EAA Chapter 309

EAA 309 Young Eagles Program

2011-10-02T17:27:00.000-07:00

http://www.mygazines.com/issue/43535

Lincolnton Open House

Nov 12, 2011
Registration on Site 10:00 to 1:00 Young Eagle Flights 1:00PM
First come - first served basis.

Lincolnton - Lincoln County Airport (IPJ)

Food Concession - bring the family!

Click to Download Printable POSTER

Click for EAA 309 Young Eagle News FLASH

Young Eagles Rally Schedule 2011:

April 9, 2011 - EAA 309 Hangar, Gastonia Mun Apt (AKH)
May 14, 2011 - Concord Regional Airport Terminal (JQF)
June 11, 2011 - Internatinal Young Eagles Day, Charlotte-Monroe Exec Apt
Oct 29 - 30, 2011 Concord Regional Airport Terminal (JQF) Registration 9 - 11 with flights 9 AM - 1PM both days
Nov 12, 2011 - Lincolnton - Lincoln County Regional Airport (IPJ)
Events start at 10:00AM; Pilot Briefing at 9:30AM

“Sully” and Jeff lead Young Eagles Program!

Ever look into the sky when an airplane flies overhead? Wonder what it would be like to be up there instead of down here? Quit wondering and schedule a free, introductory flight with EAA's Young Eagles program. You'll fly with a licensed, local pilot who will help you take the first steps to make your dream of flying come true.

Charlotte EAA Chapter 309 is proud to offer the Young Eagles Program to the Charlotte and surrounding area. We are excited that Sully and Jeff are our new Chairmen, bringing their passion of aviation to the youth of America and the World.

The Young Eagles program provides a meaningful flight experience – free of charge – in a general aviation aircraft for young people between the ages of 8 and 17. You will receive a free local airplane ride and and see their world from a whole new perspective, receive a free official certificate to show to your friends, and become one of over 1.5 Million Young Eagles registered in the World's Largest Logbook! After your flight your pilot will present to you your very own logbook with the flight recorded. Inside it you will find a code to use the NEXT STEP program, also free of charge.

Young Eagle flights have been conducted in every state in America; each province in Canada; and in more than 90 other countries. The flights have been safely conducted in nearly every type of general aviation aircraft, from light planes to business jets, and everything in between!

SEARCH FOR YOUNG EAGLE EVENTS

YOUNG EAGLES FLIGHT PLAN Since the Young Eagles program began, it has become the most successful youth aviation education program in history!

Those programs include the EAA Flight Plan for young people, encompassing Sporty’s Online Pilot Training Course – free of charge – that has already been accessed by more than 6,000 Young Eagles in just two years, as well as EAA student memberships available to all Young Eagles at no cost.

Parents - feel free to look at our Frequently Asked Questions library for answers to specific questions you may have. Also, Rod Machado wrote a wonderful article in AOPA magazine outlining the virtues of exposing kids to aviation. Another great article to read isa Flying Magazine article titled "Fences" by Lane Wallace, These local flights are a generous gift from the EAA Chapter members to your children. If you would like to provide your child with the opportunity to take advantage of this unique program, visit the Young Eagles Coordinator locator page and locate the Young Eagles Program Coordinator in your area.

Click for the YOUNG EAGLES BROCHURE

Click for the REGISTRATION BROCHURE for parents. You will be provided with this brochure which includes the REGISTRATION FORM required for participation.

Click for the REGISTRATION FORM which may be used if downloaded, printed on both sides of ONE sheet of paper, and completed and signed on both sides by the parent/guardian prior to the flight.

Charlotte EAA Chapter 309 Young Eagles Coordinators:

Perry Reed, Flight Operations

perryreed@roadrunner.com Phone 704-201-4759

Chuck Porter, Administration

chuck@edmspecialists.com Phone 704-231-4867

You will receive a free monthly E-Newsletter full of exciting aviation news and features. A recent article features the Air Academy Summer Camp for young av1ator wannabes.

Now - The New Next Step for Young Eagles!

http://www.three-eightcharlie.com/

Lincolnton Fly-In

2011-05-22T16:47:00.000-07:00

EVENT POSTER

Airport Open House and Fly-In with Young Eagles Rally

* Food * Homebuilts * Sport Pilot/LSA * Young Eagles Rally - something for everyone with a Passion for Aviation! Bring the Family!

Drive or Fly - Saturday, November 12, 2011, 10 AM - 3 PM - RAIN or SHINE!

The smell of hamburgers and hot dogs, a clear blue sky dotted with planes in the air and rows of aircraft spanning from the early days of aviation to the engineering marvels of today. Kids wide-eyed with anticipation of taking flight and builders bursting with pride on their just finished "creations." This is an EAA Fly-In. This is grassroots aviation and your chance to experience it!

