And Some Airplanes Are Not Just For Display Any More
For years, Kissimmee Gateway
airport was known affectionately as "Bombertown USA".
Visitors could see WWII bombers being restored back to their former
glory. Those days are returning to Kissimmee but now visitors
will not only be able to see these great planes but fly in them as
well. Spring 2010 will see the migration of bombers and other
warbirds to the Kissimmee Air Museum.
In March, the beautifully polished B-25 Panchito will return to
Kissimmee Gateway Airport and "Bombertown USA" where it was
restored 15 years ago. It will be stationed at the Kissimmee
Air Museum for both static tours and flights. Larry Kelley restored
the B-25J as "Panchito". He and his crew now fly Panchito for the
Delaware Aviation Museum Foundation; preserving and sharing the
history of the 396 Bomb Squadron, 41st Bomb Group, 7th Air Force,
stationed in the Central Pacific that it served with.
The B-25 was produced in greater numbers than any other American
twin-engine combat aircraft and was one of the most famous
twin-engine medium bombers used during World War II. It achieved
worldwide fame on 18 April 1942 when sixteen B-25's, under the
command of LtCol Jimmy Doolittle, were launched from the aircraft
carrier, Hornet, and attacked Tokyo and other Japanese cities in a
daring raid. Owner, Larry Kelley, has flown in many Doolittle Raid
commemorations including flying some of the "Raiders" in his
B-25.
Opportunities to fly in this great bomber are few and far
between but on April 2, 3 and 4, 2010 flights will be available in
Panchito taking off from the Kissimmee Air Museum. Individuals can
experience history up close and personal for a $400.00 donation per
passenger. Seating is limited, first come-first serve for the Crew
Chief "jump seat" behind the pilot/copilot, 2 seats under the top
turret, and 2 waist gunner seats.
Another VIP (Very Important Plane) will be visiting the museum
this spring, Collings Foundations' B-25J "Tondelayo". This Pacific
War Princess will be offering to make the dream of flying a
Mitchell from the right seat possible. Half-hour flight training is
available for $2000.00 while the Mitchell is based at the Kissimmee
Air Museum. If interested, contact the Kissimmee Air Museum at
407-870-7366 for more information.
File Photo
The Collings Foundation is dedicated to preserving and sharing
aviation history. Their Wings of Freedom Nationwide Tour is a
living history display and flying museum that offers tours and
flights their Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, Consolidated B-24
Liberator, and North American P-51C Mustang. The Collings
Foundation's F4U-5 Corsair has been on display at the Kissimmee Air
Museum during the Wings of Freedom's Tour winter hiatus.