March 2012 News from Fantasy of Flight

fantasyofflight.com

March 2012

Splash-In Graphic

We are thrilled to host the Splash-In on Thursday, March 29th, as part of the 38th Annual Sun 'n Fun Fly-In. Visitors will witness a variety of seaplanes and amphibious aircraft perform water landings and takeoffs with the entire afternoon devoted to competitive flying. Fantasy of Flight's own Grumman Duck and the legendary Sikorsky S-39 are scheduled to be featured together with the PBY Catalina and Short Sunderland, which will be on display at the attraction.

Everyone is invited to watch the planes splash down, meet the pilots, and join in the fun! Find out how to attend.

March 2-3

Amazing Women "Break All Barriers" in Symposium Series

2012 L&L Amazing Women block image

From the bravery of the WASP, the first females to fly military aircraft, to the strength and motivation that was symbolized by the non-traditional roles of "Rosie the Riveter," the women of WWII made an impact on the world and gave hope for new generations of "barrier-breaking women." Join us as we feature extraordinary people including original WASP, Rosie the Riveter, and history makers of today.

Next Symposium: April 13 &14

L&L 2012 Bomber crew

Learn more about the Legends & Legacies Symposium season.

15th Annual

Mustangs & Mustangs

March 31

Who doesn't love a Mustang, whether it's a Ford Mustang from any era or a P-51 World War II fighter?

This annual spring car and vintage airplane show, now in its 15th year, is the only Mustang event that showcases both restored P-51 Mustang aircraft and Ford Mustang autos of all eras, ages, and styles.

Show cars compete for a "People's Choice" award, and the rare, restored P-51 fighters perform live aerial demonstrations.

Children's activities, entertainment, and photo opportunities are part of the special event, which each year attracts new fans with a shared passion for the restoration of aircraft and automobiles.

Fantasy of Flight general admission is required to attend this event. Parking is $5.00. To Register for Mustangs and Mustangs 2012 Click Here.

Fantasy of Flight Scout Camporee

Offers Merit Badge

and Plenty of Fun

Boy Scout Troop with Nose

Scouts of all ages will gather at Fantasy of Flight in Central Florida for the Annual Scout Aviation Camporee, Friday, March 16, through Sunday, March 18.

Troops will earn merit badges with the help of aviation experts and interactive activities and experiences with some of the attraction's more than 40 rare and vintage aircraft. Fantasy of Flight has hosted thousands of Boy Scouts over the years, where troops have come on a mission to earn their merit badges and have enjoyed bonding over their fascination with flight with their fellow Boy Scouts.

Boy Scouts 2011 learn their way around the AT-6 with Andy

"There is no better place to get the aviation merit badge than Fantasy of Flight because aviation is what they do," said Lynn Brown, scout master of Nokomis, Florida-based boy scout troop 1001. "Some places try to accomplish the program with printed materials, pictures, and write-ups, but to actually be there is definitely another dimension of learning that really boosts it up. When Kermit fires up the Mustang, it doesn't get much better than that."

Boy Scout group thumbs up 2011

As a former Boy Scout, Fantasy of Flight founder Kermit Weeks is proud to provide an educational venue for scouts to immerse themselves in the captivating world of aviation. "Fantasy of Flight's hands-on, interactive learning experience will inspire and fascinate scouts of all ages," said Weeks, who began a successful construction of an aircraft at the young age of 17. "I am so excited to welcome back our intrepid and inquisitive scouts for another successful Camporee!"

Learn more about the Scout Camporee.

In This Issue

Splash-In is Wet and Wild

Legends & Legacies

Mustangs & Mustangs

A Scouting Outing

nightFlight: New evidence and photos

What's Happening in the Collection

Orange Blossoms in the Air

nightFlight artwork

nightFlight: Phase 3

New Evidence

and Photos Posted

Upcoming Event Date:

March 10

Phase 1 and 2 of nightFlight netted a treasure trove of paranormal evidence and have focused the next phase of the investigation to seek out specific "high response" areas at Fantasy of Flight. Check out the new evidence and photos.

nightFlight guest explore B-17 102811

nightFlight guests test EMF 102811

nightFlight guests in training 102811

Reservations are now open for the March 10 nightFlight investigation.

What's Happening in the Collection?

Plenty as it turns out.

DC-3 Hugo Kermit Frank Glenn Moss 022712

Good friends Frank and Glenn Moss as well as pilot Hugo Mathys dropped by to visit Kermit and Fantasy of Flight in the Candler Field Express, a gorgeous DC-3.

Benoist progress ken andy steve kermit 022712

Kermit just returned from his travels and met with Steve Littin of Vintage Auto and Rebuilds in Ohio. Steve came in to discuss his progress on the six-cylinder Roberts engine that will power the Benoist XIV flying boat Kermit will fly on January 1, 2014, in celebration of the centennial of the very first commercial passenger flight. Steve's visit gave everyone on the project an opportunity to assess where they were and to share observations as they moved forward. Watch Benoist2014.com for ongoing updates. In the picture: Ken Kellett, Andy Salter, Steve Littin, and Kermit Weeks

Fokker D-VIII Test Flight

On March 1, Kermit cranked up the glorious 160-hp Gnome rotary engine in his Fokker D-VIII, which was truly music to our ears. Andy has chased out the last of the gremlins in the engine. The test flight--which follows nine years of hangar time--was a thrill for everyone. According to the boss, the new prop makes all the difference.