Join the pilots of Charlotte EAA Chapter 309 for our Annual Lincolnton Fall Fly-in held at the Lincoln County Regional Airport (KIPJ), Lincolnton, NC. There is no admission fee so bring the family and plan on having lunch with us from 11:30 to 1:30 for a nominal fee. The Airport will also have an Open House for the public to see their new Terminal Building. The Young Eagles Rally will start at 1:00PM. The airport is offering a $0.25 FUEL DISCOUNT for our pilots and visitors.

The public is invited and all aircraft are welcome to join us for food, flying, and fellowship. EAA Chapter 309's Fall Fly-in usually attracts over 60 aircraft, both homebuilt and certified, and an estimated 250 people.

In keeping with the chapter's support of Homebuilt aircraft the majority of the airplanes on display are meticulously built by dedicated builders from surrounding chapters . View this example of a homebuilt Van's RV-7 and don't miss previewing one of the new Sport Pilot/LSA planes that will be on display. Also ask about the Chapter's aircraft construction project as our members will be available to answer questions.

The airport is located off of Rt 73 at 714 Jack Dellinger Drive (formerly Airport Road), Iron Station, NC 28080 - MAP LINK. Phone: 704-735-0602

Event Coordinator: Bob Thayer 704-578-9559 rdtdive@roadrunner.com

PICTURE ALBUM

B-17 Tour Stop October 22-24, 2010

2010-09-26T11:36:00.000-07:00

EVENT PRINTABLE POSTER

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) with local Charlotte EAA Chapter 309 is bringing their B-17 Flying Fortress "Aluminum Overcast" to the Concord Regional Airport as part of their 2010 “Salute to Veterans” tour and in celebration of the 75 Year Anniversary of this special aircraft. The media flight is Thursday, October 21 at 1 pm and the plane will arrive at 12 Noon. Visit the EAA B-17 site at http://www.b17.org for more information.

This aircraft is an example of the American heavy bomber that helped turn the tide of battle in World War II. The Tour Stop will be at the Concord Regional Airport October 22 - 24, 2010. The Concord Regional Airport will also host an OPEN HOUSE AND FLY-IN for the community over the weekend October 23rd - 24th featuring the EAA B-17 Tour Stop, static displays of general aviation, military, Antique, Classic Warbird aircraft as well as NASCAR / Nationwide/ Legends cars, food, community information, vendors, raffles, a Sunday afternoon helicopter golf ball drop, and lots more. All proceeds to benefit Rotary Polio Plus Program.

The Northwest Cabarrus Rotary is sponsoring the golf ball drop. Tickets are available at the Open House or in advance at the Airport FBO Customer Service Counter at $10.00 each or 3 for $25.00 with $1.000.00 going to the winner.

Concord Regional Airport (JQF) is offering offering a FLY-IN FUEL DISCOUNT SPECIAL of $0.25 per gallon!

Visit www.concordairportnc.com for the airport Open House event flyer and hours or directions.

Fly a mission back in time and feel the might of this magnificent aircraft, just as those brave young men did more than 65 years ago. CLICK to visit the B-17 Multimedia Center.

Flight Information:
     Book your flight in advance for a special discount.
   Phone: 1-800-359-6217
   Email: b17reservations@eaa.org
     http://www.b17.org/
   Local contact: 704-231-4867 or chuck@edmspecialists.com
   Local website: http://www.eaa309.org/b17

Ground Tours are offered from 2:00 – 5:00 pm daily. Cost is $5.00 per Person or $15.00 per Family (adults/children up to 17-immediate family members). Children under eight are free when accompanied by paying adult. All Active Military personnel and Veterans receive a free ground tour.

Hangar Bar-B-Que Dinner "Salute to Veterans Program" will be Saturday, October 23rd, 5PM to 7PM, at the airport in Hangar E, on featuring WWll Pilots and Veterans, WWll Swing Dancers, and B-17 Crew Members. Open to the public cost is $12.00 per person. Advance tickets available at the airport. Also call 704-231-4867 or 704-332-8301 or email randy@djdist.com. Tickets will be available at the B-17 Merchandise Trailer during the event. Bring your family and say Thank You to our Veterans!

LAST EVENT PICTURE ALBUM

B-17 FACEBOOK Fate of the B-17 "Satan's Lady"

This year marks the 75th Anniversary of the B-17.

Brace for Impact The Chesley B. Sullenberger Story

2010-03-19T07:25:00.000-07:00

Our EAA Young Eagles Chairmen will be televised in a new special feature airing Jan 10th, 2010, available on DVD.

