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Let’s meet at the historic WACO Airfield in Troy, Ohio to photograph Bi-planes during their bi-annual fly-in. There is also an air museum with historic planes inside as well. BTW, the correct pronunciation is not ‘Waco’ like in Texas but as in ‘Wocko.’

WACO Aircraft Company was an aircraft manufacturer located in Troy, Ohio, USA. Between 1919 and 1947, the company produced a wide range of civilian biplanes. Many of these aircraft have been beautifully restored and are still flying and every year many owners return to Troy for the fly-in. The planes are parked on the grass for visitors to inspect and their owners are more than happy to tell you all about them. Typically, on Saturday, scheduled for 1PM, is the “parade” of WACOs where individual aircraft taxis out, take off, circle a few times at low altitude, land and taxi back to the ramp. Because this is a small grass field visitors are allowed closer to the single runway than at other airports and if the sky conditions and wind direction are right you can get some absolutely spectacular photos.

Schedule of Events
https://www.wacoairmuseum.org/waco-fly-in-2021

I’ve proposed a 10 am meetup but the time of your arrival is yours to control. Fewer bodies in the photos of the planes on the ground and less harsh light if you go earlier. Go later to see the WACO parade of planes.

Directions: take I-75 North past Dayton to Troy to Exit 69 and drive north on S Co Rd 25A for about 2+ miles on your right. From I-275 at I-75 it is about a 70 minute drive to Troy. It is 54 miles each way from Mid-Pointe library for 108 miles round trip.

Cost: Admission is shown as $6 daily for adults (weekend pass is $10) and $3 for students and under 4 are free.

Carpooling: Those wanting to carpool to Troy and back should meet at Mid-Pointe library parking lot (9363 Centre Pointe Dr) at 8:45 am and plan to leave at 9 am SHARP. Indicate here in the comments section if you are interested in driving or being a rider. Riders should be willing to help donate for carpooling (1 rider = $20, 2 riders = $15, 3 riders = $12).

Bi-Plane Flights: cost is $200 and lasts about 12 minutes but they can take two persons for an effective cost of $100 each. 30 minute flights are $350. Flights are first come first served.

Photo Tip on Shutter Speed: if you find the propeller is fully stopped and sharp while it is spinning you need to artificially set the camera to Shutter Speed priority mode in order to get some blur of the propeller, which is considered to be much more attractive (see example above). A shutter speed between 1/125 to 1/180 is a good starting place. Adjust to get the most attractive amount of prop blur. Of course jets do not have that issue!

Weather: only a small chance of rain this weekend! However, in the event of inclement weather there is a possibility the parade of WACOs will be canceled and it will not occur on Sunday as many owners from out-of-state may start to leave to go home.

You can still take photos of the planes on the ground and visit the WACO museum. I am NOT planning to reschedule this event to Sunday, however, feel free to go on Sunday if you can’t make Saturday.

WACO Field Web-Site: Here (http://www.wacoairmuseum.org/index.html)