It's a Bird... It's a Plane...
Seaplanes and Extreme Parachutists Swoop from Sky to Sea as Fantasy of Flight Celebrates First-of-its-Kind Event 
Mark your calendars: September 26-27
For the first time ever in Central Florida, seaplanes and extreme skydiving will come together in one action-packed event called "The Last Big Splash," the last seaplane fly-in and competition to be held this year at Fantasy of Flight and the only place in Central Florida where spectators can witness the newest form of skydiving currently sweeping the extreme sports world, called "swooping."
On Sat., Sept. 26 and Sun., Sept. 27, spectators are invited to "ooh" and "aah" as seaplane pilots from around the world, in conjunction with the Seaplane Pilots Association, converge on the shores of Fantasy of Flight's scenic Lake Agnes to participate in a variety of breathtaking aerial and water competitions and demonstrations.
Meanwhile, extreme sport parachutists, also called canopy pilots, will be "swooping" down from approximately 5,000 feet to provide even more adrenaline-pumping, heart-stopping action for Fantasy of Flight guests. The professional parachutists, participating in an off-shoot of traditional skydiving, will compete for ranking in a Florida Canopy Pilots Association (FLCPA) sanctioned skydiving competition. Canopy pilots will use large ponds lining Fantasy of Flight's grass runways as a landing zone as they "swoop" down from the sky at extreme speeds and skid to a stop across the water.
"This is by far, one of the most exciting, most unusual and most extreme sporting events accessible to spectators in Central Florida," said Kermit Weeks, founder and creator of Fantasy of Flight. "The only downside is the possibility of getting a sore neck from keeping an eye on the sky!"
Event pre-registration is now open and mandatory for seaplane pilots interested in competing or flying in for "The Last Big Splash," which will host water landings only. Access to the event for spectators is included with Fantasy of Flight general admission. Click Here for more details about the event or to register today. |
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A Riveting Character: Rosie Roams the Hangars
 Who is that saucy young woman in worker overalls set off by a polka dot bandana and red socks?
Could it be? Yes, it is! Rosie the Riveter!
Our Rosie travelled through time to arrive here. Back in '43, she moved to San Diego from a small town in Iowa to escape the lingering effects of the Depression. Once there, she met a handsome Navy aviator, married him, and bid farewell as he shipped out to fly Hellcats over the Pacific. Rosie wanted to make a contribution to the victory effort too, so she discarded her apron and put on her overalls to work at the Consolidated-Vultee Corporation. Or, as she says, "I used to make cookies; now I make B-24s." Her Section Chief Paul S. reports that she took to riveting like a Liberator takes to the skies: "She is an enthusiastic and fast learner... a riveter with great potential."
 While she waits for the time-space continuum to open up and take her back, she is happily working with us as an Audio Visual Technician. We think you'll agree: She is one Riveting gal! |
 With "The Last Big Splash" coming up, my mind turns to all things winged and watery... the great amphibious flyers that land on earth or sea, such as the Catalina and the Grumman Duck, and even the legendary flying boats, that are essentially gorgeous sea-going aircraft...boats with wings.
Today's featured question from the Mail Bag relates to one of the most massive and legendary of the Flying Boats.
Charles S. asks: What's the latest on the Short Sunderland? Is Mr. Weeks still going ahead with his plans for the lake? Is the aircraft still airworthy?
Well, Charles, you've asked about one of the most eye-catching and popular aircraft in the collection. Our Sunderland is a favorite of many guests who love to scamper up the stairs and step right into its legendary fuselage. The history of this aircraft is nothing "short" of astonishing. Check out the "collection" section of the website to get a peek at its story: Click Here.
 G. Willie contemplates the absent sea from the Short Sunderland in the North Hangar |
The "Soul" of Restoration
Many aviation enthusiasts detect a soul in the aircraft they admire... a unique point of view... a personality all its own.
Case in point: The fabulous, newly restored Stearman that holds a place of honor amongst the Waldo Wright fleet. This aircraft came to Bob Lock (aka Waldo Senior) in pieces in 1974. Over the next 18 years, he raised a family while nursing it through the restoration process, finally test flying in 1992. It stayed in service until 2006, when it was time to revolve back into restoration. Several hands shared in the latest restoration of the historic aircraft (and virtual Waldo family member), but the final assembly came down to Waldo Senior himself, who, as a highly-esteemed Charles Taylor award winner, is no slouch as a mechanic.