The successful ditching of US Airways Flight 1549 on the Hudson River in January 2009 launched Capt. Chesley B. “Sully” Sullenberger into the national spotlight for his skill and aplomb getting all 155 on board to safety. A year later Brace for Impact The Chesley B. Sullenberger Story : TLC will retrace the flight and the critical decision Sullenberger made to put the Airbus A320 down in the Hudson. The actions of Sullenberger and the flight’s first officer, Jeffrey Skiles, offer lessons that general aviation pilots can take to heart. The program, narrated by actor and GA Serves America spokesman Harrison Ford, will air on TLC Jan. 10.

ORDER DVD

Lake Norman Spring Fly-in, Saturday, May 22, 2010

2010-02-18T15:37:00.000-08:00

CANCELLED - New Date TBA

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INFORMATION: Beautiful Lake Norman area

Fly-In * Food * Homebuilts * Sport Pilot/LSA * Our Aircraft Construction Project Open-House * Young Eagles Rally - something for everyone with a Passion for Aviation!

Drive or Fly - Saturday, May 22, 2010, 10 AM - 3 PM - RAIN or SHINE!

Join the pilots of Charlotte EAA Chapter 309 for our Annual Lake Norman Spring Fly-in held at the beautiful Lake Norman Airpark, Mooresville, NC. There is no admission fee so bring the family and plan on having lunch with us from 11:30 to 1:30 for a nominal fee.

The public is invited and all aircraft are welcome to join us for food, flying, and fellowship. EAA Chapter 309's Spring Fly-in usually attracts over 60 aircraft, both homebuilt and certified, and an estimated 200 people.

In keeping with the chapter's support of Homebuilt aircraft the majority of the airplanes on display are meticulously built by dedicated builders from surrounding chapters . View this example of a homebuilt Van's RV-7 and don't miss previewing this one of the new Sport Pilot/LSA planes that will be on display. Also the hangar with the Chapter's aircraft construction project will be open with one of our members available to answer questions.

Airport is located near the intersection of Highway 150 and Perth Road in Mooresville, NC. DRIVING DIRECTIONS: I-77 Exit 36 - west on Highway 150 toward Lincolnton for 2.3 miles, right onto Perth Road, left onto Normandy Rd and follow the signs.

Ron and Kandy Murray's beautiful home and RV-9A

Event Coordinator: Ronald P. Murray Phone: 704-663-5521

Our Event coverage in the EAA e-Hotline

Check Back here for the 2009 Fly-in PICTURE ALBUM

Air Traffic Control

2010-02-17T09:21:00.001-08:00

I was recently part of a group of Charlotte EAA Chapter 309 pilots that were given a two hour tour of the the Charlotte/Douglas Airport Control Tower and the TRACON facilities. We first received a complete briefing on how the ATC systems works. We were then escorted in smaller groups and were able to learn the details of what is involved at the Charlotte facility. We all were very impressed and want to thank the supervisors and individual controllers that made our visit something that we will never forget. A special treat for me was to see my friend Scott in the tower, the former owner of my airplane. He has over 20 years experience in ATC and was on duty in the LaGuardia Airport Tower on the day of 911 - let us never forget!

This video will give you a good idea of what we saw.

Oshkosh: The Spirit of Aviation

2009-12-26T13:07:00.000-08:00

Oshkosh: The Spirit of Aviation was recently updated. As before it is narrated by actor Harrison Ford, an EAA member, pilot, and former Chairman of the EAA Young Eagles program. The 17-minute video presents an insider's look at people who share the passion for aviation as they participate in "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration."

Thunderbolt - Operation Strangle

2009-12-23T06:23:00.000-08:00

Operation Strangle was a series of air operations during the Italian Campaign of World War II by the United States Fifteenth and Twelfth Air Forces to interdict German supply routes in Italy north of Rome from March 24, 1943, until the fall of Rome in spring 1944. Its aim was to prevent essential supplies from reaching German forces in central Italy and compel a German withdrawal. The strategic goal of the air assault was to eliminate or greatly reduce the need for a ground assault on the region. Although the initial goal of forcing the enemy to withdraw was not achieved, the air interdiction of Operation Strangle played a major role in the success of the subsequent ground assault Operation Diadem.

Two principal interdiction lines were maintained across the narrow boot of Italy. This meant that no through trains were able to run from the Po Valley to the front line, and that south of Florence substantially all supplies had to be moved by truck. The operation employed medium bombers and fighter bombers over a 150-square-mile area from Rome to Pisa and from Pescara to Rimini.

This post is a tribute to 1st Lt Bill Smith, P-47 pilot, filmed in this movie “Thunderbolt.“ Bill is a neighbor and personal friend living in the Charlotte, NC, area. He is considered a walking encyclopedia of WWll Aviation. Bill is also pictured in our EAA 309 B-17 Album.

