From the Valiant Air Command:

Saturday, October 26th, we will be hosting our very first nighttime engine run, which will feature the XP-82 running both of her engines at night so our fans can see this wonderful restoration up close and personal. 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝. The restorer and owner will be present to answer any questions related to the aircraft.

Tickets will be required for this one time, exclusive event. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝘀 $𝟴𝟬 𝗮 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻, and will run from approximately 6pm until 9:30pm. (Timing may be adjusted the evening of the event.) Food and drink will 𝗡𝗢𝗧 be provided, so please plan accordingly. Alcohol is not allowed on the premises. Due to ramp space and safety requirements, the event is capped at 50 participants, and only open to persons who are **𝟭𝟴 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗿 𝗼𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿**. RSVP will be required for the event. Please contact our event coordinator, Tracy at Tracy.Bohrmann@valiantaircommand.com with amount of people who will be attending.

𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗿 – Event is subject to aircraft serviceability and suitable weather conditions. The final call on this will be up to the aircraft owner. In the event of an event cancellation, a new date will be set or refunds will be offered. All profits from the event will go to support the Valiant Air Command 501c3 organization. The XP-82 will NOT be flying during this event.

𝗙𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗺𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗲 𝗱𝘂𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁.

Sadden to hear this news, but have seen the smaller crowds over the past few years. The shows have had great aircraft in attendance but that has gone down over the past 20 years.

From the Valiant Air Command:

“The Board of Director of the Valiant Air Command, Inc., in a meeting 10/15/2019, has voted to postpone our 43rd Space Coast Warbird Airshow to 2021, by a majority vote.

This decision is based on the fact that costs (e.g., fuel, oil, performer appearances, etc.) associated with this event have increasingly become prohibitive for a 100% non-profit, all volunteer based, member-supported organization to take on by ourselves.

Donations and sponsorship for the event from the local community, businesses and municipalities have declined significantly the last 5 years, yet the cost to sponsor an Airshow have increased exponentially.

Video is almost 2 years old but interesting overview of the Hawker Tempest projects at Fantasy of Flight. I understand that the person in the video retired and there is no effort currently underway to restore the aircraft.

As most of you are aware, the Colling’s Foundation B-17 “Nine O’ Nine” was lost yesterday in landing accident with a lost of life. Prayers and condolences to those involved.

I first saw the aircraft at Tom Reilly’s shop in Kissimmee when work was being done on it. And was happy to see it every winter over the past few years while it was undergoing maintenance at American Aero Services in New Smynra Beach.  Saddened to hear of the loss.

The C-47 “Tico Belle” owned by the Valiant Air Command is making a humanitarian relief flight to the Bahamas today to deliver supplies. The island has been devastated due to Hurricane Dorian. Donations to cover fuel and other flight related items can be made via the Valiant Air Command Facebook page.

The Valiant Air Command museum is closed Sunday and Monday, with more dates possible. The XP-82, C-47 “Tico Belle” and B-25 “Killer B” are being flown out today to destinations north.

From the Valiant Air Command:

“We have heard your questions / requests with regards to when you will be able to experience the world’s only flying Xp-82 Twin Mustang Prototype Project (44-83887), whether it be running or outside on the ramp. Well, we can now say that we have a date when you will be able to see her outside in the day, at sunset, and at NIGHT!

Next Saturday, August 31st, we will be hosting our very first nighttime engine run, which will feature the XP-82 running both of her engines at night so our fans can see this wonderful restoration up close and personal. 𝐏𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐨𝐠𝐫𝐚𝐩𝐡𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐛𝐨𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝. The pilot and owner will be present to answer any questions related to the aircraft.