Warbird Information Exchange

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.

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!

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

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