The Membership Newsletter for The Military Aviation Museum Winter 2011 B-17G “Chuckie’s” Arrival at Sunset by Ed Laskowski Visitors to the Military Aviation Museum (MAM) re- ence with “Chuckie” rode along after having worked cently had the opportunity to get the taste of a very, on the plane for over 25 years at Meacham. He added rare vintage. Circa 1944, full-bodied, and chilled to that he would surely miss the plane, but realized that it perfection. would be in excellent hands here at MAM. On Saturday, January 22, 2011 “Chuckie” the only fl y- By 4:00 that Saturday afternoon, hundreds of museum able B-17 Pathfi nder in existence affectionately nick- visitors were already on hand for this special event, named after Charlyn ”Chuckie” Hospers, wife of the with many waiting patiently outside in the 18-20 de- late Dr. William “Doc” Hospers, the plane’s prior own- gree frigid conditions. In anticipation, MAM vol- ers, left Meacham Field in Fort Worth, Texas bound for unteers monitored Flight Aware on-line to track the Military Aviation Museum its new home at the Military Aviation Museum in Vir- planes anticipated arrival. Outside preparations were www.MilitaryAviationMuseum.org ginia Beach. The museum recently acquired the plane being made by museum staff for the B-17-G’s landing. from the Vintage Flying Museum with plans to fully Virginia Beach Airport restore the aircraft. Standing next to the landing strip, ex- www.VBairport.com cicitement increased as it was announced The B-17 G “Flying ththat “Chuckie” was inbound and had Fighter Factory Fortress” started out jjustu fl own over Lake Drummond. early that morning on www.FighterFactory.com SShortlyh thereafter, two silver lights its 1079 nautical mile cocould be seen moving eastward over fl ight with a crew of ththe tree-line just south of the airport. three including; Bob TThe P-51 Mustang, “Double Trouble” Hill (Pilot), Don Anklin cocould be seen taking the lead and es- Inside this Issue: (Co-Pilot) and Patrick cocorting the huge bomber to its new MaHaffey (3rd Pilot). Introducing New Museum hohome. As the B-17 turned and made its Director 2 Mahaffey, having the most technical experi- “Chuckie”“Chuckie” arrives at the museum Continued on page 2 Pearl Harbor Attack Survivors Speak 2 1940’s Valentine’s Day Hangar Dance 100 Years of Shipboard Aviation 3 Back by popular demand, is the Valentine’s Day Han- to play all your favorite swing tunes that’ll get you out on the dance fl oor. Trains and Planes 4 gar Dance. February 12th, the museum is holding their annual Valentine’s Day celebration with an old Chris, Ed and Boom’s fashioned, hangar dance. What’s a hangar dance? Don’t think you have to be a couple at this Valentine’s Excellent Adventure 4 During WWII, dances were held in airplane hangars dance, there will be plenty of singles there out to meet and they were usually new people. B-17G: A Short History 5 put on as fund-raisers Letter from Santa 5 for the war effort. A There will be hors d’oeuvres and hangar dance is like a cash bar. Break out your favorite WWI Hangar Almost stepping back in time, vintage clothing and join us at the Complete 6 join us for a memora- Military Aviation Museum, Satur- ble Valentines evening day, February 12th from 6:00pm- Upcoming Events 7 fi lled with music, ro- 10:00pm. Get your tickets now, they New Volunteer Class 8 mance and history. are going fast. Contact the museum at 757-721-7767 or email us at events@ In the Press 8 The Terry Chesson Or- aviationmuseum.us. chestra will be on hand Last year’s dance crowd PAGE 2 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1
Chuckie Arrival..Continued from page 1 each of the four mammoth Wright R-1820- Pearl Harbor Attack 97 engines shutting down. After landing and approach, cheers arose and cameras readied taking its place, throngs of military veterans, for the initial fl yby directly overhead. aviation enthusiasts, museum volunteers and Survivors Speak many families with young children moved by Rob Sidner Just under seven hours, they landed at the Virginia Beach airport. Members of the fl ight forward to welcome the crew and admire the museum’s newest resident. For the second consecutive year, the Mili- crew described the trip as smooth and un- tary Aviation Museum was honored to have eventful, with pleasant weather conditions. At that point one could not help but think three Pearl Harbor survivors as our guest All the while, temperatures inside the cabin about the closing scene in 1989’s “Field speakers on December 11, 2010. Mr. John hovered around minus 25 degrees Celsius as of Dreams”, as cars streamed down Prin- Delia, Mr. Frank Chebetar, and Mr. William the plane fl ew between an altitude of 7,000 to cess Anne Road with headlights on and Temple spoke of their friends, remembranc- 8,000 feet. into the MAM’s parking lots. In the movie es, and the sting of battle. They brought Ray Kinsella, portrayed by Kevin