Cascade Warbirds was blessed with great weather for its Second Annual Fly Day and Party, held June 7, 2025, at Auburn Municipal Airport (S50) in Washington.
This was the second year for the event, which was initiated last year by Bob Stoney at Arlington Municipal Airport (KAWO), according to organizers, who note the organization plans to alternate between airports north and south of Seattle for upcoming events.
Cascade Warbirds, Squadron #2 of EAA Warbirds of America, is a non-profit organization of local aviation enthusiasts, many of whom are pilot-owners of historic military aircraft. With more than 230 members and the largest squadron in Warbirds of America, Cascade Warbirds members are centered in the Puget Sound area, extending throughout Washington, and also from British Columbia to Nevada.
The party was also a birthday celebration for member Dick Nelms, who had his 102nd birthday earlier this year at a time not so conducive to flying. Dave Desmon took Dick up in his Navion, with Dave swearing that except for takeoff and landing Dick did all the flying.
During the Fly Day 10 pilots offered rides to members and special invited guests. It was a day filled with 32 flights, including two winners of the Cascade Warbirds scholarships.
Aircraft included the open cockpit Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3 of Tom “TP” Jensen, the tandem cockpits of Michael Kopp’s AT-6C, Bob Stoney’s Korea/Vietnam vintage O-1E Birddog, and Trent Hendricks Varga Kachina.
Four-place planes included the IAR 823 piloted by Kirsten Norris, two L-17 Navions owned by Dave Desmon and Eric Olsen, a SIAI Marchetti 1019 on floats of new member Bayan Towfiq, a Cessna 170 piloted by Dan Shoemaker, and a Piper Warrior owned by Stan “Sundance” Kasprzyk. Joe Griffith had his Nanchang CJ-6C on display.
Field operations were well coordinated by marshalers, under the direction of Head Marshaller Heijo Kuil, including Paul Youman, Rich Cook, Colleen Hale, Rob Mitka, Doug Owens, Tim Pierson, Jasper Scofield, Dennis and Nicholas Van Swol, Alec Felmlee, Pete Jackson, and Brian Ruby.
For more information: CascadeWarbirds.org
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