"Gray Eagles" P-51 Mustang Movie by Chris Woods

2009-12-07T17:33:00.001-08:00

“Gray Eagles” shows the reunion between a humble WWII P-51 Mustang ace and the historic plane, that after 60 years, he never thought he'd see again. Inspired by the flood of memories triggered by this unimaginable encounter with a long lost friend, the 88-year old pilot Jim Brooks finally breaks his silence, sharing his stories and experiences of war with the grandchildren who never thought they'd hear them. Jim's wife was the famous Martha Tilton.

http://www.grayeagles.org/

http://www.marthatilton.com/

Tom at the AOPA Summit

2009-11-29T14:05:00.000-08:00

Andy Moscarelli Flight Scholarship

2009-09-06T17:10:00.000-07:00

CLICK PICTURE TO ENLARGE

Zach Freeman, son of Doug and Maureen Freeman, was awarded the Charlotte EAA Chapter 309 Andy Moscarelli Flight Scholarship on September 3, 2009, at Lincoln County Airport. In conjunction with the EAA Chapter Scholarship, Kathy Jones, Zach’s flight instructor also awarded Zach free flight lessons. Hopefully, with this combination and the help from Zach’s very supportive parents, Zach will be able to obtain a Private Pilot license at age seventeen.

Visit Photo Album

AOPA - "General Aviation Serves America"

2009-07-11T08:34:00.000-07:00

NATA-AOPA Charlotte Town Hall Meeting from Warren Morningstar on Vimeo.

CLICK PICTURES FOR FULL SCREEN VIEW

Click for EAA SportAviation Charlotte GA Serves America article

General Aviation is facing the greatest challenges of its 100-year history! Now the two largest pilot organizations in the world have joined together to protect GA Interests, promote GAA Safety, and Grow the GA Community!

EAA-AOPA sign cooperation agreement from Warren Morningstar on Vimeo.

General Aviation Serves America came to Wilson Air Center, Charlotte, N.C., on July 20, 2009.

The Presidents of AOPA and NATA recently started traveling around the country, meeting with pilots, aircraft owners and operators, FBO personnel, airport managers, and others to share the General Aviation Serves America message and seek support for their ongoing outreach efforts. The event was organized by the National Air Transportation Association (NATA), the association that represents FBOs and other GA businesses. NATA is also a critical partner in our General Aviation Serves America outreach efforts.

The Charlotte event was hosted by Bob Wilson, President and Founder of Wilson Air Center at Charlotte Douglas International Airport. Bob is an active member of AOPA and EAA and has been a pilot for over 30 years. Bob and his wife, Susan, recently donated and dedicated the Timeless Voices of Aviation exhibit at the EAA AirVenture Museum. Mr. Wilson sits on the NBAA Security Sub-Committee aviation boards, and meets regularly with Congressional delegations.

Some 250 people attended and Bob, well-known for his hospitality and customer service, put on a very impressive event, the largest to date. More than a dozen members of the local EAA Chapter 309 volunteered their time to help shepherd guests and provide information, and contributed a beautiful RV-7 to the aircraft display. Naturally, AOPA brought the Let’s Go Flying Sweepstakes Cirrus to be displayed alongside such diverse offerings as business jets, trainers, and turboprops of varying sizes and makes.

It was great to see so many different segments of the aviation community coming together in one place for one purpose—to help protect and promote our freedom to fly. The diversity of the audience and the aircraft, and the active involvement of members of NATA and EAA along with AOPA was a great show of strength and unity.

And at this event, many in the audience were already familiar with the campaign and its goals—great evidence that this message is being heard. They listened attentively as NATA President Jim Coyne and AOPA President and CEO Craig Fuller talked about the issues of greatest concern and the importance of spreading the General Aviation Serves America message. “We’re building momentum behind our message, now it’s up to all of us in aviation to keep it growing!” See the AOPA Charlotte Event Site and be sure to watch the video.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE EVENT PICTURES .

AirVenture 09 - AOPA summary and EAA's Web Post announcing our joining the "GA Serves America" campaign - all Videos by Warren Morningstar on Vimeo.

EAA 309 Navigation Contest - August 15th

2009-07-08T20:28:00.000-07:00

NAVIGATION CONTEST POSTER

NAVIGATION CONTEST DETAILS

PLEASE NOTE - THE EVENT WAS POSTPONED UNTIL OCTOBER - Date will be posted soon!

The objective of the EAA 309 Dead Reckoning Competition is to conduct a safe, fair and fun event which promotes the sport of general aviation while improving pilots' skills through flying and navigation. A number of waypoints will be assigned and the winner will be determined on (1) accuracy of the predicted time around the course and (2) accuracy of predicted fuel consumption.