Costner With a wingspan of 103’9 feet and a length of hears voices saying “if you build it they with them their individual collections of 74”4 feet the Boeing B-17 G easily dominat- personal Pearl Harbor memorabilia such will come”. And come they did that day ed the airstrip. Poetry in motion could only to MAM to see one of the fi nest vintages in that the Museum’s visitors of that morning describe the movement as many watched could examine the maps, newspaper clip- existence… and how sweet she is. pings, and aging photographs. For many of *See page 8, In the Press, for the guests and docents, the most poignant articles and videos associ- of all was a small, carefully sealed bottle ated with the arrival. containing “Black Blood”. For those not familiar with this term, “Black Blood” is a mixture of Pearl Harbor seawater and the black fuel oil that to this very day is leaking from the sunken USS Arizona (BB-39) and The B-17 bomber landing just after twilight rising to the surface. On the surface it is known as “Black Tears.” Introducing the New Museum Director Each of these distinguished veterans had The Military Aviation Museum is pleased to dustry during the summer months and with a unique stories to tell. Mr. Temple is the announce the appointment of Gary Powers ski resort during the winter. Virginia state chairman of the Pearl Harbor as its new Museum Director. Gary has as- Survivors Association and a former P-40 sumed this leadership position and began his In 1992, Gary relocated to Virginia to fur- crew chief. He regaled the audience with responsibilities as of this past January 18th. ther his education. This was actually the stories of a near brush with death by ma- He was selected from a broad group of over home state of both his parents. In 1995, chine gun fi re from a Japanese fi ghter and one hundred candidates from the local com- he received his Masters Degree in Public later arming one of the few US fi ghters to munity, within the state of Virginia, and Administration and Certifi cate of Nonprofi t get airborne which shot down a Japanese throughout the country. The museum is still Management from George Mason Univer- aircraft. Mr. Delia was assigned to a small relatively new and has actually been only in sity. During his time in Virginia, he has ship at Ford Island and patiently explained public operations for less than three years. worked as the Assistant Registrar for the to all of the confusion and horror of the He brings a wealth of experience to this or- City of Fairfax, Executive Director for a attack and the dreary aftermath. Mr. Che- ganization and will be an important addition small nonprofi t dedicated to the historical betar explained that he was so moved by to the staff and its many volunteer members. revitalization of Old Town Fairfax, market- the dastardly attack that he decided to serve ing representative for a home inspection more than his original tour and remained in Gary was born in Los Angeles, California, company, and from 2001 to 2005 as Presi- service to our country for 30 years, retiring and in 1990 received his undergraduate de- dent/CEO for the Vienna Tysons Regional as a Navy Chief Petty Offi cer. gree in Philosophy from California State Uni- Chamber of Commerce. versity Los Angeles. While living in South- While President of the Chamber, he over- If you missed these inspiring talks, we are ern California, Gary worked for a variety saw the day-to-day fi nancial, business, and most pleased to announce that each gentle- ofo contractors human resource operations. In order to grow man has stated that they will be glad to re- anda real estate chamber membership, he successfully im- turn to the Museum for talks on 10 Decem- developers.d Af- plemented the 2003 campaign to incorporate ber 2011. terte graduating college,c Gary Tysons Corner into the name of the organiza- livedli in Mam- tion. As a result of the name change, he over- mothm Lakes, saw the development of the Chamber’s new website, increased sponsorship revenue, and Gary Powers, the new CA,C where he expanded circulation of its monthly newslet- Museum Director at the worked in the Continued on page 3 Military Aviation Museum construction in- VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 PAGE 3
