Aviation Heritage Group, Inc. Current Aviation News

Niagara Aerospace Museum to Reopen at Niagara Falls Int'l Airport

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 17:57:15 GMT

The Niagara Aerospace Museum is about to take flight at Niagara Falls International Airport. The museum entered into an agreement with the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority to occupy the former airport terminal building.

A grand re-opening is scheduled for mid May of this year after renovations are completed to this historic building located 500 yards from the former Bell Aircraft Plant where many of America's aviation and aerospace first took place.

On October 14, 2012 on the 65th. anniversary of the Bell XS-1 supersonic flight, the Bell facility and airport was designated by the AIAA as an Aviation & Aerospace Historic Site.

Recognition included the development of theBell P-39 and P-63, the Bell X-1, X-2, X-5, X-14, X-22A, the P-59A Americas first jet aircraft and the famous Bell 47 helicopter.

The exhibits have been stored in the former Bell Aircraft Plant in Wheatfield, where the museum also has a research library and restoration facility. While staff members have continued to collect, restore and preserve artifacts, the museum has been open only by appointment.

Among the museum’s collection are the second-oldest Bell helicopter known to exist, NC-3H, serial number 5, Larry Bell's personal helicopter a rare Bell 47H-1, and the Floyd Carlson collection. Also a restored 1917 Curtiss JN-4 “Jenny” single-engine biplane, 1926 Curtiss Hawk, the Bell X-22A, Bell Rocket Belt, and an extensive space artifacts collection.

The museum will also offer exhibits on local companies that continue to contribute to aerospace engineering, including Calspan, Lockheed Martin, Moog, and others aviation companies once associated with Bell, Consolidated, and Curtiss-Wright.

The staff and members of the museum are excited about the new location on the airport and looking forward to displaying new exhibits, expanding its educational programs, and continuing to showcase Western New York's rich aviation and aerospace heritage.

Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame Announces 2013 Enshrinees

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 17:59:38 GMT

KALAMAZOO, Mich. undefined The Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame (MAHF) is proud to announce its Class of 2013 enshrinees:

Capt. Robert D. Gibb - Fighter Pilot and World War II Ace (1922-1953)

Gibb was born in Detroit and grew up in Lansing. He joined the U.S. Army Air Forces in January 1942, and was commissioned and awarded his wings in October 1942. He was an original member of the 342^nd Fighter Squadron, 348^th Fighter Groupundefinedthe only P-47 squadron in the 5^th Air Force, Southwest Pacific Theater. He flew 135 combat missions and shot down five Japanese aircraft. Gibb was discharged in October 1945, having been awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses and three Air Medals. He joined the U. S. Air Force in October 1947 and flew F-80 Shooting Stars with the 56^th Fighter Group and the 81^st Fighter Wing. He began combat missions in Korea, flying the F-84E Thunderjet with the 8^th Fighter Squadron, 49^th Fighter Group in November 1951. Gibb failed to return from a mission on December 16, 1951 and was officially declared dead on December 31, 1953.

David Wakefield - WWII Fighter Pilot and Flying Tiger (1922-2012)

Wakefield grew up in Detroit and enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1942. He was deployed to China in February 1944 as a member of the 25^th Fighter Squadron, 51^st Fighter Group, 14^th Air Force. On his seventh mission, he was shot down but made it back to his home base; he was the only pilot from his squadron and group to return after being shot down. Wakefield flew 47 combat missions overall, both in China and Burma, while flying P-40, P-51 and P-47 aircraft. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, Army Air Corp Air Medal, Asiatic Pacific Service Medal, WWII Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal and the Chinese Air Medal. After the war, he flew with the Michigan Air National Guard for 25 years and became a certified helicopter pilot instructor, certified glider pilot instructor, and fixed-wing pilot instructor.