The event is not a race. The event rules have been developed to assure maximum safety for all participants. They are in addition to, but do not supersede, the Federal Aviation Regulations. Every effort has been made to plan the event so that each team has a successful completion of the route. The event relies on each pilot exercising good judgment at all times. The EAA 309 Navigation Contest is open to all EAA Members.

MaxAir2Air Pictures

2009-06-08T10:41:00.000-07:00

Since I have a hobby of aviation photography I am glad that I found Max Haynes and his splendid website MaxAir2Air Pictures, by far the best online magazine of air photo essays of aviation - with over a million visitors!

I was raised in Dayton, Ohio, The Birthplace of Aviation. My uncle had a WWII T-6 based at Wright Field (later the Wright Patterson Air Force Base and the birthplace of the US Air Force) and as a young boy I was able to go out on the ramp with him and my Dad, watch close up the preflight and start-up, and experience the thrill of seeing and feeling the T-6 roar into the air. This was my first inspiration to fly! This week features a lovely essay/movie FLYING DREAM by Max Haynes - a title that brings back many memories.

AOPA BLOG - "Reporting Points"

2009-06-07T19:06:00.000-07:00

I will occasionally add a new link to my sidebar and today I wanted to feature a blog post to the AOPA Reporting Points. The particular post is titled Members Everywhere and is a very special read about EAA's Young Eagles Program and AOPA's LetsGoFlying program involving a Southwest Airline pilot interested in taking more kids for rides.

I was with a United Airlines Captain yesterday who flies out of Dulles International mostly European destinations and we were talking about how I wish I could have been at our Young Eagles event rather than photographing the wedding. He was very interested in hearing of these programs and shared with me his first inspiration to be a pilot. Our EAA 309 Young Eagles program Chairman Hal Schwab reported today that our chapter pilots flew 56 Young Eagles!!

CLICK to Subscribe to Reporting Points

ONE SIX RIGHT - The Romance of Flying

2009-05-23T15:34:00.000-07:00

"One Six Right" - The Romance of Flying Within a short period of time, this film achieved a passionate following and presence among pilots and aviation enthusiasts worldwide who see the film as being able to communicate their passion for aviation. Concurrently, the film has garnered both local and national political attention in the United States as an accurate depiction of general aviation and its important contributions to all aviation industries worldwide.

ONE SIX RIGHT Creator's Dream

2009-05-21T07:25:00.001-07:00

DIRECT LINK for best Quality

In Brian's own words, "I am just an ordinary guy with a passion for aviation." This link to Apple Computers and the Airport Journal's article of the June 25, 2005, premier will give you a little background on how he pursued his dream to make "One-Six Right". Little did I know that his success was first recognized on my birthday!

SPORT PILOT - Now You Can!

2009-03-25T08:34:00.000-07:00

… Affordable, achievable and fun. Sport Pilot is for you!

Whether you're completely new to aviation, always dreamed of flying, or have flown aircraft before, Sport Pilot is the new way to fly that is easier, more affordable, safe, and loads of FUN! Sport Pilot enables enthusiasts to learn to fly and gain access to aircraft in half the time and for half the cost of previous alternatives. So, climb aboard, take the controls, and launch new adventures in recreational aviation today!

Visit the EAA Sport Pilot & Light-Sport Aircraft magazine site and gain access to great articles such as “A Real Cross-Country in a Light-Sport Aircraft”and treat yourself to self-directed three dimensional travel and get the best of all worlds by flying a light-sport aircraft.” If you are interested in learning to fly and obtaining this new rating be sure to visit Earning My Wings: a video blog about learning to fly.

Are you wondering what kind of Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) are available out there? Our EAA Chapter in McKinney, Texas, has a great analysis of what is involved to become a Sport Pilot.

New Sport Pilot Kit named Onex from Sonex Aircraft - announcement at AirVenture 2010:

I toured the Sonex Factory in Jan 2010 - see my Photo Album.

Monroe Air Show Brings Back Memories

2008-11-22T06:54:00.000-08:00

Guest Speaker - Astronaut Joe Edwards

Veterans and a Tuskegee Airman

CLICK PICTURES TO ENLARGE

The Monroe Veteran’s Day Celebration and Air Show presented by WARRIORS and WARBIRDS was a hugh success with more than 50,000 in attendance. The annual event at the Monroe Airport delivered as hoped!

"It's great," World War II veteran Floyd Harkey said. Standing back from a group of spectators lining the runway, Harkey recounted some of his experiences in Korea. Having served in the Air Force, he said he was familiar with many of the aircraft that were at the show, especially the P-51 and P-38 planes which he said were his favorite. Before the re-enactment of the bombing at Pearl Harbor, Harkey reflected on what the real bombing was like. He said he did not understand it at the time because he was only 15, but that he had to grow up fast after that and take on a lot of responsibility and maturity before going into the service. "I was proud to be able to do it," he said, adding that each of his three brothers also fought for their country. "I'd do it again in a minute if I could," he said. Now 82, Harkey proudly wore a hat marked "WW II Veteran" and still had a firm handshake. He didn't yell or point at the airplanes the way some youngsters did, but stood and just watched them as they flew past. "A lot of memories," he said. Another Veteran said that the Berlin Airlift Candy Bomber was the highlight of his day!

