Fantasy Of Flight To Give A Ride In One Of Only Four
Flight-Worthy WWII Fieseler Fi-156 Storch Airplanes In The
World
Fantasy of Flight has set out to find the World's Greatest Dad
just in time to give him the thrill of a lifetime this Father's Day
weekend.
Fantasy of Flight Storch
Fantasy of Flight is asking children and adults to submit an
essay of 50 words or fewer describing why their dad is the "World's
Greatest Dad." The winning dad will receive the
once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to take a 30-minute ride over
Central Florida in one of only four Fieseler F1-156 Storch
airplanes in the world.
Fantasy of Flight's Storch is still in top-notch flying
condition and still has its original German Argus engine. The
doting dad will also receive tickets for the family (up to four
people) to Fantasy of Flight on Father's Day, June 20, as well as
four Fantasy of Flight annual passes for the family to visit the
attraction as often as they'd like for a year, a VIP Tour including
behind-the-scenes accessibility of Fantasy of Flight led by Storch
pilot, aviation historian and restoration specialist Ken Kellet, a
special Father's Day lunch (for up to four people) at the Compass
Rose Diner and a special Fantasy of Flight gift basket for Dad.
Second prize in the contest is a package for Dad and his
nominating (and now "favorite") child including a pair of tickets
to Fantasy of Flight for this Father's Day, two Fantasy of Flight
annual passes, a special Father's Day lunch for two at the Compass
Rose Diner and a special Fantasy of Flight gift basket for Dad. The
third place winner receives the second prize winner's package,
other than one annual pass instead of two.
Fantasy of Flight Storch Cockpit
This marks the first time that Fantasy of Flight has held a
contest where the winner was awarded a ride in the extremely rare
Storch, designed by Fieseler in 1935 and generally considered to be
the best vintage liaison (or L-Bird) airplane ever designed.
Liaison aircraft were small, slow flying and usually unarmed
aircraft used in World War II to observe enemy artillery or
transport commanders or messengers. With its high-lift wings
and fixed slots, it can take-off and land in less than 200 feet and
has a stall speed less than 25 mph. It proved its worth
throughout World War II, when more than 4,000 were ultimately
built. Used on all fronts, its engine had a tendency to
overheat, and the side cowls were generally left off in hot
climates. Fans of vintage liaison planes prefer the Storch even
more than the popular Mustang P-51.
In the words of Fantasy of Flight founder and creator, Kermit
Weeks, "The Storch is sexy!"
File Photo
The aircraft was involved in many significant events during
World War II. Field Marshall Erwin Rommel, "The Desert Fox," flew
in one throughout the North African Campaign, landing in troubled
spots everywhere along the front lines. It was a Storch that
rescued Italian dictator Mussolini from a hotel atop a mountain
peak after Italian partisans captured him toward the end of the
war. It was a Storch that transported the bomb that was used
in the attempt on Hitler's life in July of 1944. Less than a
year later, during the final days of the war in Europe, famous
German female test-pilot Hanna Reitsch flew a Storch into the heart
of besieged Berlin. She landed near the Brandenburg Gate to get
last minute instructions from Hitler.
Responses are due Tuesday, June 8 by 5 pm and may be submitted
online under the homepage link, "World's Greatest Dad;" by
mail to Fantasy of Flight, "World's Greatest Dad" 1400 Broadway
Blvd. SE, Polk City, FL. 33868; or in the attraction's lobby no
later than 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 8.
Also in honor of Fathers Day, Fantasy of Flight is offering free
general admission to all fathers when accompanied by a paying guest
from Thursday, June 17 to Sunday, June 20, 2010. Any paid
youth, senior or adult admission ticket qualifies as the
accompanying paid admission. Offer valid Thursday, June 17 -
Sunday, June 20, 2010.