AVIATION ACES ALIGHT AT WINGS OVER GILLESPIE PRE-AIR SHOW PARTY

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 June 1, 2011 (El Cajon ) – Pilots, crews, and leaders of San Diego’s aviation industry flocked to the Allen Airways Flying Museum last night, where a party was held last night for participants in the 16th annual Wings Over Gillespie Air Show. The show itself takes wing this weekend, June 3-5, at Gillespie Field in El Cajon.

 

Attendees at last night’s soiree, where musicians played ‘40s music, included military brass, the head of Teledyne-Ryan, current and retired pilots, community leaders, and Jean Landis—star of the documentary “She Wore Silver Wings” about her experiences in WWII flying pursuit aircraft with Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP).

 

Read about this San Diego woman’s remarkable experiences and view a trailer for her documentary here: http://www.sheworesilverwings.com/She_Wore_Web/HOME.html


 

The Allen Airways Flying Museum, setting for last night's event, is open by invitation only.  It features a variety of aircraft and memorabilia as well as a delightful new exhibit of aviation posters from around the world. 

 

"Part of this artwork was in a travelling exhibit with the Smithsonian," said Bill Allen of Allen Airways, who has coauthored a book titled Looping the Loop: Posters of Flight.  "Some of these are the only ones known to be existing."

 

 

This year’s air show will feature several WWII aircraft including the B-17 Flying Fortress ’Sentimental Journey’ and B-25 Mitchell ‘Maid in the Shade’ from the Commemorative Air Force Arizona Wing Aviation Museum. New to this year’s show is a TBM Avenger torpedo bomber (the same model once flown—and ditched—by former president George Bush senior).
 

 

“There’s a lot to see and a lot to do,” said John Telles, chairman of this year’s air show.
We have a lot of things that are fun and relatively inexpensive.” The air show will feature 30 vintage aircraft in flight and another 45 on display.
 

 

Stunt pilot John Collver will perform his death-defying feats at 10:50 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. 
 

 

Admission to the air show costs $15 for adults and $12 for kids 5–17/seniors 62/active military $12, and Family Pak $54 if purchased online at www.ag1caf.org . At the gate prices are $20 adult/$15 kids 5-17, Seniors 62, active military/$70 Family Pak.

 

Friday, June 3, is a FREE Education Day with a community youth focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. The show is presented by Air Group One (AG-1), the San Diego wing of the Commemorative Air Force. There is no scheduled air show flying on Education Day.

 

Additionally, B-17 & B-25 Bomber Rides are available June 1–June 3. Go to www.ag1caf.org . For further information, register to win a ride in a B-17 or B-25 and be put on a Bomber Rides request list.
 

B-17 Tours - $5.00 for adults, $3.00 for children ages 5 through 12 and free for children under 5

 

B-17 flights are available for $425.00 per person; $850 for a nose seat. You can make a reservation on the B-17 by calling 602-448-9415 or by visiting the bomber at Gillespie Field Air Port from May 31 - June 5, 2011.

 

B-25 flights are for $395 per person. You can make a reservation on the B-25 by calling 602-448-9415 or by visiting the bomber at Gillespie Field Air Port from May 31 - June 5, 2011.

 

For more information on this year’s air show, visit the Air Group One website at: http://ag1caf.org/

 


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