Sunday Oct. 11th: Northeast Airpark played host to the The Grand Old Airshow and a tribute to aviator Vincent Nasta, a long time friend, instructor and fellow pilot who passed away earlier this year.

The show and tribute gave many an opportunity to share feelings and mingle with others in a setting fitting the fallen pilot.

The event drew hundreds of friends, family and aviation enthusiasts from all over the east coast, many flying in or opening their hangars to display their aircraft and visit with old friends.

The Grand Old Airshow is normally an annual flying event, but this year the focus was on static displays. The show is scheduled to return to its traditional format next year.

Northeast Airpark provided the perfect setting, with plenty of room to display the large number of aircraft that arrived for the day as well as being home to a spectacular collection of planes in its own right.

The variety of craft on display was astounding. There were Piper Cubs, Cesnea 195s, Beach Stagger Wings and Paris Jets along with many other classic aircraft available to see up close and personal.

Tom Daly, the airshow organizer brought two classic replicas from Rhienebeck Airdrome. The Newport fighter and a Fokker Triplane were a great addition to all the equipment on display. Tom and family did a fantastic job managing every aspect of the day and made it a great success.

Static show not withstanding, many of the planes flew the pattern around Calabro Airport to the delight of the crowds. Jim Petrocelli Sr. and son Jeff both flew during the day demonstrating their Sukhoi and Decathlon Aerobatic planes. Jim Sr. performed his signature smiley face maneuver made with smoke over the crowd that kept the children clapping.

Scotty Gerber, flew his Piper Cub, showing off the fantastic flight characteristics of the timeless classic. East End Helicopters provided rides to many that wanted to satisfy their craving for vertical flight.

Warbirds Over Long Island and the American Airpower Museum displayed a wide variety of historic aircraft including a P-51 Mustang, two P-40 Warhawks, a TBM Avenger, C-47, and a PT-17 Stearman. There were also a few working military vehicles and equipment on display. The Warbirds thrilled the crowd with a few formation passes.

The highlight of the day was the unveiling of a permanent tribute to Vinny Nasta by Jim Petrocelli Sr. and Bob Baranaskas. The large stone with a bronze plaque engraved with Vinny's image will be a lasting tribute to their dear friend. Located near the airpark flagpole, everyone who knew Vinny should take a chance to visit the memorial.

Family members and others spoke to the crowd about Vinny and were able to raise a significant donation for the Vincent Nasta Foundation. For more information about the foundation and its mission visit the website at www.vinynasta.com

It was truly a great day for all and a fitting tribute to Vinny Nasta. He will be greatly missed by everyone at the airpark and everyone that knew him.