Nationwide Warbird Flyover being planned...

[Warbirdnerd]

From AvWeb:

Plans For “Nationwide” Warbird Flyover


Aviation heritage organizations are organizing to create a "nationwide flyover of WWII aircraft" Aug. 15-16, 2015, commemorating the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II, but the event may not be what you think. The Chennault Foundation describes the nationwide flyover as taking place in communities throughout America. Groups involved in the event include the History Channel, the Air Force Association, EAA Warbirds of America, the Commemorative Air Force and a host of other groups. It’s not precisely clear if “nationwide” will translate to many local events or one grand one but an official announcement on Dec. 20 will provide more details. The press conference will be hosted by the Chennault Aviation & Military Museum, which holds its own direct ties to aviation’s rich history.

The executive director of Chennault Aviation & Military Museum is Nell Calloway, the granddaughter of Gen. Claire Chennault, whose Flying Tigers group entered World War II in the skies over China on Dec. 20, 1941. The group is credited as a first counterattack against Japan following Pearl Harbor. Said Calloway, “My grandfather and the Flying Tigers helped lay the foundations for what became the U.S. Air Force and are a fitting symbol for a movement to pay tribute to the achievements of American Airpower during WWII.” One goal of the planned flyover is to raise and maintain public awareness of historic aircraft with the hope of maintaining them in flyable condition.

[kalamazookid]

This is a great idea. I keep holding out hope for a Final Gathering airshow of sorts for WWII vets on the scale of GML or something... Invite all veterans groups of all types from each service in WWII and have a massive air and ground salute. Of course, that takes a ton of money and planning. Maybe someone with deep pockets can run with the idea.

[Taylor Stevenson]

I wonder if it will be something like Freedom Flight America in 1995... With the cost of Avgas the way it is, I would think something similar would be extremely cost prohibitive for many warbird owners... It was an awesome experience though! Nothing like flying in a warbird from Long Beach to New York City!

[Matt Gunsch]

I wonder if it will be something like Freedom Flight America in 1995... With the cost of Avgas the way it is, I would think something similar would be extremely cost prohibitive for many warbird owners... It was an awesome experience though! Nothing like flying in a warbird from Long Beach to New York City!

Taylor, how much of Freedom Flight did you see ? All I ever saw of you was the top of your head just above the canopy rails.....

[Invader26]

The group is credited as a first counterattack against Japan following Pearl Harbor. Said Calloway

Nice thought but firstly the Flying Tigers were part of the Nationalist Chinese Air Force not US. Secondly No 1 Sqn, RAAF, Hudsons attacked the Japanese invasion fleet at Kota Bahru, Malaya an hour before Pearl Harbor.

In any event all brave and gallant boys..

[Taylor Stevenson]

Matt,

Didn't see much, but I was IFR rated in the T-6 before the end of the trip!

Our T-6 had several six year old mods including a super-thick seat cushion and a custom chute made by Butler.

Fun trip, wish I had been older, but lucky to have been able to ride along. I spent many a good naps on the piles of helmet bags a briefings though. Ahh, those were the days! (Now, I'm just creepy if I do that...)

TS

[Obergrafeter]

Now, I'm just creepy if I do that...)

Your just creepy wither you do that or not! Lol