Passengers Wanted for Panchito's Flights On April 10th

Anyone who's ever wanted to hitch a ride in an authentic WWII bomber has a chance, thanks to the owners of a surviving B-25 Mitchell named "Panchito". 

The owners have made a number of slots available for the aircraft during its flights on April 10th out of Florida's Kissimmee Gateway Airport. Interested parties should be aware that space aboard is limited, and reservations are recommended. Vintage, flying WWII aircraft are always a draw, and Panchito is no exception. 

The B-25J is owned and operated by the Delaware Aviation Museum, manufactured in 1945. Missing the war's waning months, the bomber was delivered to the USAAF and transferred to a series of storage and training units until being sold as surplus in the early 60's to a firefighting outfit for service as a tanker. The Howe brothers modified the aircraft and used it as an orange grove sprayer and mosquito bomber well into the 70's, eventually donating it towards the end of the decade, switching to newer, larger surplus DC-3s. The lifetime of chemical exposure had taken their toll, requiring extensive restoration. 

From there, the half-completed project plane fell into the possession of Tom Reilly where it was completed, just as it rolled off the flight line during its brief service with the 396th Bomb Squadron. Since then, it has been adopted and operated by Larry Kelley, who makes sure to keep it polished and take it around the air show circuit. For reservations, phone contact should be made at 443-458-8926. Space is very limited, with flights only available on Sunday, April 10th at Kissimmee Gateway Airport. 

FMI: https://www.delawareaviationmuseum.org/