New Director... Continued from page 2 100 Year of US Shipboard Aviation ter. Under his leadership, chamber membership by RR “Boom” Powell grew by 80 percent. 2011 is offi cially the Centennial of Naval gunpowder catapult two months earlier), Aviation. However, the fi rst takeoff from to launch from a USN ship was a Strutter. Gary and his wife Jennifer have been married for over ten years and they have one son, who is in a ship was in 1910 (Nov 14) right here in After the Great War, 21 Sopwith Strut- 3rd grade. He currently lives with his family in Hampton Roads. Although the West Coast ters were transferred from the RAF and the state capitol, but will be relocating to Virginia Navy powers-that-be claim the opening French Air Force to the U.S. Navy. In Beach. His wife works for a major commercial event will be in San Diego in February, the March of 1919, Lieutenant Commander law fi rm and intends to transfer to a local branch actual fi rst event was at NAS Norfolk and Edward McDonnell launched from a offi ce of the fi rm in the Tidewater area. the Military Aviation Museum (MAM) was wooden platform built over a forward gun there. Obie O’Brien fl ew the SNJ-2 in for turret on the battleship USS Texas (BB- Gary has an intense interest in the period of the display of Navy aircraft. It was the old- 35). McDonnell landed ashore at Guanta- the Cold War and in 1996 helped to establish est airplane there. The center of attention namo Bay, Cuba, after demonstrating the The Cold War Museum to honor Cold War vet- was a replica of the Curtiss pusher that was superiority of aircraft for gunfi re spotting. erans and preserve their history. As the found- the fi rst aeroplane to launch from a ship. Sopwith Camels and Hanriot biplanes ing Director, he has lectured internationally, The replica even fl ew despite very gusty also fl ew from battleships and cruisers nationally, and throughout Virginia to various winds. Usually the MAM’s immaculately during this period. One and a half Strut- aviation groups, government agencies, and civic restored planes are the center of attention, ters (so named because the large cabane organizations. Over the past 10 years, he has but for this event being upstaged didn’t struts did not reach all the way to the low- moved the museum forward by fundraising over matter. er wing.) continued to fl y off ships until $3,000,000 in fi nancial, artifact, and in-kind do- the U.S. Navy’s fi rst aircraft carrier, USS nations. He actively negotiated with the Smith- Langley, was commissioned in sonian Institution for affi liate museum status, 1922.1 developed mobile exhibits, organized spy tours of Washington, DC, created a quarterly email TheT museum’s Strutter is a newsletter distributed to over 10,000 subscribers, moviem star. The fi lm Flyboys, and implemented an assortment of educational bbased, very loosely, on the La- programs including, Cold War Conversations, ffayette Escadrille, had a fl eet the museum’s signature lecture series. Over the oof 80% scale Nieuport-17’s course of his career, he has worked with Dip- lomats; members of Congress and the Virginia bbuilt to fl y for the movie. An General Assembly; and a variety of national, eearly crash of one made the regional, and local business, nonprofi t, and com- pproducers ground them all. munity leaders. Gary has helped steer legislation ((The design fault was eventu- through the General Assembly and has testifi ed The Sopwith Strutter 1 1/2 parked at the museum ally corrected and the replicas before the Congressional House Subcommittee are fl ying again. The museum’s on National Parks, Recreation, and Public Lands As learned at ICAS, many of the airshows in Nieuport was one of them.) A two-place and the General Laws Committee of the Virginia 2011 want to have historic Navy airplanes. aeroplane was needed to “act” as a train- General Assembly. (Oceana is planning for an all Navy show). er, observation, and attack aircraft with a MAM has those airplanes; our newly re- gunner; the Strutter got the role(s). In true In December 2009, Gary negotiated a lease stored FM-2 Wildcat (which was actually Hollywood fashion, makeup changed its with the Vint Hill Economic Development Au- thority to secure a permanent home for the mu- based at NAAS Pungo in 1945), the gull- appearance as needed. Makeup in this seum in Fauquier County, Virginia. As a result wing Corsair and hefty AD Skyraider (both case being water-based paint which is of his efforts to form the museum between 1996 representing both World War 2 and Korea), why the Sopwith’s markings look faded. and 2001, the Junior Chamber of Commerce the TBM Avenger which appropriately fl ew The previous owner had started to scrub off the temporary paint before the Strut- selected him as one of the “Ten Outstanding over the commissioning ceremony of the Young Americans” for 2002. Some of Gary’s ter arrived in Virginia Beach for the Bi- USS H.W. Bush aircraft carrier, and the other interests are reading science fi ction, play- planes and Zeppelins event. Whether always impressive PBY Catalina. In the ing chess, and as an avid coin collector. non-combat category are a pair of SNJ’s, in U.S. Navy gray as when it launched from ships or the olive drab of the RFC the Stearman N2S trainer, a T-34 and T-28. The Military Aviation Museum is delighted to where it was the fi rst Allied fi ghter to be The oldest U.S. Navy airplane in MAM’s have Gary Powers joined our team and lead designed with a synchronized machine collection is the Sopwith 1½ Strutter. The the museum forward to expand and grow what? gun, the