Maj. Gen. Paul B. Wurtsmith - Military Pilot and Commander (1906-1946)

Wurtsmith grew up in Detroit and earned a degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Detroit. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1927, was commissioned second lieutenant in the Air Reserve and awarded his wings in 1928. He was assigned to the famous Hat-in-the-Ring 9^4th Pursuit Squadron of World War I at Selfridge Field. In 1930, he won the Mitchell Trophy Air Race. He graduated from the Air Corps Tactical School in 1939 and, promoted to major, took command of the 17^th Pursuit Squadron, 50^th Pursuit Group. In early 1942, Wurtsmith commanded the 49^th Fighter Group and led it to Darwin, Australia to join the desperate defense against Japanese attack. He developed tactics using the strengths of the P-40 Warhawk which resulted in success in Australia. He was promoted to brigadier general for his outstanding leadership. In 1945 he was promoted to major general and given command of the 13^th Air Force. On September 13, 1946, Wurtsmith was killed instantly when his B-25 Mitchell crashed near Asheville, N.C. In 1953, Oscoda Army Air Field was renamed Wurtsmith Air Force Base in his honor.

Robert E. Ellis - Aviation Executive and Innovator (1944-)

After graduating from Bailey Institute in St. Louis and Kings Aviation Technology School in Knoxville, Tenn., Ellis worked as the manager of engine maintenance and repair at Kal-Aero, a fixed-base operator at the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport. In 1977, he served as the Kalamazoo Aviation History Museum’s aircraft mechanic. In 1979, he became the general manager of the museum, now known as the Air Zoo. He was later promoted to executive director, a position he held until 2010, when he was named president and CEO. In 2000, Ellis came up with an innovative and engaging concept for the Air Zoo and designed a new 120,000-square-foot building. The new building featured a more interactive and entertaining approach to paying tribute to aviation, featuring the Midwest’s first 4-D theater, the Montgolfier Balloon Race, and amusement park-style rides. Thanks to Ellis’ efforts, the museum expanded yet again in 2011 with the Space: Dare to Dream exhibit, an exhibit about women in aviation and space, a WWII aircraft gallery, a climate-controlled archive and a library. Under Ellis’ vision and leadership, the museum’s creative presentation of the history of flight, its educational programs and its unique interactive attractions for families distinguish the Air Zoo from all other aviation museums.

Vice Adm. Richard K. Gallagher - Navy Pilot and U.S. Military Representative (1953-)

Gallagher graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1976 and was designated a naval aviator in 1977. He has logged more than 4,000 flight hours and 800 carrier landings. He has flown the F-4, F-14, FA-18 and F-16N. Gallagher commanded Fighter Squadron 142 during Operation Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He has commanded the Navy Fighter Weapons School (TOPGUN), the USS Inchon, USS John C. Stennis and Carrier Group 4 re-designated Carrier Strike Force Training Atlantic. Prior to assuming duty as U.S. military representative to the NATO Committee, he served as deputy commander, U.S. European Command, and as the Headquarters U.S. European Command’s director of the European Plans and Operations Center. Gallagher has been awarded two Defense Distinguished Service Medals, two Defense Superior Service Medals, four Legion of Merits, two Meritorious Service Medals, two Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, the NATO Meritorious Service Medal, and numerous other awards.

The Michigan Aviation Hall of Fame will also present the Harriet Quimby Award to authors Blaine Pardoe and Warren Benjamin Kidder for their contributions to the history of flight through literature. Pardoe and Kidder have both written nonfiction books about aviation, including “Lost Eagles” and “Willow Run: Colossus of American Industry,” respectively.

The MAHF will enshrine the Class of 2013 on May 11 at the Air Zoo. The Enshrinement Ceremony and Dinner will begin at 6:30 p.m., with a cash bar opening at 6 p.m. Tickets are $60 per person when purchased in advance and are good for an Air Zoo Ultimate Ace Wristband Package the entire day of the event. To reserve your tickets to the Air Zoo’s MAHF Enshrinement Dinner and Ceremony, please call 269.350.2813. RSVPs must be received by May 1.

WACO Classic autopilot STC approved

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 20:36:43 GMT

WACO Classic Aircraft, the FAA certified manufacturer of the world's most desirable open cockpit sport biplanes, announced a groundbreaking achievement today, with the FAA approval of the S-TEC System 55X autopilot STC for installation in the WACO YMF-F5C and 5D.

WACO will now be able to offer an autopilot installation in the aircraft, which will help improve the safety of flying and lessen the workload for the pilot by offering altitude preselector, flight director and electrical trim system.

The first installation in the field is in our factory demo plane, which is scheduled to attend the AOPA Aviation Summit October 11-13, and can be seen there. Demo rides can also be arranged.

For more information on the WACO YMF, please visit our website at www.wacoclassic.com.