Other spectators had a different take on the show. Grant Sellers, 6, covered his ears as the planes roared overhead and said that getting to look inside the machines was his favorite part of the day. His 4-year-old brother, Logan Sellers, said he liked "the smoke coming out of the airplanes," the best and his head appeared to be on a swivel as he took it all in. Ten-year-old Caleigh Lovitt couldn't point to one event as her favorite, but said she really enjoyed watching the parachutists coming down from the sky, even adding that she was nervous for their safety.

Monroe spokesman Pete Hovanec said the event was "incredible." He added that there were 40 more planes on display than there were last year and that the "Tora-Tora-Tora" re-enactment alone would have made the event a success. "It's great out here," he said. "This is really going well."

Enquirer-Journal by Jason deBruyn. Jason can be reached at (704) 261-2243 or http://jdebruyn@theej.com/.

CLICK to go to PHOTO ALBUM

Monroe Airshow 2009

Warriors & Warbirds Airshow from Steve Sherron on Vimeo.

Tuskegee Airman WWII Heros

2008-11-10T09:22:00.000-08:00

Tuskegee Airman Spann Watson

The Monroe Veteran's Day Air Show was honored to have Tuskegee Airman Spann Watson as one of the speakers. Their outstanding success during World War II – not losing a single bomber to enemy fire in more than 200 combat missions – is a record unmatched by any other fighter group.

This video is about Tuskegee Airman John Leahr and his good friend WWII B-17 Commander Herb Heilbrun who grew up in the same neighborhood and were in the same third grade class together. They were classmates—not friends—because Herb was white and John was black. John and Herb were twenty-one when the United States entered WWII. Herb became an Army Air Forces B-17 bomber pilot. John flew P-51 fighter escort missions for the B-17. Both were thrown into the brutal high-altitude daylight bomber war against Nazi Germany, though they never met because the army was rigidly segregated—only in the air were black and white American fliers allowed to mix. Both came safely home but it took Herb and John another fifty years to meet again and discover that their lives had run almost side by side through war and peace. Herb and John launched a mission to tell young people why race once made all the difference and why it shouldn't anymore. Their book "Black and White Airmen - Their True Story" by John Fleischman is great!

I was happy to find a website with a very touching story writen by the daughter of Tuskegee Airman Major Joeseph Gomer who received assistance by a local EAA chapter to attend President-elect Barack Obama’s inauguration.

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Berlin Airlift Candy Bomber

2008-11-09T19:47:00.000-08:00

Watch CBS News Videos Online

Candy-Parachutes

CLICK PICTURES TO ENLARGE

The Monroe Veteran's Day Air Show was honored to have the Douglas C-54 "Spirit of Freedom", a flying museum for Berlin Airlift Historical Foundation. The Berlin Airlift was the greatest humanitarian / aviation event in history, named "Operation Vittles".

The most famous Airlift Hero is Col. Gail S. Halvorsen, "The Berlin Airlift Candy Bomber". He was aboard as part of the crew to fly their reenactment of Col. Halvorsen's now famous "Operation Little Vittles" candy-parachute drops. As part of their "Mission of History, Education, and Remembrance", these candy drops are more significant than ones done in the past as only 31 parachutes are dropped on each pass, each parachute representing an American Serviceman lost in aviation accidents during the Berlin Airlift.

The Berlin Blockade (24 June 1948 – 11 May 1949) was one of the first major international crises of the Cold War. During the multinational occupation of post-World War II Germany, the Soviet Union blocked the three Western powers' railroad and street access to the western sectors of Berlin that they had been controlling. Their aim was to force the western powers to allow the Soviet controlled regions to start supplying Berlin with food and fuel, thereby giving them nominal control over the entire city.

In response, the Western Allies formed the Berlin Airlift to supply the city over pre-arranged air corridors. The effort was initially viewed with skepticism even in the countries mounting the attempt, as this sort of logistical effort had never been mounted before. However, America's president at the time was Harry S. Truman, who had this to say about the crisis, "There is no discussion, We stay in Berlin, Period!" The airlift to supply the German 6th Army at Stalingrad required 300 tons per day and rarely came even close to delivering this; the Berlin effort would require at least 5,000 tons a day, well over ten times as much. In spite of this, by the spring of 1949 the effort was clearly succeeding, and by April the airlift was delivering more cargo than had previously flowed into the city via rail.The success of the Airlift was humiliating to the Soviets, who had repeatedly claimed it could never possibly work. When it became clear that it was, the blockade was lifted in May. One lasting legacy of the Airlift are the three airports in the former western zones of the city, which served as the primary gateways to Berlin for another fifty years.

