4th of July Parade Fly-Over 2006

Mission Report & Pictures
BY TOM SANTOS

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Mission Report

Ground and flight crews started gathering at the Brownsville RGV Wing
of the CAF at nine in the morning Tuesday July 4th. Drinking bottles of
water and coke, the crew waited for the arrival of Mitch Hughston in his
beautiful white Navy-theme painted AT-6 and Dennis Bowman in his shiny blue
and yellow BT-15, "Dennis the Menace". When Mitch called three miles out from
runway 17 the crew stepped out of the lounge to watch the big iron AT-6 make its
low pass east of the CAF hangar. "Dennis the Menace" followed Mitch
several minutes later.

The Brownsville Herald sponsored parade on Elizabeth Street was scheduled
for 10:30 in the morning and two flights of two airplanes each made their appearance
in time for three full passes over the parade route.

David Hughston flew his Boeing Stearman PT-13 with Rose Jordan as his passenger.
Chris Hughston led the flight of two over the 4th of July parade route in the
CAF Fairchild PT-26 with Mary Laddis as passenger.

Mitch Hughston led the second flight of two in his AT-6 with Phyllis Kurina
as passenger while Dennis Bowman flew his BT-15 with Tim Hayden flying second seat.

Both flights made a beautiful picture perfect low pass over the Brownsville Airport
after the parade and after landing and securing the aircraft a post flight 4th of
July Hot Dog / Chili Dog with chips lunch was enjoyed by pilots, passengers, and
guests in the Barnstormers Lounge.

A second parade, organized by the South Texas Young Professionals of Brownsville,
left the airport in time to kick off the 7:30 PM 4th of July celebration at the
Brownsville ITEC Center (the old Amigoland Mall). The three planes participating
in this flyover were Chris Hughston flying the Stearman, Mitch Hughston's AT-6,
and Dennis Bowman's Vultee. Jean Morgan flew with Mitch in the AT-6 and Gerardo
Martinez of the Young Professionals flew with Chris.

If you are interested in having a CAF RGV-Wing fly-over at your event, contact
David Hughston for details.
Email or call (956)541-8585.