ARLINGTON — This year’s Fly-In from July 9-11 will mark the first-time appearances of a number of aircraft and exhibits at the Arlington Airport.
The Commemorative Air Force Red Tail Squadron, America’s tribute to the Tuskegee Airmen, is bringing its “Rise Above” Traveling Exhibit mobile theater and World War II P-51C Mustang aircraft to the Pacific Northwest for the first time ever at the Fly-In.
The Mustang will perform in the air show and be available for up-close viewing, even though it’s one of only a few like it that are still flying. The exhibit is a movie theater playing the 30-minute film “Rise Above” in a climate controlled 53-foot semi trailer, comfortably accommodating 30 visitors for each showing.
The 160-degree panoramic screen creates the feeling of being in the cockpit, soaring above the clouds in the signature aircraft of the Tuskegee Airmen in WWII. Audiences will learn what it was like for America’s first black military pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps in the early 1940s, and the obstacles they had to overcome.
“The exhibit is truly a one-of-a-kind adventure,” Red Tail Squadron Leader and P-51C Mustang pilot Brad Lang said. “Kids and adults walk away from this experience with a greater understanding of the history and legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen. Their story, and that of the Red Tail Squadron, is a means to inspire them to achieve their potential. It’s a message that resonates with all ages because of the unique and interactive way it is told. It’s an experience not to be missed.”
For aviation enthusiasts, 30-minute rides in the Mustang are available. To schedule your ride, call Squadron Logistics Coordinator Marvona Welsh at 812-240-2560. Times are limited. Proceeds from the Mustang flights benefit the Squadron’s educational outreach initiatives.
The Fly-In’s other new attractions include three one-of-a-kind vintage aircraft that have never appeared together at the same time.
Pemberton & Sons Aviation recently finished restoration its 1928 Boeing Model 40C, a single-engine biplane whose enlarged cabin allowed it to become the first model of aircraft built by the Boeing company to carry passengers. This aircraft in particular was test flown for the first time on Feb. 17, 2008.
Seattle’s Jim Moss built a replica of the 1934 Gee Bee Q.E.D. R-6H, complete with seating for two.
And one of the remaining Douglas World Cruisers will also be on site, to show spectators the Seattle aircraft that completed the first flight around the world in 1924. Of the eight aviators that were part of that flight, two retired as major generals, one a brigadier general, one a vice president for Lockheed Aviation, and three as colonels. Of the six who circumnavigated, five retired from the military within three years. A generation later, four returned to Army Air Forces leadership roles for the duration of WWII.
For details, visit www.arlingtonflyin.org.