I was fortunate to meet Col Halvorsen after his Candy Bomber drop at the 100th Anniversay of the Wright Brother’s first flight at Kitty Hawk, NC. After seeing the event a close friend introduced me to Col Halvorsen and we had a most interesting visit! Someone asked Col. Halvorsen, did you ever seriously fear that you would be shot down while flying in the airspace of the Soviet sector? Did you ever have a moment when you said, "My God, I'm not going to get out of this alive?" Gail Halvorsen: "In the beginning, when we were first buzzed by Russian fighters, we wondered if we would be shot down, we wondered if we would be shot at by the Russian fighters that buzzed us. But they didn't shoot because President Truman put 60 B-29 bombers on the runways in England and told Stalin he would have a problem if he shot at our transport aircraft. So we voted for Truman every flight!

I shared with him my experience when I was a Company Commander in Germany and how I, then later my troops, went thru Check Point Charlie of the Berlin Wall, less than four years after the wall went up, to see the communist side of East Berlin. Upon returning back to the base I gave a 3 day pass to each soldier that wanted to make the free trip on the troop train to Berlin. I then wished that I had a rubber stamp with my signature. I promised them if they made the trip and experienced the difference between East and West Berlin that they would then know why they wear the uniform of the US Army! Col Halvorsen immediately said, “Now that is what I call leadership” I received an autographed copy of his book The “Berlin Candy Bomber”

I highly recommend reading to your children "Mercedes and the Chocolate Pilot", a true story of a seven-year old girl named Mercedes who lived in West Berlin during the airlift and of the American who came to be known as the Chocolate Pilot, by Margot Theis Raven.

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Tora! Tora! Tora! - A Living History Museum

2008-11-08T17:51:00.000-08:00

Returning in 2010! (click)

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The Monroe Veteran's Day Air Show was honored to have the CAF as the highlight of their Air Show! Many people have the opportunity to travel to visit a museum but rarely does the museum come to visit you. Attending an airshow where Tora, Tora, Tora is performing is like having a 3-D Museum come to visit you. This show far exceeded anyone's expectations! My son Chuck was on duty with the Monroe Fire Department and assisted the Tora Pyrotechnics Team and was very impressed with their professionalism. The first day he worked on the terminal side of the runway and could not believe the difference working the next day next to the pyro team on the opposite side of the field - what a big BANG it was! Check back as this may be a part of the 2009 show!

“Tora, Tora, Tora” is the Commemorative Air Force’s recreation of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor that signaled the beginning of the American involvement in World War II. Designed as a living history lesson, “Tora, Tora, Tora” is intended as a memorial to all the soldiers on both sides who gave their lives for their countries.

Tora, Tora, Tora began in 1972, when six replica Japanese aircraft used in the movie of the same name were donated to the CAF. The Gulf Coast Wing requested assignment of the aircraft and began developing an act for presentation at air shows. The act debuted at the Galveston Air Show on June 25, 1972. By 1977, Tora had gained national exposure. By 1978, Tora began to make international appearances in Canada and Mexico. In 1991 Tora participated extensively in the 50th anniversary year commemorations of Pearl Harbor and in 1992, Tora tackled the challenge of sending two replica Zeros to Alaska to participate in the 50th anniversary commemoration of the raid on Dutch Harbor. Throughout the 90s, Tora has been in demand at air shows throughout the country and as recently as the Spring of 2000, Tora aircraft and pilots participated in the filming of a new movie on the Pearl Harbor attack being filmed for release by Disney. As of the 2005 air show season, the men and women of Tora have been performing as a professional air show act for 33 years.

The motto of the Commemorative Air Force and the “Tora” act is “Lest We Forget.” “Tora, Tora, Tora”, as other Commemorative Air Force flying history recreations, is not intended to promote nationalism or glorify war. The intent of the Tora group is to help generations of individuals throughout the world born after World War II understand that war does not discriminate in the pain it causes and that courageous individuals on both sides lose their lives. In furtherance of this mission, the Tora group has participated in the making of numerous documentaries produced by Japanese filmmakers and Japanese historians.

The pilots and crew of “Tora, Tora, Tora” are proud of the reputation they have developed with veterans of the Japanese military as an accurate lesson on the history of the time and as a tribute to themselves and their comrades. Over the years, “Tora, Tora, Tora” has brought both American and Japanese veterans together to celebrate the spirit of cooperation our two nations have enjoyed for more than 50 years. At air shows throughout the country, Japanese veterans living, working, and visiting in this country have had an opportunity to meet with the Tora gang and join with American veterans in a sprit of brotherhood and friendship that only former servicemen can experience.

