History

Formation flying and aerial displays are enjoyable and present some challenges. Every pilot has to do his part and fly as part of a team. The flying must be precise because the other pilots require precision and predictability in your flying. When one flies to honor veterans who have sacrificed for this country to ensure our freedoms, flying as part of aerial displays is extremely gratifying.

The National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C. is a repository of our nation’s aeronautical history and achievements. As one tours the facility, you appreciate the origins of aviation in America as accomplished by the Wright Brothers, as well as the achievements of pioneers in the early days of aviation.

World War II Heritage Days at the Dixie Wing of the CAF is always a colorful and nostalgic event. Numerous reenactors appear in authentic regalia looking like they walked off a motion picture set. There was a re-enactment of a battle in Italy in 1943 which, in this case, was won by the German forces. There was also a reenactment of a battle between the Japanese and the American forces in the Pacific

Today, Roswell International Air Center is a sleepy airport in southeastern New Mexico upon which are parked numerous jetliners that have been mothballed or are being broken up for salvage. Located three miles south of the central business district of the City of Roswell in Chavez County, New Mexico, the airport has a unique place in American history.

Any pilot aspiring to fly a high performance World War II fighter will likely find himself in the backseat of an AT-6/SNJ North American Texan Advanced Trainer. The reasoning behind requiring a pilot to check out and fly from the back seat is that he has to learn to fly with his peripheral vision and develop techniques and procedures to maintain an awareness about the location of the runway even though the runway is obscured by to long nose of the aircraft

The origins of the Candler Field Flying Club began in the fall of 2009 when I, retired Delta Capt. Glen Marsh, was giving a Young Eagle Flight for the Experimental Aircraft Association

A number of years ago, I chaired an evening dinner featuring General Paul Tibbets as our speaker. A film crew from Hiroshima flew to Atlanta to capture the remarks of General Tibbets that evening. An Air Force Color Guard was on hand as the dinner meeting was called to order.

Kerry “Tids” Tidmore and Brent “Sparky” Sparks began working on the Salute to America Air Show some time ago. The Air Show was designed to showcase the new airport in Paulding County and also to pay particular respect and reverence to those who fought and died for our freedom. The Air Show theme pays tribute to Americans and American patriotism at a time when our country faces extraordinary challenges both domestically and abroad.

The Palm Springs Air Museum is a first class facility featuring a host of well restored and maintained aircraft. The presentation of the aircraft are complemented by displays outlining the history of American air power in the Second World War.

The Flying Heritage Collection is Paul Allen’s gift to the world and is an extraordinary collection of rare aircraft. My visit to the facility was a chance to renew any friendship with Bill Papa, a docent at the museum. This article will focus on some of the rare and unique aircraft on display at the facility.