Warbird Spotting Around Daytona Beach, Tips Needed!!!

[mrhenniger]

I am leaving for Daytona Beach for a week tomorrow. I may have some time to look around. Of course I am using the Locator to plan my outings. I have a few questions about some sites and I was hoping that some of you can answer them.

Is there anything left at this location...
Aerial Visuals - Location Dossier - Earle Aircraft Inc.

Is the Camp Blanding Collection accessible to the public?
Aerial Visuals - Location Dossier - Camp Blanding AAF/NG - Museum and Memorial Park

Is there a F-86 displayed anywhere in Orange Park?
Aerial Visuals - Location Dossier - - F-86

Is there a "Wings of Gold" museum in Jacksonville...
Aerial Visuals - Location Dossier - Wings of Gold Air Museum

Is there an A-7 displayed someplace on the Jackson University campus?...
Aerial Visuals - Location Dossier - Jacksonville University NROTC

It looks like there is a fantastic collection at Jacksonville NAS. Are all of the aircraft accessible to the public or just the F-18?
Aerial Visuals - Location Dossier - NAS Jacksonville

Mike

[RareBear]

Mike,

1. The aircraft at Earle Aircraft were all auctioned off in 2006. I doubt there's anything left now.

2. I have looked several times for the F-86 supposed to be in Orange Park and have been unable to locate it. Unless you have a positive location, I wouldn't waste time looking for it.

3. I can't find any reference to a "Wings of Gold Air Museum" in Jacksonville.

4. I feel sure that the aircraft at NAS JAX are available to the public. You will have to stop at security and get a pass.

5. Camp Blanding appears to be an open post. Access should not be a problem.

6. I can't locate an A-7 at JU, but the campus is so wooded that it could be there and I just can't see it. I've not been there on the ground.

Have a good trip.

Walt

[mrhenniger]

Thanks Walt! I we are are on the same page.

It was cold leaving the house this morning. I am very much looking forward to some warbird hunting in a warmer climate.

Mike

[Dave Hackett]

Mike,

Just to clarify a few points. Camp Blanding was NOT an open post when I was in the Florida National Guard, and was even more locked down after 9/11. There is a guard shack at the main entrance, and the rest of the gates for the most part are locked. You can, if you know your way around you can get on post, and the Dupont company has trucks that go on and off a part of the post all the time. Like most military installations I would do the leg work AHEAD of time to get a PAO or the likes (Especially since you is a dern ferner! Not a complaint, please bring and leave LOTS of money!)

Have not ever found the Orange Park bird, and think it may have become a victum many years ago.

I hope this helps, and good luck on the warmer weather! Florida has had a pretty cold winter, though I guess it is all relative.

Dave

[marine air]

I delivered a T-28, NX28100 to Deland, Florida the third week of December to its new owner. I think the identifier is KDED and it is the former NAS Deland. I made a night landing, and made a couple of intro flights to the new owner the next morning but it seems like I remember seeing an F-14 or something on outside display. There was also a civilian jet warbird sitting forlorn on the ramp, a Fouga or maybe L-29.

[RareBear]

Mike,

My error. Camp Blanding is not an open base. However, the display aircraft appear to be accessible without going thru the gate. Use Tallahassee Street entrance off FL Hwy 16.

Not sure about your expectations of warmer weather. It's snowing here in Charleston, SC, as I write this. We're anticipating accumulations of 2-4". We haven't had a snowfall like this in more than 10 years. I left the Yorktown early today to make sure I got home before the snow started.
Dang global warming!

Walt

[bobbrunn]

Go to American Aero Services down at the New Smyrna Beach Airport. They are working on a few projects.

[b747cf]

Their was a T-33 at the Deland Naval air Museum also an F-14 they are working on an Avenger behind the museum they also had a hanger with an H-19 in it. http://www.delandnavalairstation.org/
At Sanford their is an A-5 Vigilante at the entrance. Also at Tico Airport is the Valiant Air Command Museum. http://www.vacwarbirds.org/

Hope this helps.

Mark Fidler

[richkolasa]

Mike, as long as your there, you might want to head down to St. Augustine. The airport there has a lot, being a Grumman facility (I think it's still Northrop Grumman). There's stoof's alongside the road, Hawkeye's and F-5s flying around often.

Rich

[richkolasa]

Their was a T-33 at the Deland Naval air Museum also an F-14 they are working on an Avenger behind the museum they also had a hanger with an H-19 in it. http://www.delandnavalairstation.org/
At Sanford their is an A-5 Vigilante at the entrance. Also at Tico Airport is the Valiant Air Command Museum. http://www.vacwarbirds.org/

Hope this helps.

Mark Fidler

Crap, I used to date a woman in DeLand! Didn't even know there was an airport there (she was from NY state originally, I just visited FL). I'd love to be involved with a TBM restoration...dang.

Rich

[Alan Brooks]

I don't know if the TBM previously mentioned at Deland is this same aircraft, but the Florida Wing of the CAF, based at Deland has TBM Bn 85597 under restoration. This is one of four TBM aircraft owned by the CAF.... this is the former sprayer that had been in Austin, Texas and then later transported to Midland. Registration is N-704QZ. Looks like they are making good progress on the airframe with some good help from Ohio, thanks Charlie! My understanding is that American Aero Services is also providing parts and guidance as well, thanks Gary! The Florida Wing Website page is here.. http://www.caffl.org/
Alan Brooks

[b747cf]

I think that the Deland air museum one was located in the Everglades. The CAF building is on the opposite side of the airport and I think it's a different project.

Mark Fidler

[Holedigger]

Here is a link to the DeLand Naval Aviation Museum which is at the other end of the DeLand Airport, though not exactly IN the Everglades?! Haven't been there myself, but it is on the list!
http://www.delandnavalairstation.org/tour.htm

[dc8jet]

Just curious why the Deland Naval Air Station home page has P-47s on it.

[RareBear]

Good question, dc8jet.

I sent them an e-mail asking that question.

Walt