VERO BEACH — WWII aviation buffs won’t want to miss History Flight’s “Until They’re Home” Barnstormer Tour when it lands at Vero Beach Municipal Airport Saturday-Sunday, Feb. 23-24.
History Flight operates three of World War II’s most important aircraft, all authentically restored to give passengers “thrill of a lifetime” flights that sound and feel as if you’ve entered a time machine.
First there is Barbie III, a North American B-25H Mitchell Bomber (the only H model still flying worldwide,) where up to six passengers form a tightly knit Bomber Crew flying in the cockpit, waist, or tail gunner positions.
The B-25 is famous for its use in the Doolittle Raid on Japan. Barbie III is unique for the 75mm Sherman tank cannon in its nose, designed for ground attack purposes.
Or, you can take the controls (with a certified pilot aboard) of a two-seat AT-6 Texan Advanced Trainer or open cockpit Stearman Biplane, nicknamed “The Yellow Peril,” and the first airplane a WWII pilot learned to fly. Both airplanes are quick and maneuverable, so flights can include aerobatics and combat maneuvers if desired, and are incredibly fun to fly and fly in.
A 501(c)3 non-profit foundation, History Flight takes these flying museums to regional airports so people can experience the excitement of World War II aviation.
There are three flight packages available on the AT6-Texan and Stearman airplanes ranging from a smooth 15-minute intro flight to 30- and 60-minute Barnstormer packages with optional three-camera videos that capture all the action. The “bomber crew” package on the B-25H bomber is 30 minutes with an optional video.
Each tax-deductible flight funds ongoing research and search missions that help bring America’s missing WWII servicemen home from remote battlefields and crash sites. To date, History Flight has helped locate the remains of over 200 MIAs from the Pacific Theater as well as Europe.
To reserve a History Flight or get complete details on each flight package, please visit www.HistoryFllight.com or call History Flight toll free at (888) 743-3311.
No flying experience is necessary.
Vero Beach Municipal Airport is located at 3400 Cherokee Dr. in Vero Beach.
The 2013 “Until They’re Home” Barnstormer Tour is based January through May at the Deland Florida Municipal Airport, with weekend excursions to Florida regional airports including:
Punta Gorda Airport March 2-3
Marco Island Airport March 9-10
West Palm Back North County Airport March 16-17
Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville March 22-24
New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport Balloon & Sky Fest Apr. 5-7.
To learn more about History Flight’s search missions to the Pacific and Europe, please visit the website www.HistoryFlight.com.
