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Golden Hill Preview
Earns Applause
What is Golden Hill? 20,000 additional square feet of space which Fantasy of Flight has opened to the public in "Preview" mode as we prepare a Grand Opening. This new space is fillled with exciting future projects. Essentially it is the world's coolest waiting room for airplanes on the path to restoration.
Now that the space is accessible to guests, we are enjoying their enthusiastic response. This from the very first guests to enter Golden Hill:
"We've been coming to Fantasy of Flight for years and have always wanted to get over to the other side. And now we have. I had half-expected it to be chaotic and disorganized, but it is laid out beautifully. Everything is accessible and easy to appreciate. It's good to see genuine pieces of history preserved for everyone to enjoy and to know they will one day fly again!"
In photo: First guests Jim Squires and Julie Davis with Fantasy of Flight tour guide Joe Black and attendant Alex Price, standing in front of Boeing B-29 Superfortress "Fertile Myrtle," located in the brand-new Golden Hill facility at Fantasy of Flight.
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Eyes in the Skies:
Thrilling Test Flight Videos
 | | Curtiss Pusher Test Flight -- June 2012 |
Check out the first test flight at Fantasy of Flight of the reproduction Curtiss Pusher. According to Kermit, "Talk about a blast! This thing is a bit on the scary side for the moment as it has no stability and you have to fly it ALL the time. I made three passes down the runway and eventually got above the tree tops until the crosswind got a bit much. I'll continue to play with it when it's calm and work up to actually going around the field!" A few days later, Kermit did indeed make a turn!
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Albatros First Florida Flight -- June 2012 |
Not long after flying the Pusher, Kermit took his newly-acquired Albatros D.Va for its first flight since it arrived in Florida. This replica of the legendary German WWI aircraft was built by Peter Jackson's shop The Vintage Aviator, Ltd. in New Zealand. Kermit got a chance to fly the plane down there before it was crated up for shipping to Fantasy of Flight. However, this was its first flight in the U.S. --- and very likely the first flight of any Albatros in the U.S. in a very long time! Though the plane uses hard rubber mockups for machine guns, the engine is in fact an authentic Mercedes 200hp straight six-cylinder engine which makes sweet music in the air! |
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Plan Ahead for
Upcoming Events!
Attentions Scouts:
Mark your calendars for the American Heritage Camporee at Fantasy of Flight! October 5-7
Don't let the warm weather fool you:
It's time to start thinking about Holiday Parties! Fantasy of Flight accommodates all occasions and group sizes.
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Welcome Dash!
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Dash wants to fly the D-model Mustang.
Penny doesn't think this is such a good idea! |
As happens with some frequency at Fantasy of Flight, the time/space vortex ripped open for a nanosecond, and through it tumbled our latest "Lost in Time" cast member: Dash McCloud.
Dash--a young pilot fresh from 1944--had just concluded his advanced training when he slipped through time and landed at Fantasy of Flight. He is pretty confused about where (and "when") he is now, but he knows one thing for certain: he wants to fly a Mustang... and now he is surrounded by them! So far, it's a no-go for the flight, but this chipper and good-hearted lad is keeping the dream alive. In the meantime, he is happy to share his enthusiasm with guests.
Next time you visit Fantasy of Flight, keep an eye out for Dash and his "lost in time" pals, all of whom call this fabulous place home. |
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Annual Pass Holders
Bring-a-Buddy
For Free!!
The annual pass to Fantasy of Flight is even more valuable during the summer. Through September, pass holders may bring a friend at no cost. Some rules apply, of course.
And if you don't have a Fantasy of Flight Annual Pass, what are you waiting for? Sign up today! |
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Hey Willie! I noticed a remarkable vehicle called a Trautmann RoadAir in the collection. Who is Trautmann? And most importantly, is this finally the flying car I was promised as a kid?
Respectfully yours,
Rarin' to Go
Dear Rarin',
Even a sky jockey like me (and Mr. Weeks) know a brilliant mind when we see one. The RoadAir was developed in the late '50s by Herbert L. Trautmann, an inventor who had a number of patents.
His flying car did indeed fly... just once in 1959. The spirit of innovation is celebrated at Fantasy of Flight, which makes Herbert Trautmann's accomplishment a splendid example of our mission: to light that spark within!
Recently Mr. Trautmann's grandson, Peter Trautmann, dropped by to present the boss with an original drawing, photos, and a model. They also offerred me some piloting advice!
Blue skies to one and all,
G. Willie |
 Stay in Touch
Fantasy of Flight
1400 Broadway Blvd. S.E., Polk City, Florida 33868
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