Sopwith represents milestones our museum operations. We all join together in military aviation. in welcoming him and his family to Virginia Little known is that the fi rst USN airplane, Beach and look forward to working with Gary with wheels (a fl ying boat was fi red off a in this important position for our museum. PAGE 4 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 MAM Holds Holiday “Trains and Planes” Event by Brad Groom Something unique was going on at the Military mind boggling on how all the trains were run- Just when you thought that it couldn’t get Aviation Museum that brings out the young ning and the detail of all the displays. any better, you notice that many displays and old alike. It was the “Trains and Planes” had interaction buttons you could push weekend and oh what a joy for all to see. Trains from the different lines were there and watch the different parts of the display the Chesapeake, Ohio rail, American Flyer come alive. Children were amazed and en- As you entered the hangar, the very distinc- Lines, Missouri Pacifi c, Southern Line, joyed this; their smiles were from ear to ear. tive sound of train whistles was echoing Baltimore & Ohio (B&O), Union Pacifi c, throughout the facility. If you looked closer Southern, and the Denver Rio Grande. There It wasn’t just the trains. There was also an the white smoke was pouring out of the were unique trains for everyone including assortment of aircraft in the other hangar for locomotive stacks. Train enthusiast came the fans of stream engines. It was a delight to people to tour. The attendees were amazed from all over Virginia and North Carolina see the puffs of smoke and hear the whistle surprised to learn that these shiny aircraft to setup their special displays of unique only a steam locomotive engine can make. were also in working fl yable condition. trains and scenery. Every dis- play of trains had a theme in Then there was a fl y-by from Santa Claus mind and they were true to himself who was stopping to visit all the their character. children at the museum. Sitting in the open cockpit of the Stearman, waving to the One display with very large crowd, he brought excitement to all. When trains was “Winter Wonderland” Santa landed he was escorted to a big com- with Christmas as the main fortable chair next to a decorated Christmas theme and was very popular tree and talked to each child. Pictures were with the children. The displays taken and the children had a memorable averaged about 750 square feet experience. The whole facility had an air and there were many that fi lled about it that was special. The Toys for Tots up the hangar space. As a novice Santa arrives in the Stearman bin was fi lling up and the spirit of Christ- looking at these displays, it was mas was everywhere. Chris, Ed and Boom’s Excellent Adventure by RR “Boom” Powell Spending four days in Las Vegas hanging warbird collection to a variety of show or- time for Valentine’s Day). The B-17 will fi ll out with aviation people at the International ganizers who might want to add the dignity a geographical gap for fl yable Flying Forts Council of Air Shows (ICAS) sounded like a of historic airplanes to a show. They were in the United States. dream assignment. And it was, with 235 or- also there to check out vendors that offered ganizations exhibiting in a 60,000 square foot all the items that go with an air show; com- The Centennial of US Naval Aviation exhibit hall with nearly 100 education speak- munication systems; infl atable playgrounds; (CoNA) is in 2011 and the CoNA commis- ers and over 1,500 attendees, it was a sight to golf karts; computerized tickets and passes, sion had a large display set-up. The muse- be seen. Everyone was trying to learn some- and anything someone would need to run a um’s six Navy airplanes should be much in thing, sell something or get the best deal on successful air show. The third reason was to demand for these celebrations this year. something. There are currently 155 airshows learn from those that have been running air Among the more interesting companis were scheduled in the US and Canada for 2011! shows, successfully, longer. ones providing pyrotechnics (“no explo- Chris Vtipil, Ed Dillingham and Boom There were several symposiums to choose sion is too big or too small”); an announcer Powell had numerous duties while attend- from over the four days including; Airshows who handed out cookies baked to look like ing this “dream” assignment. They were 101 (for new guys); Emergency Prepared- him; and our neighboring booth with a full to promote the availability of the museum’s ness; idea swapping sessions; and a ses- size, jet-powered school bus which can sion on the changes to FAA and Transporte belch fl ame and go 300 miles per hour. The Canada regulations (a usually dry subject display even had small desks, black board made lively by the presenters). One of the and a lovely teacher. highlights was an extremely well presented The ICAS convention brought together Safety Meeting that included a long assess- the small world of warbirds. Everybody ment of airshow accidents going back to seemed to know everybody and everyone 1908 and their causal factors. knew which airplane was where and its his- Many visitors to the museum’s booth were tory. Although relatively new, the Military interested in two aircraft that are not yet in Aviation Museum is well thought of among Virginia; the Fock-Wulf 190 (coming in the professionals. Boom Powell, Chris Vtipil, Ed Dillingham Spring) and our B-17 ‘Chuckie” (here in VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 PAGE 5
