Same Type Flown by President Bush Sr. Joins Aircraft Collection

Those lucky enough to be looking to the skies recently, between Miami and Polk City, FL, may have spotted an amazing sight - a TBM "Avenger" World War II Torpedo Bomber - working its way home to join part of the world's largest private rare and vintage aircraft collection at Fantasy of Flight.

Fantasy of Flight founder and creator Kermit Weeks piloted the nearly 70-year-old aircraft in a 75-minute flight at a speed of 165 knots from Miami, where it was being stored at Weeks' former aircraft museum there. Wings Over Miami assumed the museum's operation in July 2003. The TBM plane was the last flyable piece of Week's collection being stored there.

The TBM is the same model that President George H. W. Bush, Sr. flew and was shot down in while flying a mission over the Pacific Island of Chichi Jima in June 1943. During Bush's Vice Presidential campaign, Weeks had the plane repainted in Bush's colors and was asked to bring it to one of the Republican campaign stops. Upon seeing the old beauty that earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross, Bush reportedly ran from his commercial jet to the TBM and promptly hopped into the cockpit. The late Paul Newman also flew in a TBM as a rear gunner.

"It feels great to have the TBM Avenger home in Polk City along with the rest of the collection," said Weeks. "This bomber played a major role in the victory of World War II and helps to tell the story of the Allies' win in ways that history books simply cannot. It's truly a tangible piece of American history."

The TBM Avenger, a later reincarnation of the original Grumman TBF, was developed by the Eastern Aircraft Division of General Motors beginning in 1943. Designed for use on aircraft carriers, the TBM featured hydraulic folding wings and held three crew members: the pilot, turret gunner and radioman/bombardier/ventral gunner. With a large bomb bay, the TBM could carry a single 2,000-pound bomb or four 500-pound bombs.

Now that the TBM has joined the rest of Weeks' collection at Fantasy of Flight, it will most likely join the rotation of planes used for daily flight demonstrations. It will also be included in the attraction's next "Open Cockpit Days," June 20 and 21, 3 - 5 pm, in which guests get to climb aboard rare and historic aircraft and imagine what it was like to fly them - and of course, take advantage of an incredible photo opportunity. Open Cockpit Days are an additional charge for regular admission ticket holders and complimentary for annual pass holders. The TBM will be available with two other naval aircraft including the Grumman FM-2 Wildcat and the Corsair for the Open Cockpit Days that are part of Fantasy of Flight's Father's Day weekend. Other activities celebrating Dad during his special weekend include the Golden Age of Aviation R/C Fly-In, June 20 and 21, 10 am - 4 pm and a special Military Collectors Show, June 20, 9 am - 4 pm.

Fantasy of Flight is an aviation-themed attraction showcasing vintage aircraft from the world's largest private collection; themed immersion experiences; flight simulators; interactive exhibits; a tram tour of aircraft maintenance areas; Restoration and Backlot tours; Fun with Flight center for families and an Aerial Demonstration of the Day (weather permitting). Recent additions to Fantasy of Flight attractions include The Tuskegee Airmen - They Dared to Fly exhibit; the multimedia tribute to the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) - A Passionate Pursuit and a walking audio tour.

FMI: www.fantasyofflight.com