The ongoing pandemic has wreaked havoc on so many aspects of our lives. One unfortunate victim was the 2020 airshow season, affecting pilots, vendors, and airshow fans alike.
This year would’ve been the seventh annual Biggest Little Air Show put on by the Hiller Aviation Museum at San Carlos Airport (KSQL) in California and I assumed it would be another on the pile of cancelled 2020 events.
Imagine my surprise when I was contacted by the museum to verify my photo coverage of the June 3 event, which featured exceptional radio-controlled models.
Unlike some of the virtual airshows comprising pre-recorded video that have been broadcast online in the past few months, this airshow physically took place and was livestreamed for the benefit of all the folks not allowed to attend in person. Even better, the livestream was recorded, so you can still enjoy it today.
Sponsored by Peaxy, a San Jose software firm, the event was heavily condensed this year, taking full advantage of the hour-long airport closure.
Organizers had to forego rituals such as singing of the national anthem and delivery of the US flag, and adopt new norms like social distancing and face masks. There were no food vendors or exhibitor booths either, just the minimum to conduct flight operations.
The “Creamslickle” make a pass during the airshow. 
A model helicopter doing something a real one cannot, sustained inverted hover. 
This was the only gas-powered model in the show, a Laser with a 74″ wingspan and a 35cc engine. 
One of two powered sailplane models that were also part of the show. 
An electric ducted-fan jet model performs a dirty pass prior to landing. 
A Sukhoi SU-30 Flanker-C with an impressive ordnance load. This is also a ducted fan jet model. 
A prop-driven F-16 in Thunderbird colors. 
The real “Ferocious Frankie” was named after the wife of Lt Col Wallace Hopkins of the 374th Fighter Squadron. 
A unique model of a Russian Yak-130 light attack aircraft. The working landing lights are a nice touch. 
The N-number actually belongs to a full size Piper Super Cub bushplane.
Local radio personality George Rask performed as show announcer for the online audience, while a fleet of camera drones worked in concert with ground units to provide video coverage.
Local pilots performed flight demonstrations with a variety of flying models, from simple foam models to sophisticated ones powered by ducted fan engines.
A drone racing demo with two drones turned into a solo performance when one crashed seconds after liftoff, marking the only casualty of the show.
The abbreviated nature of the event meant none of the usual creative flying constructions would be seen.
Dave Stubbs carries out “Creamslickle” in preparation of airshow flight activities. 
Dave Mosher with one of two Russian aircraft models he brought to the event. He said he has a preference for models with external ordnance. 
The flying portion of the airshow ends, so it’s time to clear the runway. 
R/C pilots, like Adam Woodworth, were interviewed afterwards as part of the livestream broadcast.
Yes, this event was subscale and all too short, but it felt good to be back on the side of a runway in an airshow environment tracking aircraft in my viewfinder. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that some of the fall airshows can be salvaged.
A recording of the airshow livestream can be viewed on Youtube.
The Hiller Aviation Museum was founded by helicopter pioneer Stanley Hiller Jr. and marks its 22nd year this month.