Open Hangar Day, American Aero Services

This past weekend, the family and I traveled up to New Symrna Beach to visit American Aero Services during one of their Open Hangar Day, in which the shop is open for people to walk around and see the restoration and maintenance work that they are doing. The Collings Foundation has selected American Aero as their vendor of choice to do maintenance on their B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, B-25 Mitchell, F4U-5NL Corsair and P-51C Mustang. The Collings Foundation is also restoring a A-36A Apache at American Aero.

Also being restored at American Aero for Shelby Burch is N5444V, P-51 Mustang.

There was a Grumman TBM Avenger, N452A, in attendance as well, getting maintenance.

The balding red-headed guy with the blonde 2 year old are us. The wife was taking photos.

Wings of Freedom Museum in Dunnellon

I was doing some research for the weekly update and found that there is/was a museum in Dunnellon by the name of “Wings of Freedom”, formerly known as the Yankee Air Force, Florida Division. They still have a web presence which is out of date.

I am going to find out what I can of this museum but any help would be appreciated.

Open Hangar Day, American Aero Services, this Saturday, 20 Dec

American Aero Services is having an Open Hangar Day on 20 December at the New Symrna Beach Airport. They will be collecting food donations for the Southeast Volusia Humane Society in lieu of an admission.

Florida Wing, Commemorative Air Force

The Florida Wing of the Commemorative Air Force has finally re-emerged from its absence on the web with two new editions of their newsletter for November and December. For those you not familiar with the Florida CAF Wing, they are in the process of restoring to flyable condition a TBM Avenger. They have a couple of liaison type planes in their possession as well as a new built hangar to house the restoration and other soft items of their collection.

Their TBM has a history of serving with the US Navy and Royal Canadian Navy. She was sold by the RCN and became an aerial bomber in Canada.

As with a lot of non-profits, they are looking for funds to support the restoration. The December newsletter highlights the Challenge Grant that is being offered to them from CAF headquarters. Best of luck on this project and I look forward to taking a ride up to their hangar to see the progress

Fantasy of Flight Celebrates America’s First Female Military Pilots with New Exhibit

Fantasy of Flight has posted a news release that a new display honoring the WASP – Women Airforce Service Pilots, of the Second World War is now available. Details of the exhibit can be found on their website.