Airborn Flightware's Blog

Happy 2009!

2009-01-15T13:42:00.004-05:00

Happy New Year!!!! With gas prices down, our outlooks are up . . . this WILL be a great year!

Before I write another word, I first must give an overdue thank you to one of our most loyal fans, Jim Decker. It was at the Tico Air Show last year, when Jim presented me with one of our original A-10 designs from the mid 1980's. Though the black of the tee had ripened to a mature grey tone, that "baby" still looked great!

We are in the process of organizing our 2009 Air Show Schedule, but I can tell you now, it looks very exciting! We will keep you posted, so please visit our website often.

Oshkosh is Coming!

2008-07-07T14:43:00.002-04:00

So you thought I would forget about the blog . . . wrong!!!

So you thought I would begin with an apology . . . wrong!!!

So you thought I would ask "Where in the world is Warren?" Right?!. . . wrong again!!!

No, having been so caught up in redoing our web-site while attending to all things necessary for the air shows, I just needed a breather. I have inhaled, exhaled, and I am ready to go! I just can't believe that I am preparing for Oshkosh already!

Our show shirt is pretty, pretty, pretty spectacular! We have also added some new designs to our Blackbird collection: A T-6, a Gee-Bee, and a revised JSF.

In addition to our new designs, we are knocking them dead with our P-40 Hawaiian shirt with matching sneakers. Keep checking our site for all these new additions. And . . . come see them in person at the air shows!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

2008-03-17T15:37:00.003-04:00

There's nothing like the luck of the Irish - Bear Stearns down to $2.00; our beautiful silver van, that is for sale, gets hit by an elderly blind woman in the Stop & Shop parking lot; our new black and white bags are finally in - only they're black and grey (ugh!). I know there's a pot o'gold waiting for us somewhere under a rainbow, but the only rainbow we seem to be under is a windblown tent!

Despite our rather lackluster St. Patrick's Day, may you find that four leaf clover in your hand, and not in your lawn!

2008-01-23T12:49:00.000-05:00

Though winter has not truly gotten under way, we are, nonetheless, busy trying to arrange our airshow schedule. It is wonderful to be able to enjoy some well needed time off, but the "itch to pitch" is already starting . . .

This year, to our dismay, some of our favorite acts have retired.

The Red Baron Pizza Squadron has "cooked" its last slice. Those "pies" in the skies will no longer be delivering their spicy aerobatics.

OTTO, the blue-eyed, balloon blowing helicopter will be hovering no longer.

Three pilots from the USAF Heritage Flight have celebrated their last anniversary.

The Flying Farmer finally "bought the farm," so to speak. His retirement, on his 82nd birthday, may quell the stress levels so many audiences incurred from his zany act.

And "Goodnight, sweet Prince," is bid to the F-117 Nighthawk; it already "flew the coop" in its last demonstration.

Though "out with the old, and in with the new" can be bittersweet, we, nonetheless look skyward in celebrated awe at man's uncanny ability to soar!

Happy New Year!

2008-01-02T11:10:00.000-05:00

2008 is going to be a great year! Though our air show schedule has not yet been established, I just know it is going to be sensational.

Airborn is pretty excited about our brand new web-site that will soon be published. It will feature ALL of our products in sizes small through 3 extra-large - with the availablity of some of our designs in 4X.

It will also feature some pretty dramatic photos taken by Warren and by you. If you have a photo that you would like to share, please let us know. We also plan on using pictures of you wearing our product. So, do make sure that you wear our classic designs when you venture out to the shows.

Until I next write, we would like to extend our wishes to you and yours for a wonderful New Year!

Uh Oh, Our Christmas Special is Ending!

2007-12-12T15:21:00.000-05:00

You better watch out;
You better not cry;
You better not pout
I'm telling you why . . .
Our Christmas Special - buy 3 get 1 free is ending tomorrow, December 13th, at midnight!

We are still guaranteeing delivery for Christmas on all orders received by Monday, December 17th, and we will try our very best to "fly" those late orders in, as well!

Another reminder concerns our price increase beginning January 1, 2008. All tee shirts, sizes small through 3 extra-large, will be $18.00. So, make those purchases before the new year!!!

Our New E-Mailing Campaign

2007-11-30T15:21:00.000-05:00

Thanksgiving is our favorite holiday.

I finally know "where in the world" Warren is; George has his favorite lap to slobber in; and I have my turkey carver back! But, more than that, it is the time that we truly give thanks to all of our wonderful customers who make Airborn Flightware possible, and to all of our fabulously brave men and women serving in the military. And. . . we have the Christmas Season to look forward to.