About WACO Classic Aircraft

WACO Classic Aircraft Corporation, founded in 1983 and located in Battle Creek, Michigan, is the world's preeminent manufacturer of Sport Biplanes.

WACO Classic Aircraft currently builds the three-seat biplane, the WACO YMF-5D, based upon the original manufacturing plans, updated to modern safety and avionics systems, and also the Great Lakes 2T-1A-2.

The aircraft are constructed on the airport at the W.K. Kellogg Regional Airport (KBTL) in Battle Creek, Michigan. WACO Classic Aircraft also operates a repair and restoration subsidiary that specializes in historically significant vintage aircraft.

In 2010, the company announced the improved YMF-5D version, powered by a Jacobs 300 h.p. engine and featuring numerous updates.

WACO Classic Aircraft Corp. is a family-owned American company, with owners Peter Bowers and Jon Bowers, and a talented team of craftsmen continuing the tradition of building the finest sport biplane in the world.

Visit www.wacoclassic.com for more information.

Air Zoo adds Curtiss Robin to its aircraft collection

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 20:38:01 GMT

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Air Zoo has added a new planeu - a 1928 Curtiss Robin - to its extensive collection of aircraft for visitors to enjoy.

The Curtiss Robin is a high-wing monoplane built by the Curtiss-Robertson Airplane Manufacturing Co. It is one of the first airplanes to feature an enclosed cabin and was primarily used as a mail plane, passenger carrier, and air ambulance in the late 1920s and early 1930s.

“The Curtiss Robin is a wonderful addition to the Air Zoo’s collection of aircraft, as it is from the early aviation era,” said Bob Ellis, Air Zoo president and CEO.

The Robin is on loan from Leon Andrews, 80, of Memphis, Tenn. It was built in St. Louis and was originally used by an air service in the Sacramento, Calif., area. It is currently on display in the Air Zoo’s East Campus.

For more information on the Air Zoo, visit www.airzoo.org or call 269.382.6555.

The Air Zoo is a nonprofit organization located at 6151 Portage Rd. in Portage, Mich. It is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and offers a restaurant, gift shop and banquet facilities. General admission is $8 per person. Unlimited rides and attractions may be purchased with a wristband package (Ultimate Ace-$15, Junior Flyer-$12, Co-Pilot-$8), which includes general admission, or tickets can be purchased individually for rides. Children who are 4 years old or younger are free.

Air Zoo and Third Coast Aviation partner to offer new experiences

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 14:41:36 GMT

KALAMAZOO, Mich. undefined The Air Zoo and Third Coast Aviation have joined forces to offer a variety of new visitor experiences, including a Full-Motion Advanced Flight Trainer, flights in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk and private pilot ground school.

The Full-Motion Advanced Flight Trainer is a professional training simulator that features wrap-around visuals, a fully enclosed cockpit, quick-change configurations and scenario-based training compatibility. Its software introduces real-world situations that pilots face every day, such as heavy winds, storm activity and rerouting due to landing strip availability. Guests may choose from a 15-minute flight simulation for $25 or a 30-minute flight simulation for $39, both of which may count towards a pilot’s log.

Third Coast Aviation is also offering flights in a Cessna 172 Skyhawk. The Skyhawk is the most successful mass-produced aircraft in the history of aviation. In 1964, the U.S. Air Force began using the Cessna T-41 Mescalero (a military version of the Cessna 172 Skyhawk) to train pilots. Since then, the U.S. Army as well as other countries' armed forces have continued using it. Visitors may choose from the following flight packages*:

· A 15-minute flight experience, which is perfect for those who want to go on a flying adventure. It costs $35 per person, with a two-person minimum. A third passenger may fly for $25.

· A 30-minute flight experience for those who dream of becoming a pilot. During the flight, you’ll have the chance to take the controls of the plane while in the air. Afterwards, you’ll receive a pilot’s flight log that can be used towards a private pilot rating. This experience costs $94 for the first passenger and $25 for each additional passenger.

For those who are interested in becoming a pilot, whether for a career in aviation or just for fun, Third Coast Aviation is offering private pilot ground school. The ground course will cover the fundamentals of aerodynamics, aircraft systems, federal aviation regulations and more. At the conclusion of the course, students will be ready to take the FAA written exam, which is required to obtain a pilot license. The private pilot ground school costs $399. Instrument and commercial pilot courses are also available for $499 and $699, respectively.

