CoolPix: 1929 Command-Aire 5C-3 In The Air - Antique Airfield 2012
Tuesday, September 4, 2012 at 09:29PM 
(click pic for hi-res) 1929 Command-Aire departing Antique Airfield last Sunday morning
I will freely admit that I don't know much about the Command-Aire aircraft that were built back in the late 20's and early 30's, but when I saw this recently restored 1929 example of a 5C-3 at the NAHI event at Reno during the air races last September, I was captivated by its great lines. The restoration was pretty amazing too, so you can imagine that I was really pleased to see it at Antique Airfield for the AAA Fly-In a few dyas ago. I was also pretty pleased that I captured several really nice pix of it when it departed before noon on Sunday. Be sure to click the pic to see it in a hi-res CoolPix.
If I ever get to the point where I run AirPigz full time (any aviation angels out there interested in supporting this insanely underfunded effort?) I'll be able to get in-depth info on airplanes like this on a regular basis. As it was, my time at Antique Airfield was relatively short and dominated by getting the best images I could. Regardless, I continue the pursuit of Avgeek World Domination on next-to-nothing resources hoping y'all are enjoying the ride, I know I am : )
Reader Comments (5)
Hey Martt- If you're the photographer of pictures like this Command-Aire, I think you ought to try magazines like Flypast or Aeroplane. Great picture, very cool aeroplane.
Great job of panning with both the Command-Aire and the Waco. It's pretty surprising the amount of detail you were able to hold onto on the aircraft despite the fact that you were swiveling in sync with their movement. Nice timing. Great photos.
The old planes just pull at your heart, don't they? Nothing like 'em.
Great photos! These are the best I've seen of the airplanes. I love the blurred effect; it gives the shot great motion.
My brother flew the Waco and I flew the Command Aire from Seattle to Blakesburg along with seven other antiques and classics. After the fly-in the rest of the group went back to Seattle. My brother and I flew the Waco and Command Aire to southern California.
The crack-crack of the exhaust, the occasional smell from the bayonet stacks along with open air lets you realize "this is the way it felt for the aviators of 1929".
I've put over 40 hours on the Command Aire in the past month. Watching the world change under me hour by hour was incredible. It was a blast and a trip I'll never forget.
The plane is a pleasure to fly. It cruises at 95 MPH with a good rate of climb. Aileron feel is a little heavy but not too bad. It lands under 40 MPH so it feels a lot like a Cub on landing.
FYI-Command Aire was manufactured in Little Rock Arkansas.
Keep up the great work and thanks for taking the great photos.
Bill
Bill- Thanx for the great comment and info on your excellent Command-Aire journey!
I have a 1929 command aire project with all parts for sale. Rich 6313352138