It is amazing. We have had a web-site since 1999. At that time, we were pioneers plodding our way through cyberspace. It was revolutionary in "those days." The problem is, we never left "those days." Thanks to our son, Adam, an established entrepreneur himself, we are finally shedding our dinosaur scales, and "getting with the program!"

We established an e-mail campaign and are in the midst of modernizing our website. So, if you get our e-mail, let us know what you think; it is the first of many more to come. Hopefully, there will be monthly specials and lots of "aviation speak."

One of the items mentioned in our e-mail is, unfortunately, an increase in price. Starting January 1, 2008, all tees, in sizes small - 3X, will be $18.00 each. We do apologize, but it is a necessary "evil." That aside, we are adding some wonderful new designs and products, and we still, as always, welcome wholesale accounts. And, all orders received by December 17th, will be guaranteed Christmas delivery!

So, give us a call; our customer service is pretty, pretty, pretty great!

I'm Sorry for Not Writing Sooner, , , blah, blah, blah

2007-10-19T15:09:00.000-04:00

It's funny how all of my posts seem to begin with an apology for not blogging sooner, and a promise that it won't happen again. So, I won't let you down: I am sorry for not writing sooner and I promise to not let that happen again, but this time. . . I MEAN IT!

The season is practically over; our last scheduled appearance will be on November 9 and 10 in Pensacola, Florida, home of the Blue Angels. Though we will miss our annual Las Vegas trip to Aviation Nation at Nellis Air Force Base, home of the Thunderbirds, we are excited to make our debut with the Angels.

However, there is so much I need to fill you in on. . .

On September 11th, we made our return to the Reno Air Races, always a thrill. But this year, on the sixth anniversary of the horrific tragedy that shook New Yorkers forever, the crisp chill in the air was not only reminiscent, but it was a foreshadowing of fatalities to come.

On Tuesday evening, the dreaded sound of a deep thud filled the eerie quiet of the desert. The distant sound of sirens followed . . . a pilot and his biplane were down.

On Thursday, two other crashes occurred when the L39's were up, leaving one of the pilots dead.

And on Friday, there was a mid-air collision during the Formula One light plane race; the result, another pilot died.

To add insult to injury, on Friday afternoon, during a Saab demonstration, two brand new Saabs collided!

There were hushed whispers that the FAA would put an end to this 44 year old event. Ardent fans were crushed. It was argued that though there is an element of danger in any racing, in air racing, you have nothing but the hard ground to hit. And because it is always a well-attended spectator sport, no one wants to see someone else die. However, my take is, since we are lucky enough to live in a free country, choice IS an option.

After the races, we were eager to attend the long awaited P-51 reunion, The Gathering of Mustangs and Legends, to be held at the Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus, Ohio. This was an event we had long anticipated, but were somewhat dubious as to whether or not it would actually take place. It was originally planned for 2005 at Reno, but politics, logistics, etc., etc., etc., put it on hold.

Upon our arrival and our first look at the vendor lay-out, we were filled with misgivings. We, along with our vendor associates, were placed at the back end of the airport; visibility was not an option. Seventeen years of airshow experience is a pretty good teacher; to be placed so far from the flightline would be disastrous! Besides, our spot prevented us from enjoying the show!

Despite our first somber impressions, the show truly was an historic event. In addition to unexpected soaring sales, we were privileged to see more P-51's together than most people see in a lifetime. Albeit the Thunderbirds flew, there is nothing like the sound of those Mustangs! One of our customers summed it best when he said, with tears in his eyes, "My God, they're back and I have lived to see it!"

Our next venture was Miramar; home of our wonderfully brave marines. Miramar is one of the most exciting shows of the season, between their magnificent fireworks display on Saturday night, is followed by the incredible "Wall of Fire." This year was no exception, though I must say that some of the attendees were a bit disappointed in having the Thunderbirds, not the Blue Angels, at their base. As you know, the comradery between the Air Force and the Marines is rather forced. The Navy has always been closely associated with the Marines, and the Army with the Air Force.

Despite that political faux pas, the show was great, but . . . just a few days after our return, the horrific fires occurred. San Diego is one of the most beautiful places on God's Earth, one of the most volatile, as well. Our hearts and prayers go out to all of our California friends.

