Planes Of Fame Grand Canyon’s Annual Event Slated For Next Weekend

Escape the Arizona heat down south and retreat to the high country to enjoy a day of warbird flying and activities close to America’s greatest natural wonder, the Grand Canyon.

The Planes of Fame Air Museum of Chino, CA will present its annual High Country Warbirds Fly-In on Saturday, June 21, 2008 at its Grand Canyon facility at Valle Airport, 25 miles south of Grand Canyon National Park.

An attraction in Arizona’s High Country since 1995, the 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.

This year’s fly-in will also coincide with the inaugural yearly membership meeting of the P-38 National Association which will bring together World War II US. 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.

The event promises visitors plenty of warbird action throughout the day since a number of the aircraft on display are flyable. Visitors will also have the opportunity to meet with World War II combat veterans, and even have the experience of orientation flights in authentic warbirds if they desire.

Although there is no formal scheduled program for the day’s activities during the High Country Warbirds Fly-in, gates will be open to the public from 8 am until 5 pm, and flying activities will be conducted throughout the day.

FMI: www.planesoffame.org