The Proud Bird

Here in LA, just east of LAX (airport) there’s an old aviation themed restaurant called the Proud Bird.  It’s been a staple for meetings and cocktails for aviators and the aviation industry for over 50 years.  Past regulars and guests ranged from Charles Lindbergh (first to solo across the Atlantic in 1927) to Jimmy Doolittle (famed leader of the first Tokyo air raid in WWII) to Neil Armstrong (the first man on the moon).

One of the unique features of the restaurant is its collection of about 20 aircraft around the grounds and in the parking lot.  Most are real aircraft and some are reproductions or mock-ups, used in movies.  The original owner was a former WWII bomber pilot and collected them over many years.

It’s located on Aviation Blvd., situated between the runways, which gives a view of the endless number of aircraft on approach at LAX, the second busiest airport in the US.  The restaurant has been having hard times, loosing their lease last year with the LA World Airport association, who own the land.  It’s almost closed a couple of times and is currently open for dinner and brunch on weekends and for events.  After having dinner there recently, I decided I’d better bring a camera and tripod before it suddenly disappears, like many things do in this city.

 

131114023a_blog_resAs you can see, the view from the big picture windows is great for watching incoming air traffic along with some great aircraft, like this P-38 from WWII.  I’ve actually had dinner here after seeing the restaurant sign when on approach landing at LAX.  It’s a cheap taxi ride from the terminal and a nice way to come back home from a trip.   There’s outside seating, too, if the weather is nice and you don’t mind the noise and smell of jet fuel.

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131114039a_blog_resThis aircraft, the Bell X-1 was the first aircraft to break the sound barrier back in 1947.  This is not the original aircraft, as that’s hanging in the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum.  This mock-up was made for the 1983 movie The Right Stuff.  It looks quite authentic.

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131114048a_blog_resHere is a P-80, one of the first American jet fighters from the 40s.  A lamp is spilling light onto the nose, making for some interesting graphics.  The control tower at LAX is in the background.  I also shot this with everything sharp, but like this version better.

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131114050a_blog_resThere are even some WWI aircraft, an American Spad and German Fokker.  These are mock-ups for films.  Note the traffic on Aviation Blvd. with the red tail lights.  LA World Airports wants to develop this land into aviation warehouses, like the Swissport facility in the background.  Those command much larger lease payments than what the restaurant pays.

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131114054a_blog_resHere is a nice view of that P-38, with a WWII Hellcat in the background.  The light streak is from an aircraft on approach, only a couple hundred yards away.

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131114057a_blog_resThere are several aircraft in the parking lot, including the P-51 Mustang right out front.  I did several views at this angle, but when a car made a u-turn around the center island, I knew I had the interesting shot.

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131114065a_blog_resAll the aircraft in the parking lot are on pedestals, I presume to keep people from climbing on them or worse.  Here is a genuine British Spitfire looking like it’s banking to avoid the restaurant.

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131114073a_blog_resHere is the distinctive shaped wingtip of the Spitfire.  As you can see, you can walk right under the aircraft.

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131114066a_blog_resHere is a US Navy SBD Dauntless dive bomber from WWII.  It looks like it’s coming in for a landing!  The dappled light of the spotlights through the bushes makes for some fascinating texture.

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131114080a_blog_resThe back lighting from a parking light pole illuminates the canopy on the Dauntless.  Again, this is a real aircraft, not a mock-up.

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131114085a_blog_resThe Dauntless seems to climbing out with the full moon behind.

The lease on the Proud Bird Restaurant expired today, January 31st.  Who knows what’s in store for the place.  There are a lot of historical aircraft and some wonderful memorabilia and photos in the restaurant displays, too.  I wouldn’t doubt that some of these aircraft will be restored at some time in the future.  I hope the place survives.  If you’re at LAX on a weekend, stop by.  They make an excellent martini, too.

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On another note, for those of you interested, I will again be teaching a class this spring at Long Beach City College called “Location Photography”, listed as Photo 39.  We will spend a couple weeks on the technical side of night photography, among other things, including interesting field trips.  The first class is February 13th, so there is still time to sign up.  For more info go to http://www.lbcc.edu/

10 Responses to The Proud Bird

  1. Don Schwartz says:

    Tom, It’s been years if not decades since we’ve been to the Proud Bird… Must admit, never seen it from your point of view…fascinating!!!

  2. Wilbur Wong says:

    Thanks for sharing these Tom. I’m sorry to hear about the lease expiring. Your pictures are great and sensitive as always and in this case brings back a memory wedged away in an inactive corner. I remember now the years that I parked one of my cars on the back side of the fence to this property at an LAX long term parking lot when I commuted weekly to Los Angeles for work. Of course this restaurant is a landmark for this area seen mainly by those who have business or work reasons to pass by. I’m glad you posted these shots, they will join my visual memory of this great icon.

  3. Arzell Hale says:

    Tom, you never cease to amaze me!!! These are wonderful shots and the different lighting you use in your shots is absolutely amazing. It would be a shame if this facility and surroundings were to go away.
    I am driving to Sacramento this week and every time I drive up I-5, I think of your great photos of the area!!!

    Arzell

  4. kay kenny says:

    Hi Tom
    Great shots of the planes- knew you were into old cars didn’t know planes as well-Hope Arizona provides more opps. Desert was fun to work in at night but sure wouldn’t want to live there!
    best, kay

  5. Errol McDonald says:

    As always you know all the good spots lol, your images are well lit very good photos.

  6. Dave Rhodes says:

    Very nice piece Tom! Thanks for your illumination on the Proud Bird. It sounds like it’s days are numbered…

  7. Mark Miller says:

    Another find by the dauntless artist – photographer – sociologist – anthropologist Tom Paiva. Your eye for the unusual, and your appreciation of subtle beauty to be found in what one might assume are unlikely places, appears to be unmatched among contemporary photographers. Bravo!

  8. Irene Grappone says:

    Great shots, as usual. Bet your Dad loved them.

  9. Ted says:

    What a cool place! All this time I’ve lived in the L.A. area and I never knew it existed…

    Actually, it reminds me of the 100th Bomb Group restaurant just outside the Cleveland airport, where I’ve eaten a couple of times. Very similar, and still open, so you might put that on your list when you’re out in that area next…

    Great images, as always, Tom. They look so much more interesting at night!

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