I was lucky enough to fly home after Miramar, but poor Warren was still on the road - this time to Valdosta, Georgia, home of the Moody Air Force. Despite the warm, southern hospitality one is always met with, and the exciting show that always ensues, Warren was feeling the thousands of miles he had pedaled to the metal, and chose to come home for a few days of R and R.

After what seemed like hours, (it was actually 5 days) Warren packed up, yet again, and George (our lovable 235 pound Newfoundland) and I waved good-bye. He hit the southern route again, this time to Randolph, Texas. I WILL keep you posted!

WHERE IN THE WORLD HAS WARREN BEEN AND WHERE IN THE WORLD IS HE GOING?

2007-08-06T13:14:00.000-04:00

Can it already be August? Have I totally lost July? Forget where Warren is; where in the world have I been? Let me count the shows . . .

June 9th and 10th found Airborn practically airborne at Tinker AFB in Oklahoma. The rain, winds, and hail had this New Yorker clicking her shoes. Though no tornado actually reared an ugly funnel, our tent fell victim to the gusts. The Blue Angels did get to perform, but most eyes were on the black clouds that were beginning to settle in.

Our next stop was Pittsburgh on June 16th and 17th, where the Thunderbirds made its last appearance before going overseas for their summer tour. One of the most memorable/forgettable events was trying to find a motel that week-end; hopefully, the PGA will not hold its tournament near an air show again!

That brings us up to June 23rd and 24th; beautiful Rhode Island with beaches housed within breath-taking rocks and sand. In addition to the Blue Angels, the F-22's left everyone wanting for more! It was a wonderful show, but lunch in Newport truly hit the spot!

July 7th and 8th at Willow Run, Michigan was truly spectacular as well as historic: 15 B-25 Mitchells hit the sky at once! Though the Blues, as always, were spot on, WWII buffs witnessed, first hand, the true magnificence of our Warbirds!

July 14th and 15th brought us to Wichita, Kansas, where it was, or at least felt, 110 in the shade. Not even the Blue Angels were able to get Kansans on the field, but plenty of EMS personnel were distributing much needed water!

On July 19th, we headed for our 15th trek back to Oshkosh; 1100 plus miles from our home, with vistas of pure Americana, and mean midwest weather! We have learned to avoid the heavily trafficked road in Chicago by taking the Lake Express Ferry over Lake Michigan. As always, it was smooth sailing and relaxing! The perfect precursor to a very hectic show.

Oshkosh always holds surprises, but when Route 41 became a runway for a plane that was running low on fuel, even Warren and I could not help but gawk. The pilot was quite an ace; despite giving the driver of the car in front of him a bit of a start, no one was hurt - there wasn't even a fender bender in the crowd!

Unfortunately, there was a fatality a week into the show. Two P-51's were reenacting a race, when one of the planes crash landed onto the other. A profound sadness was felt by all.

Though the Wisconsin heat was oppressive as always, the beautiful blue skies held out - for the first time, in a long time, no real rain to speak of.

Now that I have finally caught up with us, please let me hear from you and your air show adventures.

WHERE IN THE WORLD WILL WARREN BE NEXT?

2007-06-01T15:53:00.000-04:00

I'm sorry that it has been awhile since I last wrote, but that's Warren's fault - he came home! Despite his exhaustion from traveling, (and fishing) we all garnered our strength to repack and set forth to Andrews Air Force Open House.

Historically, we have braved the annual Armistice Day Week-End rains. This year, we practically lucked out; no real rain in our vicinity, but plenty of wind!

The show, as always, was glorious with the F-22 demonstrations and the mighty Thunderbirds. Their static displays is one of the most comprehensive; just seeing the B-52 massiveness is mind boggling! But, the best was next to come . . . Jones Beach!!!

Jones Beach is one of our favorite shows; it's Grumman country as well as our home. This year drew record crowds before 12 noon! No wonder; between Sean Tucker, the B-1, the Golden Knights, the Thunderbirds, to name only a few, Long Islanders reveled in the sights and sounds of freedom.

Our boardwalk location is now familiar to so many of you. It was wonderful fun to be able to do this show with our whole family! By Sunday evening, however, our kids' enthusiasm was slightly on the wane.

Until next week, I will keep you posted on where in the world Warren will be.

Where in the World is Warren Now?

2007-04-19T16:24:00.001-04:00

Last week found Warren in the southern region of Texas at the Corpus Christi Air Show. Despite the winds that seemed to envelop the entire area for the week-end, and the decreased attendance due to the turbulent tornadoes, north of Corpus Christi, the Blue Angels performed with superlative precision.

