Warbird Information Exchange

The football game at Michigan Stadium Saturday won't be the only, or even the biggest, show of the day.

Before the Wolverines take on Utah, football fans at the stadium will be treated to a aerial parade of 15 planes and helicopters. The program, slated to begin about 3:15 p.m. commemorates the 100-year anniversary of the aerospace engineering program at U-M.

The display will showcase the evolution of aviation to celebrate the nation’s oldest aeronautical engineering education program. Each craft has a part in the history of aeronautics, either nationally or in Michigan.

Announcing the pregame flyover will be Capt. James Mynning, an Ann-Arbor native and professional air show announcer and commercial pilot.

The retired United Airlines captain made a name for himself in 1974 when he safely landed a 737 with a dangling engine without injuring any crew or passengers. Later that year he won United Airlines Pilot of the Year.

Some of the notable aircraft prepared to take flight above Michigan Stadium include:

Boeing Stearman PT-17A: This airplane was used to train pilots to fly during World War II. In the 1930s, there were about 8,000 built at about $11,000 per unit. On Saturday, it will be flown by Christopher Dacson.

North American Aviation P-51D Mustang: This airplane has the authentic paint scheme of Jim Browning, who flew with the 357th Fighter Group in WWII. It will be flown Saturday by Connie Bowlin.

North American Aviation F-86F Sabre Jet: Paul Wood will fly this aircraft, which weighs 5 tons and flies up to 650 mph.

Boeing B-17: Weighing about 18 tons, the Boeing B-17 was the heavy bomber used in WWII. It will be flown Saturday by Jon Rule of Yankee Air Museum.

North American Aviation B-25 Mitchell Bomber: During WWII, General Billy Mitchel led a group of 16 B-25’s on the first attack of Japan after being launched from the U.S. Hornet aircraft carrier. This aircraft was named after Mitchell, and will be piloted Saturday by Delane Buttacavolli from the Yankee Air Museum.

North American Aviation F-100F Super Sabre: Fans in attendance Saturday will see the last F-100 Super Sabre still in flight. The 10-ton aircraft can travel at supersonic speeds, and will be flown by Dean Cutshall.

Lockheed Electra: This aircraft gained its fame when Amelia Earhart flew one on her around-the-world attempt in 1937. The model flying overhead Saturday was used in the movie “Amelia” starring Hillary Swank, and will be piloted by Joe Sheppard.

Beechcraft T-34: There will be five Beechcraft T-34’s flown in formation, led by pilot Russell McDonald.

University of Michigan Survival Flight Eurocopter EC-155: A pair of these helicopters is available 24 hours a day at the University of Michigan. One of them will be piloted Saturday by Thomas Sherony.

Enstrom 408B: A Michigan designed, developed and built aircraft, this helicopter will be flown by 1980 aerospace engineering graduate, William Taylor.

McMahon Helicopter Sikorsky Heavy Lift Model S58T: This aircraft is owned by McMahon Helicopter Services Inc., founded by Michigan native Brian McMahon. McMahon served as a door-gunner in the Vietnam War, and returned to Michigan to become a pilot. His son, Nick, has piloted aircraft in movies, television shows and commercials, and will fly in Saturday’s pregame show.

Is the F-100 really the LAST one?

Will it be on TV? If so, what network?

Also, a B17 (don't know which one) is scheduled to do the flyover at the NASCAR race at Louden, NH. Coverage on ESPN at 1PM Central.