by Tom Chillemi
The past meets the present at Wings, Wheels and Keels on Saturday, Sept. 25, when antique, classic and exotic aircraft, cars and boats converge from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. for the 25th annual show at Hummel Field airport on Route 3 at Topping. Wings, Wheels and Keels (WW&K) will have more than 100 antique, classic and exotic cars, numerous aircraft, and more than a dozen boats.
Helicopters
A special display of military helicopters is planned, including a dual rotor CH-47 from Ft. Eustis.
Other helicopters coming include a UH-60 Blackawk from Ft. Bragg NC, and HHC-60 Air Ambulance from Ft. Knox, Ky.
A U.S. Coast Guard UH-60 is tentatively scheduled for display.
These helicopters will be open for visitors to board and view the interior.
WW&K usually attracts a number of vintage “war birds” military aircraft that are privately owned.
In addition antique, ultralight and experimental aircraft will be displayed.
Skydivers
No Limits Skydiving of West Point will put on an exhibition at 11 a.m. when they parachute while flying the American and Virginia flags.
There will be a “free” children’s carnival with unlimited rides, food and craft vendors and educational information.
Vehicles expected for the show include street rods, customs, vintage race cars, and dozens of restored vehicles. Cars and trucks from just about every era of the automobile will be on hand.
Boats were added to the show a few years ago and the displays have increased steadily. In recent years featured boats included classic wooden boats to high-performance enclosed, cockpit drag racing hydrofoils.
To register your vehicle or boat visit registration@wingswheelskeels.com
From 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. there will be a flying show of radio-controlled scale model aircraft that includes one powered by a miniature jet engine.
The Honey Wind Bluegrass Band will perform at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
WW&K is held rain or shine starting at 8 a.m. Awards are at 3 p.m.
There is no admission fee, but a parking donation is appreciated. All parking proceeds benefit the nearby Hartfield Volunteer Fire Department.
For information, call 286-4049 or visit wingswheelskeels.com.
WW&K is sponsored by Middlesex County and the Virginia Department of Aviation.
Email info@wingswheelskeels.com for more information or to volunteer.
Special presentation to be made at WWK
The Virginia Aviation Ambassador Program will conduct a special ceremony during Wings, Wheels and Keels on Saturday, Sept. 25 with Mark Flynn, the director of the Virginia Department of Aviation, recognizing participants and presenting awards.
The ambassador program is designed to encourage pilots and aviation enthusiasts to visit all of Virginia’s public use airports as well as aviation museums, safety seminars and special airport events such as fly-ins.
The program rewards participants who get their passport stamped showing they met certain requirements. Rewards range from gold or bronze pins and hats or flight bags, all the way up to a leather flight jacket for those who visit all 65 public use airports in Virginia.
