WILLIAMSBURG—To celebrate America 250, the Capital Wing of the Commemorative Air Force will fly in several WWII warbirds to the Williamsburg Aviation Scholarship Program’s “Warbird Expo” event at the Waltrip Williamsburg Executive Airport for one day only on Saturday, May 9.
Some of the featured crafts during this event include a Boeing PT-17 Stearman bi-plane, a Stinson OY-1, a Fairchild UC-61 Forwarder, and a very rare Japanese Fuji LM-1. One of the aircrafts featured in this expo was also featured at the airport’s 55th anniversary open house in September.
“For most people, a warbird ride is a bucket list item, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. For those in the Williamsburg area, this event is the opportunity to fly in a WWII warbird,” said Tom Hinrichsen, an event organizer for the Capital Wing. “The public can purchase rides in the Boeing Stearman bi-plane, the primary trainer used in WWII; the Stinson OY-1 flown as a naval gunfire observer in the Battle of Saipan and the first plane to land on the island; or the Fairchild Forwarder used by the Coast Guard to conduct anti-submarine warfare with one submarine sinking to its credit. Any warbird ride is an exciting experience, never to be forgotten.”
The airport says that this is the first time they are hosting a “Warbird Centric” event.
“There’s so much focus on the America 250, and there’s a lot of history in 250 as an airport, we feel it’s very in our wheelhouse to focus on aviation history,” said Heron Weidner, the manager at Waltrip Williamsburg Executive Airport (KJGG).
The Williamsburg Aviation Scholarship Program will also be hosting a pancake breakfast and a hot dog lunch. Charlie’s airport restaurant will also be open during the event.
Due to the limited number of flights available, it is suggested that flights be purchased in advance at the Capital Wing website capitalwingcaf.org/warbird-rides, and any unsold flights will be available for sale at the airport.
To learn more about Waltrip Williamsburg Executive Airport, please visit the official website.
