Fantasy Of Flight To Give A Ride In One Of Only Four Flight-Worthy WWII Fieseler Fi-156 Storch Airplanes In The World

Fantasy of Flight has set out to find the World's Greatest Dad just in time to give him the thrill of a lifetime this Father's Day weekend.

Fantasy of Flight Storch

Fantasy of Flight is asking children and adults to submit an essay of 50 words or fewer describing why their dad is the "World's Greatest Dad."  The winning dad will receive the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a 30-minute ride over Central Florida in one of only four Fieseler F1-156 Storch airplanes in the world.

Fantasy of Flight's Storch is still in top-notch flying condition and still has its original German Argus engine. The doting dad will also receive tickets for the family (up to four people) to Fantasy of Flight on Father's Day, June 20, as well as four Fantasy of Flight annual passes for the family to visit the attraction as often as they'd like for a year, a VIP Tour including behind-the-scenes accessibility of Fantasy of Flight led by Storch pilot, aviation historian and restoration specialist Ken Kellet, a special Father's Day lunch (for up to four people) at the Compass Rose Diner and a special Fantasy of Flight gift basket for Dad.

Second prize in the contest is a package for Dad and his nominating (and now "favorite") child including a pair of tickets to Fantasy of Flight for this Father's Day, two Fantasy of Flight annual passes, a special Father's Day lunch for two at the Compass Rose Diner and a special Fantasy of Flight gift basket for Dad. The third place winner receives the second prize winner's package, other than one annual pass instead of two.

Fantasy of Flight Storch Cockpit

This marks the first time that Fantasy of Flight has held a contest where the winner was awarded a ride in the extremely rare Storch, designed by Fieseler in 1935 and generally considered to be the best vintage liaison (or L-Bird) airplane ever designed.  Liaison aircraft were small, slow flying and usually unarmed aircraft used in World War II to observe enemy artillery or transport commanders or messengers.  With its high-lift wings and fixed slots, it can take-off and land in less than 200 feet and has a stall speed less than 25 mph.  It proved its worth throughout World War II, when more than 4,000 were ultimately built.  Used on all fronts, its engine had a tendency to overheat, and the side cowls were generally left off in hot climates. Fans of vintage liaison planes prefer the Storch even more than the popular Mustang P-51. 

In the words of Fantasy of Flight founder and creator, Kermit Weeks, "The Storch is sexy!"

File Photo

The aircraft was involved in many significant events during World War II. Field Marshall Erwin Rommel, "The Desert Fox," flew in one throughout the North African Campaign, landing in troubled spots everywhere along the front lines.  It was a Storch that rescued Italian dictator Mussolini from a hotel atop a mountain peak after Italian partisans captured him toward the end of the war.  It was a Storch that transported the bomb that was used in the attempt on Hitler's life in July of 1944.  Less than a year later, during the final days of the war in Europe, famous German female test-pilot Hanna Reitsch flew a Storch into the heart of besieged Berlin. She landed near the Brandenburg Gate to get last minute instructions from Hitler.

Responses are due Tuesday, June 8 by 5 pm and may be submitted online under the homepage link, "World's Greatest Dad;" by mail to Fantasy of Flight, "World's Greatest Dad" 1400 Broadway Blvd. SE, Polk City, FL. 33868; or in the attraction's lobby no later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8.

Also in honor of Fathers Day, Fantasy of Flight is offering free general admission to all fathers when accompanied by a paying guest from Thursday, June 17 to Sunday, June 20, 2010.  Any paid youth, senior or adult admission ticket qualifies as the accompanying paid admission.  Offer valid Thursday, June 17 - Sunday, June 20, 2010.

FMI:  www.fantasyofflight.com