Sensational Summer Saturday at Planes of Fame this week!

"Hangar Talk" features some cool topics — "Flying Demo" features three T-6 aircraft in formation flight!

Plus!! See the P-51 Mustang from "Top Gun: Maverick" on Display!!

Looking for a truly unique way to spend this Saturday?  Then make Planes of Fame Air Museum your destination for our monthly "Hangar Talk" and "Flying Demo." 

This Saturday, August 6, 2022, we've got an engaging line-up of Hangar Talk topics (see below) and a really unique Flying Demo featuring three North American AT-6/SNJ "Texans" flying in formation over the Museum.  

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

"Hangar Talk" is Loaded with some Unique, Fun, and Appealing Topics

We'll begin Hangar Talk at 10:30am and it runs until noon.  Check out the line-up of what's in store:

Living History with WWII Veteran Jerry Ronnie

Jerry Ronnie served as a Crew Chief on board the North American B-25 "Mitchell" bomber.  Stationed in the Pacific Theater, he was a unique witness to a very historical event - the preparations on the island of Ie Shima (now called Iejima) for the Japanese surrender.  

We'll interview Jerry and talk about his training and role as a crew chief and hear him recall that amazing day back on August 17, 1945 when two Japanese G4M "Betty" bombers brought a contingent of Japanese generals and other emissaries to the island.  There they transferred to American aircraft to travel to Corregidor to meet with General Douglas MacArthur to work out the surrender agreement.  

At a spry 97 years old, Jerry just might be the last surviving crew chief of the B-25 medium bomber still with us - so don't miss this opportunity to see and hear history first-hand.

80 Years Ago This Month - Key Turning Points in World War II

August 1942 marks the month when the United States began its offensive push against its enemies during World War II. 

After several key naval engagements in the Pacific Theater, the U.S. launched its first amphibious invasion of the war in the South Pacific at the small island of Guadalcanal.  The goal was to seize the island and the airfield from the hands of the Japanese.  

In the European Theater, the strength of the Bomb Groups had reached a sufficient level that the United States was able to launch the first daylight, heavy-bomber strategic attacks against German-held installations.  This first effort was the French rail marshalling yards in Rouen, France by twelve aircraft of the 97th Bomb Group.

These efforts were just the start of what would dominate these theaters of operation for the next three years - island hopping campaigns and strategic bombing efforts to decimate the German war-making machine.  We'll take a look at what happened with these efforts in more detail.

Keynote Speaker - Author John Geoghegan and the Rigid Airships

We're thrilled to have historian and author John Geoghegan join us to talk about his latest book and a little-known chapter in aviation history - the era of the American Rigid Airship.  The 1930s were the heyday of these big massive dirigibles, and John will tell us the story of one in particular – the USS Macon, a US Navy rigid airship that served as a flying aircraft carrier.  From her construction to her many flights to her ultimate demise, this is a fascinating look back at a lost era. 

TED Talk - General Motors and the Bad Idea 

Sometimes what works in one industry doesn't necessarily translate in another.  Such is the case with the experimental prototype for a new fast fighter aircraft during World War II.  The XP-75 was General Motors answer to an US Army Air Force requirement.  But the way GM approached the problem is unlike anything other aircraft manufacturers had ever thought of or tried.  But GM was determined to use the same approach of building cars to building airplanes.  Ted Mount will tell us this humorous story that shows how hubris can only get you so far! 

Lots of Texans at the Museum This Saturday

"Flying Demo" Begins at 12:15pm with Three-Ship Formation Flight of the North American T-6

We've got as many as eight North American AT-6/SNJ/T-6 aircraft on display at the Museum for our August event.  These versatile aircraft, which served generations as an advanced trainer and saw combat in Korea as Forward Air Controllers, will also be the featured flight for our "Flying Demo."

At 12:15pm, following a brief outdoor presentation, three of these aircraft will fire up their engines directly in front of the crowd and then taxi away - making for a great photo opportunity.  Then they'll fly over the Museum in various formations for twenty minutes.  Upon their return, the pilots from these craft will be available to answer questions of our visitors.

With their 600 horsepower Pratt & Whitney engines, these aircraft generate quite a roar – adding to the complete experience of seeing (and hearing) them fly.

See Maverick's "Mustang"
P-51 flown in the movie "Top Gun: Maverick" now on display at Planes of Fame!

For a limited time, Planes of Fame is proud to display the P-51 "Mustang" that appears in the massive hit movie "Top Gun: Maverick."  The aircraft is currently on display in the Maloney Hangar and visitors are able to view it from behind stanchions. 

Owned and flown by legendary actor Tom Cruise, the aircraft was built in 1944 at the North American Aviation plant in Dallas, Texas.  It was built as an F-6K – a photographic reconnaissance version of the P-51.  It is one of 163 F-6K variants built and would have featured two Eastman Kodak K-24 cameras on board.

The "K" variant was nearly identical to the "D" variant with the exception being that it featured a four-blade 11-foot Aeroproducts propeller.  The Aeroproducts prop was used due to production shortages of the Hamilton Standard four-blade props.  While not an ideal solution (the prop had some balance issues), the availability of the Aeroproducts propeller nevertheless allowed the P-51K/F-6K aircraft to enter service.

The war service record of this aircraft (serial number 44-12840) is unknown but in 1946, it was being flown by the Civil Air Patrol.  It then, as so many Mustangs did, went into private ownership and several restorations until it was acquired by Tom Cruise in 2001.

It currently bears the markings of the 334th Fighter Squadron of the 65th Fighter Wing, 4th Fighter Group based in England during World War II. 

"Top-Gun: Maverick" is still breaking box office records since its Memorial Day release and has become a global phenomenon.  Planes of Fame is thrilled to have this aircraft on display and wishes to thank Tom Cruise for his generosity in allowing our visitors to see this fantastic aircraft up close. 

A Great Way to Spend the Day!

Also on hand will be several historical re-enactors, our Museum Guides to help you better appreciate the Museum's collection, plus beverage, food and dessert trucks.  Or you can visit Flo's Airport Cafe and receive a discount by showing your Museum admission sticker!

There are fun activities for the kids, and the Gift Shop is stocked with plenty of new items.  For our members, we'll be conducting our "Members Only Flight Raffle in the North American SNJ-5" so get your ticket when you enter – we'll draw the winning ticket outside at 12:30pm.

All in all, this Saturday, August 6, 2022 promises to be a great way to spend your day at Planes of Fame!  Hope to see you here!