Category Archives: warbirds

B-29, C-47 D-DAY AIRCRAFT HIGHLIGHT COMMEMORATIVE AIR FORCE GROUP AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2017

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B-17, A-26, B-25s among other warbird aircraft coming to Oshkosh
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (May 19, 2017) — Some of the World War II era’s most significant military aircraft that have been restored and preserved by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) will be among the highlights of the annual warbird gathering at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017. The 65th annual Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) fly-in convention is July 24-30 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
Among the airplanes coming to Oshkosh is the Boeing B-29 FIFI, which will join the world’s only other flying B-29 bomber, Doc, on the flight line for the first appearance of multiple B-29s in more than 50 years. In addition, CAF B-25 bombers will appear as part of the 75th anniversary of the famed Doolittle Raid of April 1942.
“While more than 300 vintage military aircraft at Oshkosh each year create the world’s largest annual warbird gathering, the CAF has been at the forefront of restoring and preserving many marvelous examples of flying history,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member benefits who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. “At AirVenture, visitors can see the airplanes in the air and on ground display, and also learn more about the aircraft from the people who own and fly them.”
While at AirVenture, the B-29 FIFIwill be available for flights on July 26-27, based from Appleton, Wisconsin. More information is available at CAF’s Air Power History Tourwebsite. At other times, the aircraft will be displayed at Oshkosh for cockpit and aircraft tours.
Other CAF aircraft on display at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh include:
·         C-47 That’s All Brother, the airplane that led the D-Day invasion and is under restoration in Oshkosh
·         B-17 Texas Raiders
·         A-26 Invader twin-engine bomber
·         B-25s Miss Mitchell and Devil Dog, part of the Doolittle Raid 75th anniversary commemoration.
“The Commemorative Air Force is again excited to bring a number of our aircraft to Oshkosh for The World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration,” said Stephan Brown, Commemorative Air Force president. “These airplanes represent an outstanding tribute to the men and women who gave dedicated themselves and sacrificed to preserve our freedom.”
Many of the CAF aircraft will also participate in the EAA AirVenture daily afternoon air shows, including the warbird extravaganzas that take place throughout the week.

About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.

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OLD GLORY HONOR FLIGHT PRESENTS YELLOW RIBBON HONOR FLIGHT V AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2017

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OLD GLORY HONOR FLIGHT PRESENTS YELLOW RIBBON HONOR FLIGHT V AT EAA AIRVENTURE OSHKOSH 2017
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (April 27, 2017) — EAA AirVenture has a strong tradition of honoring America’s veterans, and this year is no exception. Old Glory Honor Flight, partnered with EAA and American Airlines, is bringing Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight V to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2017. This flight will take place on Friday, July 28.
Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight is coming back for the fifth time to EAA AirVenture and is dedicated to recognizing Vietnam veterans and the sacrifices they made to serve our country. Old Glory Honor Flight believes, “It’s never too late to say thank you.” The veterans will fly to Washington, D.C. to tour war memorials at no cost to them.
EAA will hold a welcome ceremony upon the return of the flight, which is part of the day’s Salute to Veterans. Earlier on Friday there will be the annual Parade of Veterans, where all veterans in attendance are invited to assemble and walk with their respective branches of service.
Old Glory Honor Flight originally intended the Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight to be a one-time event in 2013, but the success of the first flight at EAA AirVenture encouraged subsequent yearly flights. “Yellow Ribbon Honor Flights out of EAA AirVenture have become a tradition for us and we are very excited to continue that tradition in 2017,” said Old Glory Honor Flight Co-Founder Diane MacDonald.
Veterans traveling on this year’s Yellow Ribbon Honor Flight will be those currently on the existing Old Glory Honor Flight waitlist. For more information, visit www.oldgloryhonorflight.org.
About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA. 

The Largest Assembly of P-51 Mustangs to Fly in Over a Decade during the 43rd Annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In & Exp

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The Largest Assembly of P-51 Mustangs to Fly in Over a Decade during the 43rdAnnual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In & Expo
(February 16, 2017 Lakeland, FL) Located at the Kissimmee-Gateway airport just outside Orlando, FL, Stallion 51 has long been noted as the nation’s premiere provider of transition training in the famous WWII-era fighter, the North American P-51 Mustang. A unique facility, Stallion 51’s expert staff teach owners and pilots of these historic war machines to operate them safely and efficiently in the modern age. Since Stallion 51 came into being they have attended the annual SUN ‘n FUN International Fly-In and Expo in Lakeland, bringing their stable of Mustangs to the Warbird Flight line with Mr. Mustang himself, Lee Lauderback flying his signature Solo Mustang Demo routine in the air show. This year, Stallion 51 is celebrating their 30th Anniversary, and they have invited their many Mustang friends to SUN ‘n FUN to help celebrate and commemorate the occasion. 
On Wednesday, April 5th, 2017 Stallion 51’s invited guests will arrive impressive formation for what is promising to be the largest assembly of P-51 Mustangs in over a decade.
“It’s been over a decade since the world has seen this many P-51 Mustangs in one place at one time,” said Greg Gibson, Air Operations Director for SUN ‘n FUN. “We have the honor of not only hosting them, but helping our friends at Stallion 51 celebrate their 30th anniversary.”
Not since the famous Gathering of Mustangs and Legends in 2007 in Dayton, Ohio has there been such a showing of the famous Warbird, and with over 7 acres of pristine apron space at the Lakeland Linder Regional Airport appropriately named “The Warbird Ramp”, the week-long SUN ‘n FUN Fly-In is the perfect venue for bringing this elite group together. Over 30 are expected, and the excitement over the arrival is building.
Gibson’s enthusiasm for the occasion is readily evident. “It’s a historic event, celebrating one of the most significant aircraft in history. To see them all together is overwhelming, but we have a real treat on Thursday for our SUN ‘n FUN guests: all of them will fly in the airshow at once!”
The flight demonstration will take place on Thursday, April 6th during the daily airshow, which begins around 2PM. This will coincide with the first appearance of the US Navy Blue Angels, scheduled to fly later that same day.
In 1987, Stallion 51 Corp. established itself as a unique aviation business that specializes in rare expensive vintage aircraft built on the dream and passion of the Lauderback brothers. Lee, Peter, Richard and John are the cornerstone of the Mustang world; restoring, operating and marketing the rarest of the breed. Thousands of people have shared the cockpit with founder and president, Lee Lauderback and his crew through the years, learning about the magic of the Merlin and the mystique behind the Mustang. At SUN ‘n FUN 2017, visitors will get to see the results of their passion as the thunder of Mustangs roar overhead in a spectacular display not to be missed.
For more information on this event, please contact Greg Gibson at GGibson@flysnf.org or call him at 863-644-2431. For more information on attending SUN ‘n FUN, please visit www.flysnf.org. For more information on Stallion 51, visit www.stallion51.com.

Photo credit to Stallion 51 –














Photo credit to Tony Granat Photography