Small town pride for the local airport

This Rutan Long-EZ flew in from Placerville.

A search for local aviation events brought me to the community of Rio Vista, California, for its Airport Day in September 2025.

Now in its fourth year, this free event brought together a variety of aircraft and a good turnout of collector cars for the public to enjoy.

A young airplane fan checks out this RV-9 in the static display area during Rio Vista Airport Day.

One appeal of Airport Day events is that you can never predict what will be brought out or flown in for display, and Rio Vista Airport (O88) was no different.

One of the first planes I saw was an ex-USAF T-41 Mescalero, the first time I had seen one up close.

The Cessna T-41 Mescalero is a military version of the Cessna 172, used by the USAF for introductory pilot training. The T-41 entered service in the 1960s and was mostly withdrawn by 1995.

Then what appeared to be an Aviat bushplane taxied into the display area, only this turned out to actually be a Zlin Savage Norden.

A Czech Zlin Savage Norden STOL bushplane. This LSA sports an all-metal wing, double slotted flaps, and electric slats. Developed in Italy, the Savage was acquired by Zlin Aviation in the Czech Republic, which began its official production in 1999.

Another new one for me. The day was off to a great start!

A tiger-striped SkyReach BushCat would mark yet another new plane for me to photograph.

This extremely hi-viz SkyReach BushCat is a South African LSA STOL bushplane design. Back home, the BushCat is used for roles like anti-poaching missions and bush flying.

There were ultralight and amphibious types, along with plenty of Van’s models.

This Progressive Aerodyne SeaRey LSA seaplane gets ready to taxi back to the hangar after a day on static display. In 2015, taking seven months, pilot Michael Smith flew around the world in a SeaRey.

There was some air traffic to be seen as aircraft arrived for the event. At one point, sensing a lull in the air traffic, two resident RVs took to the air to display their formation flight skills.

Two Rio Vista pilots take to the air in their Van’s RV-7s during a lull in the air traffic. One wears a World War II inspired livery, complete with D-Day invasion stripes.

Mid-event the first of two planned aerial displays took place as a quartet of smoke-equipped RV aircraft arrived from Lodi and executed a series of formation displays over the airport.

A four-ship formation of Van’s RV aircraft perform over Rio Vista Airport.

After lunch the second aerial display came roaring in, taking the shape of two black T-38 Talon trainer jets as they flew one formation photo pass and headed home to Beale Air Force Base.

A pair of distinctive black T-38 Talons from the 99th Reconnaissance Squadron made an appearance in the skies over Rio Vista. The T-38 entered USAF service in March 1961, 64 years ago.

A large selection of local business displays, along with many food vendors, provided a friendly laid-back community vibe to this event.

A large hangar outfitted with tables and chairs provided a perfect spot to eat lunch while observing planes on the taxiway.

A Van’s RV-12 gets ready to head home. First flown in 2006, the RV-12 is the first Van’s design to meet the LSA category. Unique among RVs, the RV-12 has removable wings for transport/storage.

The first M-4 flew in September 1960, the foundational model for the entire M-series of Maule aircraft. This is a M-4 Jetasen model. The name is inspired by the term “jettison.”

Introduced in 1966, the Beechcraft C-55 Baron was a stretched iteration of the B55 and was only in production for two years.

This Rutan Long-EZ was completed in 1987. The current owner stated he has replaced almost everything.

A fast-looking Tri-R KIS TR-1 kitplane. The KIS is an acronym for “Keep It Simple”. Approximately 33 of these planes were completed.

This Quicksilver MXL-II Sport departs the Rio Vista Airport Day event.

First responder vehicles, including a Coast Guard vessel, and STEM display rounded out the range of activities. A tractor-borne hay ride was the perfect small-town touch.

The tractor hayride was a popular attraction during the event.

I loved the atmosphere of this event, not to mention the variety of aircraft types, and look forward to returning next year.

For more information: RioVistaCity.com

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