Tue, Jan 06, 2009
Kermit Weeks, creator and founder of
Central Florida's Fantasy of Flight, and a championship
aerobatic pilot, has been selected as a member of the Florida
Aviation Hall of Fame. Weeks was inducted into the Florida Aviation
Hall of Fame recently at the society's sixth annual induction
ceremony.
Weeks was one of three people inducted into the society this
year. A pilot and aircraft designer, Weeks has placed among the top
three aerobatics champions in the world five times and has won more
than 20 medals in World Aerobatics Championships.
The aviation enthusiast began restoring and preserving antique
aircraft in the 1970s and today owns more than 140 civilian and
military planes which he has been displaying for the enjoyment of
the public at his Polk City attraction, Fantasy of Flight, since
1995. The attraction is the only one in the world that offers daily
aerial demonstrations featuring rare, vintage aircraft. It also
features daily tours of the restoration shops where craftsmen work
to restore and rebuild aircraft to flyable condition.
Also inducted this year were Zack Mosely, who was inducted
posthumously, and who flew hundreds of missions for the Civil Air
Patrol during World War II and created the nationally syndicated
aviation feature "Smilin' Jack," as well as Ed Hoffman, designer
and builder of all-wood airplanes. Past inductees have included
Paul Tibbetts, pilot of the Enola Gay; and John Paul Riddle,
founder of Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.
"I am absolutely humbled to be counted among the great men and
great pilots who have been inducted into the Florida Aviation Hall
of Fame," said Weeks. "I feel incredibly fortunate to be honored
for simply doing what I love."
Anyone may make nominations for the Aviation Hall of Fame but
inductees are chosen by the 500 members of the Florida Aviation
Historical Society. Three inductees are selected each year.
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