A New Event Takes Flight: I had the opportunity to attend the inaugural Warbirds in Action event that was hosted by the Turlock RC Club in Turlock, California, and it was a great example of what makes our hobby so special. This first-year event brought together approximately 20-plus pilots for a weekend that was dedicated strictly to propeller-driven military aircraft.
What made this event unique was its focus on true warbirds—military aircraft only. The lineup included everything from L-4 Grasshoppers (the military version of the familiar Piper Cub) to trainer aircraft such as the Stearman PT-17 and Fairchild PT-19. Seeing these aircraft in the air, from smooth scale passes to more aggressive flying, really brought their history to life. Lenny Jantz, flying a PT-17, and Dave Foreman, flying a PT-19, were great examples of these classic trainers in action.
Behind the Scenes: Talking with Contest Director David Bettencourt provided insight into what it takes to organize an event such as this. Planning began back in July 2025, and much of the effort happened behind the scenes with the help of dedicated volunteers.
The flying site itself added to the experience. Located on a privately owned 1,800-foot runway, the field offers excellent conditions with an open ceiling and wide surrounding airspace. Being in farm country also brings a strong sense of community, with many people willing to support both the pilots and the event.
Pilots and Conditions: Pilots traveled from across California, including the Bay Area, Sacramento, Redding, and as far south as Burbank. The event ran from April 30 through May 3, and like many outdoor events, weather played a role. Wind was the primary challenge, although it remained aligned with the runway, which allowed flying to continue.
There was also strong team pilot representation. Jim Smith and Dave Sullivan, both from the Sacramento Area Modelers Club, were flying on behalf of JR PROPO. Dave is also active in 3D and Giant-Scale Pylon Racing. Jose Serino, from FrSky, traveled from Burbank to support pilots and represent the brand.
Pilots from the Santa Clara County Model Aircraft club in Morgan Hill, California, were also in attendance, including Lysel Miller, Michael Radu, and Antonio Cansel, which added to the strong club representation at the event.
Looking Ahead: For a first-year event, Warbirds in Action showed a lot of promise. With a clear focus and welcoming atmosphere, it is easy to see this event growing in the future.
Events such as this continue to bring pilots and communities together, which helps to keep the hobby strong. It’s also encouraging to see opportunities where newer and younger pilots can get involved and experience aviation firsthand.
The next Warbirds in Action event is scheduled for April 29 through May 1, 2027, in Turlock, and I highly recommend attending if you have the opportunity.
Safe flying and safe landings.