LGB Fly-In '15 Brings Community Together at LB Airport

The P-51D Mustang leads a pair of WWII-era trainers.

Aviation enthusiasts and neighborhood families filled Taxiway B earlier this month, as Long Beach Airport (LGB) held the third annual LGB Fly-In with more than 30 impressive aircraft on display. Longtime radio personality and helicopter pilot Commander Chuck Street served as emcee of the event, and Long Beach 5th District City Councilwoman Stacy Mungo welcomed the crowd with opening remarks. City Manager Pat West even arrived on his bicycle to enjoy the warm day at the airfield.

The "Snoopy Two" blimp waves goodbye to close the event.

With a crowd of about 2,000 attendees, people lined up to purchase helicopter rides, and beaming children were invited to climb inside aircraft of all shapes and sizes. The MetLife “Snoopy Two” blimp even hovered low over the Fly-In for a close encounter with the crowd, before speeding off to its next destination.

The LGB Fly-In attracts a unique array of aircraft every year, and many notable attractions captured the hearts of visitors. Stunt planes, experimental planes and other general aviation aircraft made up one side of the static display, alongside huge business jets and a wide variety of historical aircraft. This assemblage showed the diversity that makes Long Beach Airport an aviation experience like no other.

The F/A-18 Super Hornet makes its arrival to the Fly-In.

The biggest draws included two all-stars of the sky: A P-51 Mustang (top picture) and an F/A-18 Super Hornet. Pilots from the U.S. Marine Corps were happy to answer questions about the F/A-18, and even performed a fly-over as the static display prepared to open. Crowds of admirers young and old swarmed these storied fighters from the beginning.

Long Beach Animal Care Services helped rescued pets find new homes, and the USDA displayed several birds of prey that had been rescued from the airfield. Food Finders collected non-perishable food items for their annual holiday drive, and attendees enjoyed the wide selection of food trucks on hand, and refreshments at the Paradies Fly-In Festival beer garden. Proceeds from the Fly-In Festival benefited local nonprofits Miller Children's Long Beach Auxiliary and Leadership Long Beach.

A volunteer serves up a cold drink at the Paradies Fly-In Festival.

Several Long Beach Airport FBOs and other business partners participated in the Fly-In and helped make it a fantastic event, from Anthelion Helicopters, Angel City Flyers and Tom's Aircraft to Pacific Jet Center and Aeroplex/Aerolease at Signature Flight Support. The LGB Fly-In '15 was an unforgettable experience with their help and support.

An elevated view of the static display and attendees on Taxiway B.

The Grumman G-1159 Gulfstream II was one of the biggest draws.

A Marine Corps pilot helps a future pilot into his vest.

A commercial flight soars over the Champion Super Decathlon and others.

Presentation of our nation's colors to begin the show.

Anthelion Helicopters takes another happy group to the skies.

The unique look of the Diamond DA42 Twin Star from Angel City Flyers.