B-17G 44-8543: A Short History by Scott Thompson The B-17G that now fl ies as Chuckie was The record suggests that it was used in than Aviation from a small airfi eld in north- built by the Vega Aircraft Corp. at Burbank, some aspect of the All-Weather Flying eastern Alabama. Wheelless converted his California, in October 1944. Vega built Center until 1951 when it was reassigned as three B-17s as big crop dusters and, under 2.750 B-17s as part of a manufacturing pool a test bed by the USAF. After 1951, it was contract with the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, to produce the famous four-engine bomber placed on loan with the Federal Telecom- became fi re ant bombers used in a decade in suffi cient numbers to meet the demands munications Corp. at Westchester Airport long battle with the dangerous pest migrat- of war. Chuckie was built with the Army in New York. It carried special equipment ing through the southeast. The three B-17s serial number of 44-8543. Though the mili- including unusual wingtip antennas, and fl ew hundreds of low level missions criss- tary records of its fi rst year of service are was used for research with the FTC until it crossing the region dusting with Mirex to missing, it has been well established that was declared excess to USAF requirements kill the fi re ants. By the mid-1970s, howev- this B-17G was modifi ed as a special radar in March 1959. er, such widespread dusting programs fell equipped Pathfi nder airplane right off the out of favor, and N3701G ended up parked production line but never went overseas. It was stored at Davis-Monthan AFB in Ar- in the corner of the airfi eld without a mis- Its initial use may have been in training or izona until sold by auction to the American sion. testing, but by September 1945 it was as- Compressed Steel Corp. in August 1959 for signed to the All-Weather Flying Center the princely sum of $5,026. It shortly after- It sat there for a couple of years until a at Patterson Field, near Dayton, Ohio, and wards received the civil registration num- gentleman named Dr. William Hospers used to develop blind fl ying procedures and ber of N3701G, the same number it wears came along. Hospers came up with the idea equipment. to this day. It and another surplus B-17 were of buying the B-17 and, with a small cadre sold to a new owner in February 1961 and of volunteers, restoring the veteran back to tthe pair of B-17s went into ser- military confi guration and fl ying it around vvice hauling fresh dairy products the country to airshows. Hospers delivered ffrom Florida to the Bahamas, the airplane to its new home at Meacham aand returning with cucumbers Field, Fort Worth, Texas, in October 1979. oor other fresh vegetables. Locals Together with his wife Charlyn, better ddubbed them the “pickle bomb- known now for her namesake Chuckie, the eers,” and N3701G was used for airplane was lovingly rebuilt and gained tthis unusual mission until 1963. both her name and the markings of a war- IIn that year it and two other sur- time 486th Bomb Group B-17G. pplus B-17s were purchased by Continued on page 6 First test fl ightsh in December b 2010 Hugh Wheelless, who ran Do-
Many thanks to all the nice folks who came to see me at the Military Aviation Museum. We had beautiful November days with a small nip in the air; made old Santa feel right at home. It was so heartwarming when all the children ran to greet me. I fl ew in in a Stearman piloted by Ray Scott, one day and Nelson Eskey, another. I’m trying to get Ray and Nelson to get their multi-reindeer rating so they can come to the North Pole and fl y for me. I will always remember my friend who wanted to give her presents to the needy, the boy who wanted a lot of appliances for his mother so she wouldn’t have to work so hard in the kitchen and the sister and brother who wanted guns so they could go hunting with their dad and give their mother some “peace and quiet” at home alone! The job of Santa Claus is the best job in the world. Thanks again to all the support staff, volunteers, and railroad clubs with the beautiful train stations, kiddies and parents. Love, Santa PAGE 6 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1