Anyone that knows Warren knows his love for fly-fishing is as passionate as his love for his family. So, after braving the grueling windy air show, he set forth to Padre Island on the inlet side at the National Sea Shore, knowing full well that his tough week-end would be rewarded with the catch of the week. . . the mighty Red Fish. Wrong! The only catch of the day was a windburn!

Wind-worn and fishless, he headed east to his next destination. . .

Rather than tell you where he is headed, I will grace you with the best allusions possible.

He is going approximately 500 miles NE to an area that is in the NW corner of Louisiana. It is one of the world's largest airfields, (22,000 acres) which explains why it is also known as the home of the B-52 Stratofortresses and the KC-135 Stratotankers.

The air show will be held on Saturday, April 21 through Sunday, April 22. Some of the featured headliners are: the F-15E's, the C-17's, the C-130's, the A-10's, B-2'a, and the F-117. And, of course, the stars of the show are the Air Force's mighty Thunderbirds! They will be roaring and soaring through the blue skies of Shreveport.

Those of you lucky enough to attend the show will have another opportunity of getting a free hat with the purchase of one of our fabulous Blackbird tees, by telling Warren where he might find an easier fishing hole!

Until next week, can someone please tell me where in the world is Warren?

Where in the World is Warren?

2007-04-11T15:19:00.000-04:00

Despite the alarming warnings of Global Warming, our New York temperatures are plummeting and the snow is continuing to adorn the otherwise bare trees. I say, "Welcome Spring!" We are back on the road and answering that all too familiar question: "Where in the world is Warren?"

Warren is on his way to NAS Corpus Christi, Texas, (this Naval Air Station is best known for repairing our military helicopters), where on April 14 - 15, the Blue Angels will, once again, daze and amaze you with their "too close, too fast, too loud" aerobatic performance. Modesty aside, AIRBORN FLIGHTWARE has the largest collection of dramatically, graphic helicopter tees in the industry, and they will be on display. If you are lucky enough to be at the show, do add AIRBORN to your "must do" stops. As a matter of fact, if you mention that you read our blog and that his wife and dog miss him, he will give you a hat of your choice for FREE, with the purchase of a tee!

Until our next landing, remember AIRBORN . . . making aviation fit to a tee!

WE ARE OFF AND RUNNING

2007-03-22T12:40:00.000-04:00

Our R&R is over; the air show season has begun!

Our schedule through March and April looks something like this:

3/16 - 3/18: Tico Warbird Air Show

3/23 - 3/25: Florida International Air Show

4/14 - 4/15: NAS Corpus Christi Air Show

4/21 - 4/22: Barksdale Air Force Base Air Show

4/27 - 4/29: Langley Air Force Base Air Show

Please come and say hello; we have missed you! You also will want to see some of the new designs we have created. Our "Well Done . . . Baby," a salute to the newly retired F-14 Tomcat is a winner, along with our new line of beautifully embroidered blankets!

We'll see you on the Flight Line!

We Do Listen to You!

2007-02-20T14:13:00.000-05:00

We have been besieged with requests to bring back our sweatpants . . . and we did! Our sleek and simple white Blackbird logo is affixed along the left leg on a pair of one of the most comfortable and warm fitting black sweatpants. They are a 9.3 ounce blend and are guaranteed to keep you warm during the "coolest" of Air Shows and "cool" during your warmest work-outs. They have an elastic drawcord and double-lined seamed pockets. What more could you ask for? Just let us know!

WELL DONE . . . BABY!

2007-02-15T13:05:00.000-05:00

F-14 Tomcat enthusiasts have really taken notice of our new "Well Done . . . Baby" design. Tuesday was the first time we published the tee on our site; it's Thursday today, and we are already into our second printing! Though we will all miss those "Cats," we won't forget them.

As I mentioned in the last blog, our January and February hiatus is our down time. It is when we take the time to expand our product line. We await your suggestions.

Baby, It's Cold Outside!

2007-02-08T10:41:00.000-05:00

Only two weeks ago, our New York based company wondered if we would ever experience winter again - well, we have! Our temperatures have plummeted; our oil prices increased; and our Air Show Schedule is still in pencil. Our Air Show Tour will be posted as soon as our designations have been confirmed.

In the meantime, though our beloved F-14 Tomcat has been retired, our Anytime Baby sales have increased. Just to keep up with the times, we have designed a new proud cat, "Well Done, Baby." It will be appearing on the first page in just a couple of days. We would love to hear what you think.

