township by the DuPont family. It is nestled in a valley surrounded by trees, layered landscapes, mushroom farms and is without fences. The airport is managed by Jon Martin, a dynamic leader and a gentleman, who proudly runs a very active young aviators program.

The 2015 airshow, held Aug. 22-23, was the 44th airshow; Jon has orchestrated the last nine.

Matt Chapman in CAP Eagle. — Matt Chapman (based at New Garden) in his CAP EAGLE 580 low over the treetops for a grand show entry.

The airshow commenced at noon and was in sync like a fine Swiss watch. A parade of warbirds circled the New Garden Field, capturing the attention of all. There were vivid blue skies and contrails all afternoon, not to mention the distinct sounds of some familiar heavy metal radial engines now and then.

If that wasn’t enough to fill the senses, in the background was a classic car show and large scale RC demonstrations, which included a spectacular A-10 Warthog jet. World War II-era music and comedy added a light-hearted touch.

I believe this to be one of the best airshows in the USA. A fabulous spirit surrounds the place and it is a model for general aviation, pilots, children, families, town, state and country.

In all respects, a quintessential airshow, embracing perfection for 44 years.

Greg Koontz, Flying Farmer at New Garden Airport — Greg Koontz, the “Flying Farmer,” in his J-3 Cub trying to takeoff on the N57 taxiway.

Mark Murphy's "Never Miss" P-51 — The sound of Mark Murphy’s beautiful P-51 “Never Miss” teasing the crowd taxiing to runway 6.

Jerry Wells, Jungmeister — Jerry Wells in his Jungmeister smoking the skies in an extreme nose down dive.

"Never Miss" takes-off with Mark Murphy at the controls — Mark Murphy’s P-51D “Never Miss” lifting-off on runway 6.

Scott Francis MXS — Scott Francis in his fast and beautiful MXS doing a 300 mph low level maneuver.

Mid-Atlantic Museum’s head turning B-25J Mitchell “Briefing Time" rolling down taxiway. — Mid-Atlantic Museum’s head turning B-25J Mitchell “Briefing Time” rolling down taxiway.

A perfect Lockheed Electra on static display.

Jason Flood and Pitts S-1S — Jason Flood and his Pitts S-1S tore-up the skies on a perfect day in New Garden, PA.

Matt Chapman CAP Eagle 580 — Matt Chapman’s CAP Eagle 580 (Embry-Riddle sponsored) was a hard act to follow.

Greg Koontz, Flying Farmer, Shortest Airstrip — Greg Koontz, the “Flying Farmer,” in his J-3 Cub attempting his famous truck landing on runway 24.

Mid-Atlantic Museum’s spectacular TBM3 Avenger is BIG & LOUD after landing on runway 24.

Greg Koontz finale, Flying Farmer — Greg Koontz, the “Flying Farmer”, in his J-3 Cub standing finale.

Comments

Mária Nucci says

September 10, 2015 at 2:07 pm

Nice article and great photos. I grew up in Chester County, indeed beautiful, but never heard of New Garden Flying Field – of course, that was years before my GA career began. Look forward to seeing it and attending the show when I return. Keep up the wonderful work, Jon!

All photos ©Robert Talarczyk, Darkhorse Design, LLC.

Become better informed pilot.

All photos ©Robert Talarczyk, Darkhorse Design, LLC.

Reader Interactions

Share this story

Become better informed pilot.

Curious to know what fellow pilots think on random stories on the General Aviation News website? Click on our Recent Comments page to find out. Read our Comment Policy here.

Comments