This Saturday – April 6, 2024 – we’ve got a very special event Saturday" in store.  Come join us for a fantastic “Hangar Talk” followed by a once-in-a-lifetime “Flying Demo” experience featuring the very rare North American P-51A “Mustang” along with a thrilling multi-aircraft engine start!

Doors to the Museum will open at 9:00am.  Regular admission prices are in effect and Museum Members always get in free!

Hangar Talk Begins at 10:30am

Here’s what’s in store for “Hangar Talk” . . .

From “Expeditors” to “Mitchells” to “Forts” – How They Served

In honor of our visiting guests from the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), we’re taking a deep dive into each of the three aircraft they’ve brought for rides and afternoon tours.  Long before a shot was fired in anger, the Beech C-45 “Expeditor,” the North American B-25 “Mitchell,” and the Boeing B-17 “Flying Fortress” were already in service.  With America’s entry into the Second World War, each of these aircraft would go on to play pivotal roles in achieving victory for Allied forces.  The Museum’s Brian Finnegan will walk us through the development, design, and deployment of these aircraft – giving you a deeper appreciation as you watch them fly (or take a ride) or walk through them in the afternoon.

From Life to Book to Screen – The Story of the “Masters of the Air”

We’re honored to have Mike Faley joining us for this month’s “Hangar Talk.”  Mike is the Executive Vice President on the Board of Directors of the 100th Bomb Group Foundation and the organization’s official historian.  For the recent Apple TV series, “Masters of the Air,” Mike served as the Historical Consultant.  Mike will take us through the challenges of bringing the real stories of the men of the 100th Bomb Group to life, first as an historian supporting the work of author Donald L. Miller for his book, “Masters of the Air” and later as historical consultant for the television series.  Mike will outline the production, including the construction of two mock-up B-17s and he will explain the role that our visiting B-17, “Sentimental Journey” played in the production.  We’re breaking tradition a bit by allowing a Q&A session during Mike’s presentation.

Ted TALK – “Thomas McGuire: Rising to the Challenge”

The Museum’s Ted Mount will close this month’s “Hangar Talk” with another inspiring episode in his recent “Aces of World War II” series.  This month, Ted tells us about the “Race of the Aces” that pitted fighter pilots not only against enemy forces, but in many ways, against one another as they battled for the ultimate title, “Ace of Aces,” the man with the most aerial victories.  Today Ted will look at Thomas McGuire and show how his quest to be the number one ace led to some incredible feats but also some dangerous risk taking.

Flying Demo of the North American P-51A “Mustang”

At noon, Jim Llano of the Museum will present the “Flying Demo” of the Museum’s very rare North American P-51A “Mustang” – the only true P-51A still flying.  Jim will briefly detail the history of the “Mustang” with special emphasis on the details surrounding this particular aircraft. 

Following Jim’s presentation, we’ll begin a very special engine start – something you won’t want to miss.

First, pilot Rob Patterson will fire up the “Mustang’s” powerful 1,125 horsepower Allison inline engine directly in front of the crowd.  The Mustang will then taxi away.  Next, Commemorative Air Force pilots will start the two Wright R-2600 cyclone radial engines of the North American B-25J and that aircraft will taxi by the crowd.  Then the roar of four Wright R-1820 Cyclone radial engines will stir the crowd as the mighty B-17 starts, followed by its taxi in front of the crowd.  

After the aircraft have left the hot-ramp area, Jim will hold our Member’s Only Raffle Drawing for some great prizes, including a flight in one of the Museum’s World War II-era trainers.  Then the B-17 and B-25 will make a single pass over the Museum.  When they’ve cleared the airspace, Rob will delight us with an aerial demonstration of the Mustang with a flight over the Museum for twenty minutes.  Upon return, guests may meet and ask questions of Rob and learn first-hand what it’s like to fly one of worlds’ rarest aircraft. 

In the afternoon, after all the scheduled rides have been completed, guests to the Museum may enter and tour the B-25 Mitchell, B-17 Flying Fortress, and the C-45 Expeditor from the Commemorative Air Force.  

In addition to all of the above, we’ll have food trucks on hand, the Gift Shop is stocked with plenty of great items, our Museum Guides will tell you the stories of the Museum and its world-renowned collection, there will be fun for the kids, and our B-17 will be open for visitors to tour the inside.  

A great way to spend the day at Planes of Fame!