The Full-Motion Advanced Flight Trainer, Skyhawk flights and ground school are all available at the Air Zoo’s East Campus. For more information or to book one of these experiences, call the Air Zoo at 269.382.6555.

*Weight restrictions may apply.

Reynolda House Places the Savoia-Marchetti S.56 On Loan to the Carolinas Aviation Museum

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 14:39:44 GMT

Aircraft Same as One Flown by Smith Reynolds

from London to Hong Kong in 1931

Charlotte, NC – July 18, 2012 – The Carolinas Aviation Museum today announced that Reynolda House Museum of American Art in Winston-Salem, North Carolina has agreed to place its historic Savoia-Marchetti S.56 amphibious biplane on long-term loan to the Museum. The aircraft is the same model that Zachary Smith Reynolds flew on a solo adventure from London to Hong Kong in 1931-1932.

Smith Reynolds, the younger son of Katharine and R.J Reynolds, founder of R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, took his first flying lesson at age fourteen. At sixteen, he was the youngest licensed pilot in America. His daring flight over Europe, North Africa, and Asiaundefined17,000 miles in an open cockpit--marked Smith as a competent aviator and avid sports pilot.

“Smith Reynolds’s solo flight, just 30 years after the Wright Brothers’ first flight at Kitty Hawk, was an amazing achievement which helped pave the way for our global aviation system,” said Shawn Dorsch, President of the Carolinas Aviation Museum. “The flight is another example of how people from the Carolinas have helped drive the development of global aviation.”

The aircraft, one of only two remaining planes of its kind, was featured in the 2007 Reynolda House exhibition, “Wings of Adventure: Smith Reynolds and the Flight of the 898 Whiskey.” The long-term loan will allow the Carolinas Aviation Museum to build exhibits and programs around the aircraft and its connection to the Reynolds family.

“Reynolda House is pleased that our Savoia-Marchetti will be on view alongside other important objects telling the story of aviation in the Carolinas,” said Allison Perkins, Executive Director of Reynolda House.

Follow the Carolinas Aviation Museum on twitter @CarolinAirMusem The Museum's mission is to educate the public on the importance of aviation and inspire the next generation to excel academically in the areas of math, science, and history through the preservation of our aviation heritage.

WACO Receives EASA Certification for the 2T-1A-1 and 2T-1A-2

Tue, 28 Aug 2012 14:38:25 GMT

WACO Classic Aircraft announced that it has received EASA type certificate validation for the (Great Lakes) 2T-1A-1 and 2T-1A-2. Having this approval greatly simplifies export of the aircraft to all EU member countries.

WACO Classic Aircraft Corporation of Battle Creek, Michigan, is the world’s only manufacturer of new FAA and EASA certified 1930’s era classic biplanes and currently produces the WACO YMF-5D. In 2011, WACO acquired the type certificate for the Great Lakes 2T-1A-1 and 2T-1A-2, and has begun the process of bringing the aircraft back into production.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Carl Dye

General Manager

WACO Classic Aircraft Corporation

15955 South Airport Road

Battle Creek, MI 49015

Tel: 269-565-1000
Email: info@wacoclassic.com
www.wacoclassic.com

www.wacoaircraft.com

Air Zoo to Open Expansion on October 1

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:09:38 GMT

KALAMAZOO, Mich.undefinedOn Oct. 1 the Air Zoo will open its 50,000-square-foot expansion, which will feature new and current exhibits, aircraft, and space artifacts, to the public.

The expansion will house Space: Dare to Dream, an interactive exhibit that pays tribute to the dreamers who dared to find answers to our existence. The exhibit, made possible by a grant from the Irving S. Gilmore Foundation, celebrates those innovators’ amazing discoveries, along with the history of space exploration.

“The Air Zoo now has even more rich and historic experiences for guests to enjoy,” said Bob Ellis, Air Zoo president and CEO. “While walking through Space: Dare to Dream, visitors will be able to explore Galileo’s study, learn about ancient cosmology and experience the rumbling liftoff of Saturn V as it leaves Earth.”

The expansion will feature an additional exhibit about women in aviation (including the Women Airforce Service Pilots), space artifacts, interactive exhibits, an archive and an expanded library with free Wi-Fi Internet. It will also include World War II aircraft ranging from early trainers to gliders and attack aircraft.