Stearman in assembly
The Stearman wasn't going to make the process easy for his old pal, and the Maintenance Hangar became the scene of two giant personalities at odds. What followed was, in Waldo's words, "a battle royal... I had to give it a piece of my mind... and it fought me every bit of the way." However, the assembly was completed, and the outcome is a thing of beauty, painted in the Navy scheme as a N2S-3, a true stunner and a wonderful tribute to Navy aviators of World War II.
Now that it's flying again, one wonders how Waldo feels about his old sparring partner.
With a smile, Waldo nods and replies, "We've reconciled... It didn't go together as easy as I remember but, on the other hand, it took 18 years the first time. I was younger and had much more patience back then. But we're still friends, and it flies as well as I remember back in '92 when I flew it for the first time"
Want to get some stick-time in this historic military aircraft? Want to add a truly unforgettable entry in your logbook? Want to meet an aircraft with "soul" and feel it respond to your touch? Stop at the Waldo Wright Flying Service and meet the newly restored Stearman when "flying season" starts up in October.
Stearman test flight
To learn more about Waldo Wright Flying Service and how to take a flight: click here.
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Kids of All Ages Enjoyed Rollicking Times
at Fantasy of Flight with Real Imagination Players |
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On August 29 and 30, The Real Imagination Players raised the roof with three rousing performances of Heroes of Flight, delighting and inspiring audiences young and young at heart! |
What's Kermit Been Doing?
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Oshkoshing...
Saving ducks...
Revving up a Ford project...
Blazing new trails and enjoying his journey...
Curious?
Check out a busy man's adventure filled blog: blog.kermitweeks.com |
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Share the Gift of Life at Fantasy of Flight |
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The Blood Banks of Mid Florida Blood Mobile will be on-site at Fantasy of Flight from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Sept. 24, 2009. We invite the general public to stop by and help save a life. Call the Blood Banks of Mid Florida at 863-297-1840 with questions about donating blood. Note: Please bring your photo ID to the blood drive. |
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Recent Theft at Fantasy of Flight |
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Local folks have doubtlessly heard about the recent Fantasy of Flight burglary and theft of the Lycoming engine that was attached to the Weeks Solution aerobatic biplane, but we want our larger e-newsletter community to be aware of the details too. Read the coverage from The Lakeland Ledger online.
There's a $5000 dollar reward to be had, not to mention boundless appreciation. |
| September Savings Specials |
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Service Industry Summer*
All employees of Florida accommodations, restaurants, and bars are invited to visit Fantasy of Flight with a special buy one, get one free admission offer through September.
Florida Resident Special*
Fantasy of Flight is pleased to offer Florida residents $8 off regular adult admission through the month of September.
*Proof of employment or residency required. Not valid with any other offer or discount. |
| October Preview: An Action-Packed Month |
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As a gunner/photographer, T/Sgt. Patrick O'Keef saw action in 27 heavy bombardment missions over enemy occupied Europe in 1944.
Living History Event: On October 17 and 18, Fantasy of Flight's "Living History" Symposium Series presents "Fearless Men of the B-17 Flying Fortress." This symposium features open-forum/question-and-answer sessions with B-17 crew members from World War II. In conjunction with this program, Fantasy of Flight will also host a Military Collectors Show at the Orlampa Conference Center. Click here to learn more.
Haunted Hangar Walking Tour:
Take a spine-tingling walk through the spooky side of Fantasy of Flight during the month of October. This creepy tour unravels eerie stories of aviation lore, mysteries from the famous Lost Squadron to Lindbergh's spectral companions... all guaranteed to add a supernatural gleam to the World's Greatest Aircraft Collection. Limited time only! Schedule to be announced.
Food Drive:
Fantasy of Flight is pleased to offer visitors who donate non-perishable food items $8 off full-priced admission (adult or child) for each donation, Oct. 1 - 31, including the "Fearless Men of the B-17 Flying Fortress" event and access to the Haunted Hangar Walking Tour. The month-long food drive will benefit the Agape Food Bank in Lakeland and The Mission in Winter Haven. Click here for more details. |
 A brand new thrill-a-minute edition of Fantasy of Flight's legendary annual celebration of all things fast and ferocious, 2009 Roar N Soar. Get ready to GET YOUR SPEED ON! Click here. |
REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT Funwear
Show your passion for flying... in style!
"REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT" safety streamers protect the vulnerable parts of an aircraft when it is on the ground.
Perhaps your vulnerable parts need some protecting too?
Price: $14.95
Click here to purchase this Ladies String Tee. 100% pre-shrunk cotton. Sizes S-XXLG.
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Attention Frequent Fantasy of Flight Fans!
Fantasy of Flight will be closed to the public on Saturday, September 19, 2009, for a private event.
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