Fantasy of Flight E-news
fantasyofflight.June  2012

2012 Fathers Day banner clickable
 
 

June 8 & 9  

2012 Vietnam L&L no dates 

For two days, Vietnam veterans will gather at Fantasy of Flight to share their personal stories of strength, survival, and patriotism during America's longest and most controversial military conflict on foreign soil -- Nov. 1, 1955 to April 30, 1975. During the symposium, several veterans will interact with guests in open forum/question-and-answer sessions, followed by meet-and-greet/autograph signing sessions.  Moderated by Robert G. Lock.

 

Don't miss the chance to meet and hear firsthand from these  remarkable witnesses to history:

  • Morris Schallenberger, served with 245th Surveillance Company. Flew OV-1B (Mohawk).
  • Major John Windsor, served as Wing Gunship Operations Officer for the 17th Special Operations Squadron.
  • Colonel Abner Aust, known as the "Last Great Fighter Ace," flew 300 missions over North & South Vietnam.
  • Rick Julian, USAF Kennel Master, trained military dogs & handlers at Cam Ranh Bay.
  • Scott Boyd, Army pilot, flew Forward Observer in 01/L19 Bird Dog. 

Learn more about the Legends & Legacies Symposium Series.

 

Also on June 8 & 9: 

Open Cockpit opportunity

    • Free to all annual pass holders
    • Additional fee to others
Fantasy of Flight
 Welcomes New Aircraft 
C-47 Arrival

 Fantasy of Flight's newly-acquired Douglas C-47 Dakota finally arrives at its new home in Florida. After a few passes for the cameras, owner Kermit Weeks brings it in and talks a bit about the long journey home.

S-55 Arrival
A 1953 Sikorsky S-55 helicopter arrives at Fantasy of Flight's "Golden Hill" facility on May 14. 


Secrets from the Maintenance Hangar Graphic

 Can you spot the mule????

No, not Andy (though he has been known to be stubborn). The "mule" is the wonderful piece of machinery in the front: a mid-century hydraulic power unit, used for testing hydraulic systems in aircraft. "Marigold the Mule," as she is affectionately known by the aircraft department who pulled her out of Golden Hill, is undergoing a bit of maintenance herself... so she can help with the maintenance of others.

 

NOT one of the usual supects...

 

Look who else has cowlings off in the Maintenance Hangar: none other than GeeBee Z!

 

Does this mean a bat-out-of-heck test flight might be coming up soon? Stay tuned, race fans!!!!

In This Issue
Legends & Legacies: Vietnam Reflections
C-47 and S-55 Arrive
Secrets of the Maintenance Hangar
Golden Hill Secrets Revealed
Military Collectors Show
An Opportunity to Help Students in Need
A Rare Vision
. 
Golden Hill
Reveals its Riches
in June

For years, guests at Fantasy of Flight have pondered what wonderful artifacts lie within the storage buildings across the street from the main facility. Ponder no more! June will mark the opening of these treasure troves to the public for the first time.

Dubbed the "Golden Hill" in tribute to the Silver Hill facility at the National Air and Space Museum, this area sports dozens of  sensational future restoration projects, including the following:
  • B-29 Fertile Myrtle
  • P-38
  • Hellcat
  • Panther F9F
  • Me 108 Taifun
  •  and that's just the start of it...

During designated times guests will be whisked over to Golden Hill in the Orlampa Express trolleys to explore to their hearts' content. The tentative preview date for the Golden Hill Tour (which is currently in development) is scheduled for Father's Day weekend.

 

Check out a few quick snaps of some of the rock-star aircraft that await your visit to Golden Hill.

 

 

Panther F9F Golden HillMe 108 Golden Hill

Golden HIll from B-29 stand

 

Military Collectors Show

June 9, 10AM to 5PM

Orlampa Conference Center at Fantasy of Flight

Collectibles and memorabilia from the Civil War era through the Vietnam War era will be available, including uniforms, medals, insignia, and war relics.

Click here to learn more.

2012 Stuff the Bus clickable   

 

Birds of a Feather... 

Eagles and Stearman  

This photo was taken by a Gary and Dawn of Liverpool, UK, during their visit to Fantasy of Flight. Riding through the wetlands on the Orlampa Express, they caught a glorious image of two bald eagles in a tree watching Waldo Wright's beautiful Stearman fly by. Now that is a Fantasy of Flight!!! 

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Fantasy of Flight
1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E., Polk City, Florida 33868