Attention All AWACS

2007-01-17T11:25:00.000-05:00

January is catch-up month; it is the time when Warren and I can finally respond to the most often requested designs with actual results! We are pleased to be able to introduce you, or, perhaps, reintroduce you to the very popular AWACS - aka Airborne Warning And Control System. Our reproduction is actually of a Boeing 707 with a Northrop Grumman radar system. As many of you already know, the majority of AWACS are housed at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City. Now, you can add this wonderful tee shirt to your Blackbird collection!

Another feature of the week is our special sale on the RAH-Comanche Helicopter tees. Despite the cancellation of the Comanche Project in 2004, many loyal fans loved our design. Bringing them to air shows became an impossibility; there simply wasn't enough room. We thought we would do the next best possible thing - put them on sale through the end of January. Now, for a limited time, you may purchase item #1166 in sizes small - extra-large for only $10.00! (Add an additional $1.00 for 2x).

Now is the time for all of our enthusiasts to send us requests on designs you would like to see. Remember our motto: AIRBORN FLIGHTWARE . . . Making Aviation Fit to a Tee!

Our Up-Coming Season

2007-01-08T16:13:00.000-05:00

Now that the holidays are over, we are eagerly planning for our new season.

We are thrilled that our new catalog was a success. We heard from so many of our loyal customers, and warmly welcomed new customers.

Feedback is very, very important to us. We would love to hear suggestions from all of you on how we can improve and/or expand our product line.

We also would like to reach a broader audience. We have discussed various means of attaining that by: advertising in publications, expanding our e-mail marketing, or possibly, running a commercial on the Military Channel or the Discovery Channel. We would love to hear your opinions on where it makes the most sense to allocate our advertising budget.

We thank you in advance for your comments.

End of Season Greetings

2006-12-10T18:02:00.000-05:00

Now that the air show season has ended, I am thrilled to be going home, but I can't help thinking about the excitement next season will bring. . . Please keep checking our web-site for the 2007 air show schedule.

We are busy working on new designs, and our new catalog is out. Please send us an e-mail if the catalog has not yet arrived. All orders mailed/faxed/ called in by December 18th, are guaranteed pre-Christmas delivery! We can still meet Santa's deadline with orders received after the 18th; give us a call at our toll-free number, 888 844-8337, and we will make all the appropriate arrangements.

For the past 20 years, we have worked hard to keep our prices submarine low, while keeping the quality consistently jet high. Our pleasure is to serve you, our aviation/military community.
AIRBORN would like to take this opportunity to wish all of you a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season! God Bless our military . . . God Bless you!

See you in 2007!

RENO 2006

2006-09-21T17:48:00.000-04:00

As always a great event. The gold unlimited race could have been more competitive with no doubt about the outcome from the very beginning. The week overall, however, was great. Airborn needs to adjust its thinking slightly, 7 of the 9 finalists in gold race had radial engines, yet we have no shirts dealing with radials; time for a change. Sea furys seem to be dominating. Any comments or suggestions would be welcome.

Oshkosh 2006 some random shots

2006-08-04T13:47:00.000-04:00

2006-07-21T10:44:00.000-04:00

Milwaukee Airshow

2006-07-20T09:28:00.000-04:00

I always worry when a show is not at an air field! While the crowd was large and enthusiastic, a large number of the people were there for a day in the park. We always like to see people at an air show for a specific purpose, ie., the show, the static displays, the noise, the smells, the flying, the vendors, the entire package. Many of these elements were missing at Milwaukee.

Westfield, Ma & Quonset, RI

2006-07-03T12:44:00.000-04:00

When we first learned about our opportunity of attending both the Westfield, MA and the Quonset Point, RI air shows on the same week-end, we were somewhat anxious. Afterall, the 100 miles they shared in proximity, would mean the shows would share the same skies.

The picture above belies our greatest fears, as well as the incredible devotion our air show fans have!

Despite the rain and mud-filled ground, the Blue Angels did fly at Westfield. Unfortunately, the Thunderbirds at Quonset Point were grounded.

Welcome Aboard!

2006-07-02T16:08:00.000-04:00

Welcome to Airborn's blog. We are very excited about our new feature because it will better serve our number one priority - you, our customer.

On our blog, we plan to keep you updated on our latest new designs, specials, air show schedules, etc. Most importantly, we hope to hear your comments. Let us know if you saw us at an air show, received one of our products as a gift, or if you have any ideas of how we can further fit aviation to a tee.

From time to time we will try to entertain you with some of our "horror" stories, be it the porta-potty or the weather, so please visit us often.