To celebrate the opening, the Air Zoo will have a variety of complimentary activities taking place throughout the day, such as creating soda straw rockets. From 10 a.m.-3 p.m., kids will be able to build and launch rockets for $10 each.

For more information about the Air Zoo’s opening celebration, call 269.382.6555.

The Air Zoo is a nonprofit organization located at 6151 Portage Rd. in Portage, Mich. It is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and offers a restaurant, gift shop and banquet facilities. Effective June 11, 2011: General admission will cost $8 per person. Unlimited rides and attractions may be purchased with a wristband package (Ultimate Ace-$15, Junior Flyer-$12, Co-Pilot-$8), which includes general admission, or tickets can be purchased individually for rides.

WACO Classic Aircraft is the First Manufacture to offer Garmin's new next generation GTN series Touch Screen GPS/NAV/COM as Standard Equipment on all New Production Aircraft!

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 20:53:18 GMT

The system combines GPS, COMM and NAV functions with powerful multifunction display capabilities like high-resolution terrain mapping, graphical flight planning, optional satellite weather and traffic display.

With the GTN 650’s revolutionary new touchscreen interface, you’re rarely more than two taps away from all of the system’s primary functions. Quickly pan across the map screen simply by swiping your finger across the 4.9-in. diagonal high-resolution TFT display. Or enter waypoint data with the onscreen alphanumeric entry. It’s even designed with raised grips in the bezel and a shelf across the lower edge of the display that serve as gripping points in both smooth and turbulent flight conditions. Traditional concentric knobs are also available for those who are used to that style of data input.

The standard GTN-650 Touch screen combined with the optional IFR Plus package that adds the Garmin GTN-750 large screen display with both a remote Garmin Transponder and Remote Garmin Audio Panel provides for a very clean but incredibly powerful navigation and safety solution.

Combining the latest in multi-function display (MFD) features with touchscreen data entry and integrated radio tuning – as well as remote transponder and audio panel control – the GTN series offers amazing, yet simple-to-use, technology that once again promises to redirect the course of General Aviation electronics.

GARMIN GTN SERIES FEATURES AT A GLANCE

• Menu-driven graphical interface on color LCD touchscreen display

• Feature-rich MFD capabilities: moving map, chart display, airways, approaches and more

• GPS WAAS-certified to Gamma-3 approach capability

• Built-in GPS/ILS/VOR/LOC and Glideslope capabilities available

• Graphical flight planning (including airway navigation)

• VHF comm transceiver: 8.33 or 25 kHz channel spacing

• Extensive optional interface capabilities: lightning, weather, traffic, TAWS-B terrain alerting, and more

• Integrated control/display for remote transponder

• Integrated control for remote audio panel functions (GTN 700 series only)

• Optional XM WX satellite weather and XM Radio

• SafeTaxi® airport diagrams

• Award-winning Garmin product support and 2-year warranty

Each model in the GTN lineup can support a wide array of optional weather, lightning and traffic system inputs for overlay on the moving map. Optional XM WX™ Satellite Weather, with graphical NEXRAD, METARs, and more, can be accessed through Garmin’s GDL 69 data link receiver (sold separately). And you’ll find room on the GTN 750 series’ 6.9-inch diagonal touchscreens to allow display of your airway charts and approach plates – which come pre-installed on these units in the form of standard Garmin FliteCharts®. Or, if you prefer the Jeppesen format, you can elect to go with optional ChartView™ electronic charts instead. With ChartView™ installed, a helpful Garmin geo-referencing feature enables a graphical view of your approach plate to be overlaid on the GTN 750 series moving map for real-time visual guidance cues in flying the procedure.

Making flight easier by making avionics smarter: That’s what the GTN touchscreen series is all about.

To find out more about the new D-model WACO YMF or the Garmin GTN, contact

WACO Classic Aircraft at (269) 565-1000 or visit Garmin’s website at ww.garmin.com/gtn.

Air Zoo plane on display at Oakland County International Airport

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 20:51:46 GMT

KALAMAZOO, Mich.undefinedGuests traveling through Oakland County International Airport’s new main terminal will notice the Air Zoo’s Pitts Special flying high above their heads.

The 1973 Pitts Special, which is suspended from the lobby ceiling, is on long-term loan to the airport. It was designed by Curtis Pitts and dominated world aerobatic competition in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, it remains a strong contestant in lower categories of aerobatic competition.