WWI Hangar is Almost Complete by Steve Atkin A new World War One hangar is nearing structure of two bays and a total of 120’ Construction work commenced on site in completion at The Military Aviation Mu- wide. The building was well lit with large late summer of 2010 with the laying down seum in Virginia Beach. Recent additions windows and overhead glazed roof-lights of the concrete fl oor slab and drainage in- to the fl eet of largely fl ight-worthy aircraft and the roof was strongly constructed of stallation. At the time of writing this arti- include a number of notable early fi ght- heavy timbers. cle, in January 2011, it is almost complete. ing machines from the Great War of 1914 The new building, fi lled with an extensive to 1918. Rather than house these fragile Although the ‘Twin Shed’ was suitable in collection of WWI period fl ying machines wood and fabric antiques in their existing terms of general appearance, the clear span ranging from the British Avro 504 bi-plane larger 1930’s style hangar, the museum of each bay, at 60’ was somewhat larger to the legendary red Fokker DR.1 tri-plane was keen to provide them with a more than the span the museum needed to house of the infamous Baron Von Richtofen, appropriate home. In early 2009, they ap- their collection of small single-engine air- will shortly be open to visitors. With its proached UK based architect Steve Atkin craft and at only 120’ wide was not quite world- renowned WWII aircraft collec- to research and design a suitable building. large enough to fi ll the pre-determined tion, already housed in an impressive Art Consent had already been obtained from building footprint. The decision was made Deco styled structure, the addition of the the City of Virginia Beach for a 150’ wide timber built airplane hangar but the de- tailed design needed to accurately refl ect the appearance of a Great War building that might have been found on one of the grass airfi elds that were hastily created in the south of England almost a century ago.
Steve Atkin is well known enthusiast of historic airplanes and is based just north of London, England. His initial thoughts were to fi nd original blueprints for a suit- Ariel view of the museum while the WWI hangar is under construction able period hangar building which could be accurately copied and he made a visit to the Royal Air Force Museum archives to modify the design and create a hybrid new WW1 hangar will ensure The Mili- in February 2009. The museum was es- ‘Aeroplane Triple Shed’ of three bays, each tary Aviation Museum offers its visitors tablished in 1972 and houses thousands with a span of 50’. This met the museum’s an educational and fascinating experience, of documents and drawings relating to the brief perfectly and local project engineer which will be signifi cantly enhanced to al- RAF from 1918 to the present day. Delv- Dave Williams of Williams Engineering low a unique glimpse back in time to the ing in to the oldest building records, one Associates was retained to work with Steve very dawn of military fl ying. design emerged as the most likely candi- to develop the design in detail. Taking the date to act as the prototype for the new 1918 drawing as a starting point, the vari- Virginia building – an old drawing dat- ous timber elements, including the distinc- B-17 History... Continued from page 5 ing from 1918 was titled ‘Aeroplane Twin tive external buttresses, were carefully Over the ensuing three decades, a small Shed’ and showed, in some detail, a timber reproduced and the design evolved as a group of very dedicated volunteers re- largely faithful reproduction of the built, restored, maintained, and operated ooriginal ‘Twin Shed’ but of course the B-17G through thick and thin. Even- wwith some subtle improvements to tually, a museum was formed around the mmeet modern building codes. Sig- B-17G, the Vintage Aircraft Flying Muse- nnifi cantly, the 1918 building incor- um, though the airplane remained owned pporated fl imsy canvas curtains to by the Hospers’. With the passing of Dr. eenclose the open end of the struc- William Hospers in March 2010 it seemed tuture – in 2011 this is not secure appropriate for the path of B-17G 44-8543 eenough and quite vulnerable to the to take yet another turn, and it joined the hharsh Virginia weather so a sym- folds of the Military Aviation Museum in ppathetic design for timber-clad October 2010. A view from inside the hangar ssolid sliding doors was created. VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 PAGE 7 Upcoming Events World Wide Wedding Reception, April 30th IIP PPhoto opportunities will be available to have your pic- tuture taken with the happy couple (Prince William and KKate Middleton cardboard fi gures). Wedding cake will bbe served and on view a rendi- tition of the beautiful blue Sap- pphire and diamond engagement rring provided by Long’s Jewel- eers. OObviously, the wedding from ththe day before will be the ma- jojor topic of conversation all oover our country and throughout ththe world with news reports on every television sta- 5DMBDID<!