P-51 Mustangs and a Flying Car

Like a law of nature, warbirds are guaranteed to draw fans. The P-51 and Yak-9U represent technology more than 80 years old.

Loyal Northern California aviation fans showed up at Half Moon Bay for the 32nd Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show April 26, 2026. Pleasant temperatures and partly cloudy skies were a nice change, a combination that would normally attract visiting aircraft. However, this was not to be as other factors apparently discouraged more visiting aircraft from attending, limiting the number of static aircraft displayed to barely a dozen.

This photo of a Boeing Stearman PT-13 Kaydet offers a good view of the fabric-covered wooden wings and fabric-covered steel tube fuselage. First flown in 1934, 1,166 of these PT-13s would be produced.

This event is not an air show, more of a fly-in, blended with a custom car and boat show. Sadly the trend over the last few events has seen the number of aircraft dwindling. Some elements of this show were noticeably absent, such as the sight and sounds of biplane and helicopter rides. Most of the display aircraft were resident general aviation aircraft, but fans still flocked to the few warbirds on the ramp.

A Yak-9UM “Red October” on display with matching tug. In the 1990s, Yakovlev built 26 “new-build” Yak-9s for the warbird market using original tooling but with Allison powerplants.

Warbird turnout was limited at first to a P-51 Mustang, Yak-9, and a Stearman PT-13, later joined by an ex-Royal Jordanian Air Force Scottish Bulldog trainer. After a few hours I gave up hope for any new arrivals and was almost back to the parking lot when I spied a Mustang headed my way. It was the rare P-51H owned by the Coutches family, making several fly-bys before landing.

Owned by Steve Coutches, this rare P-51H was the last version of the Mustang to be produced, lighter and faster than its predecessors. This is the sole flying example of the 555 produced.

A Scottish Aviation Bulldog trainer sets up for landing at the Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show. The Bulldog entered service as a basic trainer for the Royal Air Force in 1973.

This immaculate P-51D Mustang “Primo Branco” wears a livery conceived by the late Eddie Andreini. Before Andreini, the plane was owned by former San Francisco 49ers tight end Russ Francis.

Drone logistics company Zipline was on hand to inform folks about its progress in expanding home drone delivery services in the U.S., building on its experience delivering essential medical supplies to remote regions in Africa.

This Zipline Platform 1 package delivery drone has a range of 120 miles with a 4 pound payload. Delivery is from a 300-foot hover via the cargo module which has its own propulsion system to ensure pinpoint landing.

Similarly, Alphabet-funded Wing also had a display showcasing its home drone package delivery service. Zipline has the range advantage (120 miles), but Wing has partnered with Walmart. Payload capacity of either system is in the 4-5 pound range.

The Wing drone delivery system has a 12 mile range and delivers two-pound packages from a 20 foot hover. They are already operating in four U.S. cities.

One surprise exhibitor was local tech startup Alef Aeronautics, on hand with its flying car. In 2026, Alef officially transitioned into the production phase of what it calls the world’s first “true” flying car. Per Alef, this vehicle is 100% electric, drivable on public roads, with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities. Look out Jetsons, the future has arrived! I’m probably not alone in looking forward to seeing a live flight demo soon.

This display of the Alef flying car attracted folks all day. Power comes from eight electric motor-controller-propeller systems mounted under the mesh screen. The $300K Alef Model A is certified for road use as a “low speed vehicle” limited to 25 mph.

As a fundraiser for the Coastside Adult Community Center, this event is still worthwhile and I do hope the show improves the aircraft turnout in future years. Remember to support your local air shows!

A Turbo 182T Skylane heads home after a day at Half Moon Bay. (All Photo by Hayman Tam)

Half Moon Bay’s Eddie Andreini Sr. Airfield (KHAF) is located right on the coast approximately 20 miles south of San Francisco. Originally built for the U.S. Army in 1942, it was acquired by San Mateo County in 1947.

For more information: PacificCoastDreamMachines.com