“The Pitts Special biplane displayed inside the terminal is among the ‘wow’ factors that will give travelers a positive impression of southeast Michigan,” said Oakland County Executive L. Brooks Patterson. “The new terminal is the gateway to Oakland County from the air.”

Oakland County International Airport’s new environment-friendly terminal opened to the public on Aug. 23.

The Pitts Special was built, flown and donated to the Air Zoo by Henry Haigh II of Howell, Mich. Haigh flew the single-seat biplane in various aerobatic contests.

For details about Oakland County International Airport, visit www.airfairocia.org. For more information about the Air Zoo’s plane, call 269.382.6555.

The Air Zoo is a nonprofit organization located at 6151 Portage Rd. in Portage, Mich. It is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and offers a restaurant, gift shop and banquet facilities. Effective June 11, 2011: General admission will cost $8 per person. Unlimited rides and attractions may be purchased with a wristband package (Ultimate Ace-$15, Junior Flyer-$12, Co-Pilot-$8), which includes general admission, or tickets can be purchased individually for rides.

A little bit of the United States at Duxford's American Air Day

Thu, 25 Aug 2011 20:54:55 GMT

Thousands of visitors enjoyed a day out at IWM Duxford stateside-style today, Friday 19 August, at American Air Day.

Visitors met and mingled with men and women from the Third Air Force of the United States Air Force in Europe, based at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in East Anglia.

There were a wide range of fascinating demonstrations, from the K9 dog display team, to the Birdman with his stunning birds of prey. There was a display by the USAFE Operational Support Service showing how they prepare a fighter aircraft for readiness, using Duxford’s own static F-15 Eagle for true authenticity, and a display of Security Forces Humvee vehicles and equipment.

In a poignant Missing in Action ceremony, the USAFE Honor Guard remembered United States personnel who are missing in action or lost their lives in active service.

Imperial War Museum Duxford was delighted to welcome back SR-71 Blackbird pilot Colonel Richard Graham who hosted walk-around tours of the Blackbird spy plane that he flew, which is now in pride of place in the American Air Museum.

There were also displays by the USAFE weather display team and medical team. Visitors also had to the chance to see some stylish American cars and motorbikes.

The USAFE C-130 aircraft flew in, landed and opened for very popular public tours.

In the skies there were exciting fly-pasts and displays. There were a series of United States Air Force fly-pasts, comprising two F-15E aircraft, followed by a fly-past of a KC-135. This was followed by a fly-past of two F-15C aircraft.

Duxford’s historic American aircraft then took to the skies, with displays by a pair of North American Harvards, followed by a Boeing Stearman, and then a pair of S1 Pitts aircraft.

The final flypast of USAF F-15E aircraft was followed by a second display of Duxford aircraft, including the North American F-86 Sabre, Beech Staggerwing and Consolidated PBY-5A Catalina.

It was a fantastic day of Anglo-American celebration, enjoyed by visitors from both sides of the pond!

Watch the transport of 1549 to the Carolinas Aviation Museum

Thu, 28 Jul 2011 17:40:13 GMT

http://vimeo.com/24963231

AHG Member WACO Aircraft Featured in September's "Flying" Magazine

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 13:29:03 GMT

We're happy to share another great article written about Aviation Heritage Group member, the WACO YMF, and WACO Classic Aircraft. Published in the September, 2010, issue of Flying Magazine, it's called "Waco Classic's New-Old Biplane" and we think it's great.

You can read the article in pdf format on their website at http://www.wacoclassic.com/articles.html, or better yet, get to your local newsstand and purchase the whole magazine. There's lots of other interesting things to read.

Air Zoo to add vintage plane to collection

Mon, 04 Oct 2010 13:25:26 GMT

KALAMAZOO, Mich. -- The Air Zoo is adding a rare classic plane to its collectionundefineda 1938 Fairchild 24K, which is set to land at the Air Zoo the second week of September.

The 24K is a high-wing single-engine monoplane that was flown for personal and business use in the late 1930s. It had a quick sales success with prominent businessmen and Hollywood actors purchasing the aircraft. The 24K can seat up to four people and was popular because of its pleasant handling characteristics and roomy interior. Only 36 24Ks were manufactured, and eight remain registered in the United States.

“The 24K came from the Golden Age of Aviation,” said Bob Ellis, Air Zoo president and CEO. “It’s a beautiful plane that is full of character and we are thrilled to add it to the Air Zoo’s extensive collection of aircraft.”