@<>C5DMBDID< tition, magazine, and newspaper. Live broadcasts will be We will certainly invite the happy couple and hope that they will attend. After all, Willie is a Warbirds of the Beach artwork pilot and would enjoy all this fl ying about in his country’s historic airplanes. However, we will This painting was commissioned as poster still have a wonderful and most memorable time, even if they have to send in their regrets with art for the 2011 Warbirds at the Beach Air- other more pressing engagements. show. It depicts an assortment of WWII era aircraft cruising over the beautiful Virginia English tea will be served. We are also inviting all the lady guests and their escorts to Beach Ocean Front and the historic landmark bring along their own favorite tea cup to the affair. Then we could have a judging of the Cavalier Hotel as it would have then ap- most unique and favorite one for an award to be presented to the winner as a courtesy peared. The artist, Sam Welty is well known afterwards to all those with a cup. and recognized for his work in many homes, businesses, and public venues. A native “Flying Proms: Symphonic Airshow Spectacular!” Texan, Sam lives in the Hampton Roads area with Virginia Symphony Orchestra, May 7th of Virginia and works locally and nationally. "My favorite thing In England, “The Flying Proms” is a beloved tradition that showcases aabout painting when the beauty of vintage aircraft fl ying maneuvers accompanied by live I can affect people’s music performed by a symphony orchestra. Now this unique show lilives and share my art comes to the United States, courtesy of the Virginia Arts Festival! aand expression. That’s Share this soaring, symphonic celebration with family and friends on a great feeling, espe- the grounds of the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach-picnic ccially when it honors on your own blanket or chairs, or reserve VIP seating. ththose who defend our frfreedom." The origi- Saturday, May 7, 7:00 PM nnal painting will be on Gates open at 3:00 PM, Concert begins at 7:00 PM ddisplay in the Military Military Aviation Museum, Virginia Beach AviationA Museum in Tickets: $45 VIP Seating, $35 Lawn, Students under 25, $15 Lawn A fl ying prom at the Shuttleworth VVirginia Beach. PAGE 8 VOLUME 4, ISSUE 1 New Volunteer Class In the Press by Felix Usis It was a very busy day at the museum on The class was repeatedly interrupted with Articles and video clips of the B-17 arrival. Saturday, 22 January. In addition to the updates about the progress of “Chuckie”. long anticipated arrival of “Chuckie” the So much so, that during each break in the www.youtube.com./watch?v=-h_X1Y- B-17G from the Vintage Flying Museum. presentations, www.fl ightaware.com was Bu5Vs The Museum held the fi rst Volunteer Ori- brought up to be viewed. And the class entation class of 2011. watched the slow progress of “Chuckie” Flight tracking of trip from TX to VA: across the nation at 5,500 feet and 185 mph. http://fl ightaware.com/live/fl ight/N3701G The fi rst of the new prospective volun- teers were waiting at the doors before they After lunch Felix Usis, presented the class Live Webcams of the B-17 at the museum: opened at 9 AM. Class started at 9:45 AM with a quick over view of the museum’s www.militaryaviationmuseum.org/webcams with an introduction by the founder. His aircraft and other exhibits. His presenta- tion was interrupted, not only “Chuckie’s” presentation included an introduction of Fort Worth Newspaper: progress, but by the take-off in the P-51D. the Museum’s new Museum Director, Gary www.star-telegram. Then it was back into the theater for the Powers. The classes began with an over- com/2011/01/21/2788018/world-war-ii- wrap-up. view of the museum, how it started, and bomber-is-leaving.html where he envisions it going. Following the formal Volunteer Orienta- tion presentation, the pro- Local NBC television: After the fi rst spective new volunteers www.wavy.com/dpp/military/B-17-ar- break, Stephen were invited to remain rives-at-Virginia-Beach-museum?ref=scrol Chalker, picked- and await “Chuckie’s” ler&categoryId=10011&status=true up and discussed arrival. Many took ad- the “rules, regula- vantage of the extra time tions, and quali- to have Tom Owens, take ties of being a them around on a walking volunteer.” tour of the museum. 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 5:00 - am 9:00 Open Daily Open (757) 721-PROP (757) Virginia Beach, VA 23457 VA Beach, Virginia 1341 Princess Anne Road Anne Princess 1341 The Military Aviation Museum Aviation Military The Current Resident Current Membership Newsletter for for Newsletter Membership PERMIT NO. 235 NO. PERMIT VIRGINIA BEACH, VA BEACH, VIRGINIA PAID U.S. POSTAGE U.S. NONPROFIT ORG. NONPROFIT