CAF Wing Raises Spirits Over The Big Easy

The Big Easy Wing of the Commemorative Air Force launched its first "Spirit Flight" over the skies of New Orleans on Good Friday. The flight took the Archbishop of New Orleans, Gregory Aymond, over the city to bless the citizens of Metropolitan New Orleans during this pandemic crisis and later, Rabbi Alexis Erdheim with Gates of Prayer Synagogue took a Spirit Flight, as well.

Archbishop Aymond said, "It is a privilege to fly over our city, and as a sign of our faith in Almighty God to ask for His blessing and protection. And we continue to ask for prayers for our health care workers, our leaders, those who are sick, and those who have died." Rabbi Erdheim said, “We are a community that is blessed with a diversity of beliefs, cultures, backgrounds, and religions. No matter how different we may all be, we in New Orleans know that when our backs are against the wall, we are strongest when we are together.”

The flights were made in a 1943 Boeing PT-17 Stearman, a World War II era biplane, and were routed over the metropolitan area from Kenner to St. Bernard Parish including both sides of the river. Departing from Lakefront Airport in front of the Big Easy Wing’s hangar, the flights were only about 30 minutes from take-off to landing and were easily visible from the ground, due to thje Steaman's bright yellow wings.

“We came up with the idea for the Spirit Flight because this is such an important spiritual week for the world, and for a city and people who have gone through so much, we thought it was something that may bring some joy to people who really need it,” said Big Easy Wing Leader David Capo. “We have asked a few other religious and community leaders to participate in Spirit Flight, and will likely be doing more in the future.”

Due to safety concerns, the group took extra steps and special considerations for the flight, including limiting the number of people involved. The airport limited the number of people allowed on the ramp to just the essential aircrew for the Archbishop and the Rabbi. The launch and recovery aspects of this Spirit Flight were closed to all spectators including media and the general public.

The Big Easy Wing is a local chapter of the Commemorative Air Force, an international World War II flying museum. The wing was founded three years ago and operates from two bases located at Lakefront Airport and Hammond, Louisiana. The organization has more than 100 volunteer members who maintain and operate the aircraft, as well as host and attend aviation and educational events across the country. Membership is open to anyone with an interest in aviation, history, education, or a sense of adventure.

FMI: www.bigeasywing.org