Donor Norbert McLuckie, 90, of Coal City, Ill., will fly the plane to the Air Zoo the second week of September, weather permitting. McLuckie is an avid flier and recently passed his annual flight physical exam.

For more information about the Air Zoo’s collection of aircraft, call 269.382.6555 or visit www.airzoo.org.

The Air Zoo is a nonprofit organization located at 6151 Portage Road in Portage, Mich. It is an affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution and offers a restaurant, gift shop and banquet facilities. General admission is free. Unlimited rides and attractions may be purchased with a wristband package or can be purchased individually with tickets.

Air Zoo Offers Summer Flight Experiences

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:58:07 GMT

KALAMAZOO, Mich. This summer, Air Zoo guests have the chance to take flight in a Cessna T-41 Mescalero, North American T-6 Texan and Vultee BT-13 Valiant, courtesy of Aviation Adventures and Michigan Warbirds.All three of these historic aircraft were used as trainers in the armed forces. The T-41 was used to train Air Force pilots beginning in 1964. During World War II, the T-6 was used as an advanced trainer in the U.S. Army Air Forces and Navy. The BT-13 was also used during the war as a basic trainer by the U.S. Army Air Forces.

Guests can experience these aircraft with an array of flight packages including:

T-41 Flight Experience by Aviation Adventures

The T-41 Flight Experience is perfect for those who want to go on a flying adventure. Passengers will get a bird’s-eye view of the greater Kalamazoo area. This flight experience lasts 20 minutes and costs $75 for the first passenger. Each additional passenger costs $25. The T-41 can hold up to three passengers.

T-41 Pilot Experience by Aviation Adventures

Those who dream of becoming a pilot will find the T-41 Pilot Experience especially exhilarating. Passengers will learn about aerodynamics and how to pilot the plane by using the flight controls. The passenger-pilot will have the chance to try basic flight maneuvers such as turns, climbs and descents. At the end of the experience, the passenger-pilot will be awarded a certificate of logged pilot time that may be used towards private pilot training. This 30-minute experience costs $109 for the first passenger and $25 for each additional passenger.

World War II Flight Experience by Michigan Warbirds

Experience the thrill of flying in the T-6 or BT-13 with the World War II Flight Experience. This familiarization ride will begin with a briefing from the pilot. After the aircraft is in the air, the pilot will let the guest take the controls and experience flight, firsthand! This 30-minute experience costs $200 and is limited to one passenger.

Flights from Aviation Adventures are offered Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. and noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Michigan Warbirds flights are offered on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Height and weight limitations may apply.

Tickets and gift certificates are available for purchase at the Air Zoo. To schedule a flight or for more information, please call 269.382.6555.

Navy Rear Admiral to Present Award to the Air Zoo

Mon, 19 Jul 2010 09:24:13 GMT

KALAMAZOO, Mich. - On July 21, U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Craig Faller will present an award of appreciation to the Air Zoo.

Faller’s presentation will begin at 11 a.m. at the Air Zoo, where he will also speak to hundreds of naval recruiting officers from the districts of Michigan and Indiana.

Before assuming command of Navy Recruiting, Faller served as executive assistant to Adm. William Fallon at U.S. Pacific Command and U.S. Central Command, special assistant to the chief of naval operations and then executive assistant to the chief of naval operations.

Faller's awards include the Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit (three awards), Meritorious Service Medal (three awards), Navy Commendation Medal (four awards) and Navy Achievement Medal.

To learn more about the Air Zoo, call 269.382.6555 or visit www.airzoo.org.

The Air Zoo is located at 6151 Portage Road, Portage, Mich. It is a full-service attraction offering a restaurant, gift shop and banquet facilities. General admission is free. Unlimited attractions and experiences may be purchased with a wristband package or can be purchased individually with tickets.

Imperial War Museum Duxford Hosts Aviation Reunion at Flying Legends Air Show 2010

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:52:36 GMT

Flying Legends air show (Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 July) sees a very special aviation reunion take place.

Clarence E ‘Bud’ Anderson, a retired officer in the United States Air Force and a Second World War ‘triple ace’ will be reunited with his P-51 Mustang ‘Old Crow’, the aircraft that carried him safely through 116 missions.

