Day Trip: Ericson Aviation Collection

Madras, Oregon  H97 L65

Tuesday Judy and I took a short drive to view the Ericson Aviation Collection housed in a large new hanger at the Madras Airport.  The collection consists of 22 restored WWII era aircraft, all but two still fly. This attraction opened last Oct. just before we headed south for the winter.

This collection of aircraft was assembled by Jack Ericson who is well known in aviation circles as an inovator in the use of helicopters in the logging industry and air tankers in fire suppression.  The collection was housed in Tillamook, Oregon for many years but moved to Madras last fall because the climate is so much dryer.  Madras was also a training base for B17 aircrews during WWII. 

The collection is considered one of the best the country.  Judy and I enjoyed the couple of hours we spent there reading about the histories of each of the aircraft. Madras host a large air show each Aug. and this will be a favorite attraction for many of the attendees. 

   

 

    

    

 

    

I almost forgot to mention that I have reached another of life’s milestones, my 65th birthday.  We celebrated with Terry and Rose at the Round Butte Overlook. Judy and Rose had plenty of good eats for us. Judy had also arranged a surprise visit from our son, Jason. He also brought along two of his friends from his days at Georgia College & State Univ., Josh and Minh. It was nice seeing all of them together again.

    

That is all for now.  Thanks for stopping by.

Next Blog: In a week or so