Jet Will Help Veterans And Kids With Cancer

The Spirit of Flight Foundation, operator of the non-profit Spirit of Flight museum, has taken delivery of a Dassault Falcon 20 jet as part of its growing collection.  The museum plans to use the plane for charitable and education purposes.

“We have a goal at the Spirit of Flight Center museum to help transport wounded veterans, as well as kids with cancer, to treatment centers around the country in the Falcon” said Gordon Page, President of the Spirit of Flight Center.   “The Falcon 20 is a great addition to the museum collection, and it will allow us to help get the word out about our mission to honor veterans, and how we save aviation history.”

Since the first flight in 1965, the Falcon 20 has been used by civilian and military operators worldwide with great success, including Federal Express, the Coast Guard, and the Pan American Business jet division.

Most Falcon 20s were powered by the General Electric CF700 engine, but many of these were re-engined with Garrett TFE731 engines. These aircraft were re-designated with a "-5" after the model number. 

“The Spirit of Flight Falcon 20 has the TFE731 engines,” said Gordon Page.  “The performance, especially flying from West to East, is amazing.  It is possible to fly for five hours.”

The Spirit of Flight Falcon 20 was made possible by a generous donation.  The museum is looking for donors to support transport missions through tax deductible donations. 

“We are looking at the most effective way to operate the Falcon” said museum board member, Doug Eastman.  “As an airline Captain for my day job, I see the potential of this addition as a major milestone for the Spirit of Flight.”  Eastman added, “I look forward to getting checked out and helping with the missions.”

(Images provided with Spirit of Flight Foundation news release)

FMI: www.spiritofflight.com