‘Bud’ Anderson flew two tours of combat against the Luftwaffe in Europe with the 363rd Fighter Squadron of the 357th Fighter Group, based at RAF Leiston. The 357th Fighter Group was credited with shooting down 609 enemy aircraft in only 15 months, a quota unequalled by any other fighter group.

The 357th Fighter Group produced 42 fighter ‘aces’. Bud Anderson was the leading ace of 363rd Fighter Squadron, with 16 ¼ aerial victories. In his faithful P-51 Mustang, he undertook all 116 missions without being hit by fire from enemy aircraft and without having to turn back for any reason.

Bud Anderson returned to the United States in February 1945 as a Captain and continued in military service for over thirty years.

Flying Legends is without doubt one of the finest warbird air shows in the world, providing an unrivalled line-up of the classic propeller-driven combat aircraft from both the First and Second World Wars, many of which are now either rare or unique.

The Fighter Collection are pleased to announce that over 50 aircraft will participate at the 2010 event including 10 Spitfires. Flying Legends will showcase the development of this iconic fighter with participation of the very rare Mk1 Spitfire right through to a Mk XIX variant.

Participating aircraft includes Sea Fury (x2), Sky Raiders, P-51 Mustangs (including a mystery Mustang not previously seen at Flying Legends), Dakota, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Lancaster, Spitfire and Hurricane, A-26 Invader, Lufthansa, Brietling Wing Walkers, a British trio of Mew Gull, Arrow Active and Miles Magister and a Hawker Tribute.

These legendary aircraft and superbly talented pilots come from across the globe to display at Flying Legends. Visitors can expect to see a wide range of iconic aircraft, including the P-51 Mustang, Hawker Hurricane, Lancaster bomber and much more.
On the ground, there will be activities for all ages, plus the opportunity to experience a nostalgic wartime atmosphere as you mingle with re-enactors recreating the roles of RAF pilots, US Army medical personnel and the servicemen of the 101st Airborne Division.

WACO Classic Aircraft Donates to Young Eagles for Each New Aircraft Sold

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:48:43 GMT

Too often today we find children sitting in front of their video games, living out adventures in a virtual world. The owners of WACO Classic firmly believe that nothing compares to reality. The only way to truly live a fulfilling life is to experience adventures first hand in the real world, and this is even more true of the thrill of flight.

For this reason, WACO Classic Aircraft will make a donation of $5,000 to the EAA Young Eagles program for every new WACO YMF-5 D Model sold between now and December 31, 2010.*

The EAA Young Eagles program was launched in 1992 to give interested young people, ages 8-17, an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane. These flights are offered free of charge and are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers and supporters, and companies like WACO Classic Aircraft. This donation will help the Young Eagles program provide real life adventures for children, and introduce them to the wonders of flight.

Since its inception, more than 1.5 million Young Eagles have enjoyed a flight through the program. Young Eagles have been registered in more than 90 different countries and have been flown by more than 42,000 volunteer pilots. More information can be found on the web at www.youngeagles.org.

The new WACO YMF- D model is the newest evolution of the YMF sport biplane, and includes many new features and upgrades. The WACO YMF biplane has and always will represent the essence of true aviation pleasure. It combines today's technology and safety features with yesterday's graceful design.

For more information please visit our website at www.wacoclassic.com.

For a copy of the press release, visit www.wacoclassic.com/pdf/youngeagles.pdf.

For details or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Peter Bowers, President

WACO Classic Aircraft Corp.

(269) 565-1000

info@wacoclassic.com

Air Zoo to Offer Free Airplane Rides to Veterans

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 15:47:15 GMT

KALAMAZOO Mich. - This summer, veterans who served during World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War will have the chance to take flight, for free!

Beginning June 29, veterans will be able to fly in a Boeing-Stearman N2S-5 Kaydet, courtesy of the Air Zoo and pilot/sponsor Alan Wright. The Kaydet is an open cockpit aircraft that served as the U.S. Navy’s primary trainer during World War II.

“We are thrilled to offer free flights to those who have sacrificed so much while serving our country,” said Bob Ellis, president and CEO of the Air Zoo.

Flights will take place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through Sept. 1, weather permitting. They are open to veterans who have not previously participated with the Air Zoo’s free veteran flights. Flights will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis, and those who are flying must sign a waiver. A maximum of five flights per day will be offered.

For more information or to reserve a flight, please call the Air Zoo at 269.350.2815.