The Lockheed P-38 Lightning is one of the many planes that spectators can view at this Saturday’s High Country Warbird Fly-In at the Valle-Grand Canyon Airport.
Once again, warbirds will take to the sky over the Valle Airport, this Saturday, when Planes of Fame Air Museum hosts its annual High Country Warbirds Fly-In.
Although there is no formal, scheduled program for the day's activities during the event, gates are open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and flying activities will be conducted throughout the day. Member-supported warbird orientation flights will also be available throughout the day on Friday and until mid-afternoon on Sunday.
Parking is free and refreshments will be available for purchase.
General admission is $8 for adults, $2 for ages five-11 and free for children under five.
As an added attraction, this year's fly-in will coincide with the inaugural yearly membership meeting of the P-38 National Association, which will bring together World War II U.S. Army Air Forces personnel who operated the famous Lockheed P-38 Lightning fighter plane in combat against the Axis forces.
Since the roster of surviving World War II veterans is now declining at an alarming rate, the P-38 National Association will be formulating the direction for its future at this meeting.
An attraction in Arizona's high country since 1995, Planes of Fame Air Museum-Grand Canyon has nearly three dozen warbirds and classic aircraft on display along with a selection of vintage automobiles.
In addition to aircraft from the Planes of Fame collection, the display includes vintage combat aircraft from the Friedkin Family Chino Warbirds Collection, as well as some of John Seibold's classic aircraft and vintage automobiles.
Since a number of the aircraft on display are flyable, there should be plenty of up-close and personal warbird flying action throughout the day on Saturday, along with the chance to meet with genuine World War II combat heroes, and even opportunities for the public to experience the thrill of orientation flights in authentic warbirds.
An independent, non-profit, educational institution, Planes of Fame Air Museum supports its daily operations with admission fees, donations, facilities rentals and proceeds from the use of its aircraft in various productions. The museum also has a membership program available to the public, with one of the benefits of membership being the ability to enjoy orientation flights in some of the warbirds.
For more information about the High Country Warbirds Fly-In, Planes of Fame Air Museum or member-supported warbird orientation flights, call 928-635-1000.