During the average year, Tora participates in 12 to 16 air shows with 8 to10 Tora aircraft participating in each show. In addition, each performance includes approximately 61 pyrotechnic effects. The average Tora show requires the coordinated effort of a minimum of 20 to 26 individuals with the support of local fire departments both in the air and on the ground. As one air show industry publication noted, “Flying and working with a keen sense of spirit and camaraderie, the men and women of Tora set themselves apart from other air show acts by exhibiting a professionalism that over the years has earned them the distinction as one of the best acts in the industry”. This excellence was recognized formally in December 2001 when Tora was presented with the Art Scholl Award for Showmanship. This award is one of the two highest distinctions awarded by ICAS, the premiere air show industry trade association. This level of achievement is truly extraordinary when one considers that Tora is comprised entirely of volunteers. Every single person associated with Tora has volunteered his/her time, skills and financial resources to accomplish one simple feat…the telling of a true story, a piece of history. In this respect, Tora is more than just another air show act. Tora is a team of volunteers dedicated to an air show act that can best be described as a living history museum. For 33 years, 12 to 16 shows each year, the men and women of Tora have been performing essentially the same act for crowds throughout the western hemisphere. The story never changes, yet every show is as fresh and exciting as the first. Every performance is presented with the same spirited presentation, sense of emotion, and commitment to safety as those first performances in 1972.

As the pilots taxi for takeoff, Tora ground crew and Tora Bomb Squad members can frequently be seen saluting the pilots in the traditional Japanese fashion of a bow. From that moment in the air show until the final notes of Kate Smith’s rendition of “God Bless America” are heard as the smoke and fires from Tora finally fade away, the men and women of Tora are dedicated to one simple, yet powerful task…the telling of the story…”lest we forget”. Dedication…Selflessness…Commitment…these terms are synonymous with the men and women of Tora, Tora, Tora. As one airshow promoter so aptly phrased it…”An airshow without TORA or the TORA Bomb Squad is just another fly in. Treat yourself to a day at the museum…the multi-sensory, 3-D, living history museum known as TORA, TORA, TORA.

by Elliott “Doc” Pood, Former TORA Public Information Officer

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1929 Ford Tri-Motor Came to Charlotte (Concord Regional) August 28th - September 1st, 2008

2008-09-11T09:07:00.000-07:00

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EAA Chapter 309 brought the 1929 EAA Ford Tri-Motor to Charlotte! The event was hosted by the Concord Regional Airport in Concord, NC, the NASCAR Airport of America and the designated relief airport for the Charlotte Douglas Airport.

The Charlotte area public had a rare chance to experience the early days of air travel in an aircraft that made aviation history. The Ford Tri-Motor was the airplane that gave rise to scheduled passenger flights. The first scheduled passenger flight, as well as the first scheduled air freight flight, took place in a Ford Tri-Motor. The EAA Tri-Motor is the actual plane that was 1 of 2 used to start Eastern Airlines passenger service! On May 17,1938, Eastern Airlines flew the first scheduled airline passenger flight into Charlotte. The Carolinas Aviation Museum at the Charlotte Douglas Airport, the premier aviation museum in the Carolinas, is now housed in the original airport facility. All major airlines began with a Tri-Motor.

Henry Ford mobilized millions of Americans and created a new market with his Model T “Tin Lizzie” automobile from 1909 to 1926. After World War I he recognized the potential for mass air transportation. Ford’s Tri-Motor aircraft, nicknamed “The Tin Goose,” was designed to build another new market, AIRLINE TRAVEL! All major airlines started with the Ford Tri-Motor.

After an arduous, twelve-year restoration process by EAA staff, volunteers and with assistance from Ford Tri-Motor operators nationwide, the old Tri-Motor once again took to the air. Its official debut was at the 1985 EAA convention in Oshkosh. It was displayed in the AirVenture Museum until 1991 when it returned to its former role of delighting passengers and now with local EAA Chapter Sponsored rides over their home town at very modest prices. Ford Tri-Motor NC8407 is the flagship of EAA’s Pioneer Airport, a part of the AirVenture Museum experience. It is even a Movie Star!

A local newspaper columnist reports on his Ford Tri-Motor "flight back in time" at Concord Regional Airport. Thanks to O.C. Stonestreet for his great article that was published in the Statesville Record & Landmark and the Concord Independent Tribune.

If I am again fortunate to Chair this event I will definately invite Make-A-Wish to participate! Watch this priceless video to see part of the thrill of the Ford Tri-Motor!

Book your flight On-Line or call 800-843-3612.

SPONSORED by Dean & Gibson, Charlotte's premier Aviation Law Firm.

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