TERRELL, TEXAS – The 8th annual Flights of Our Fathers Fly-In at the Terrell Municipal Airport takes off Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015, for a full day of aerobatics, displays of military and vintage aircraft, World War II re-enactors, car and motorcycle show, barbecue cook-off, kids’ activities, guest speakers, food and more.
“We’ve really stepped up our game this year, thanks to our sponsors,” explained Don Thurman, chairman of the board of directors of the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum, the beneficiary of proceeds from the Fly-In. “We’ve added two aerobatic performers – Randy Ball in his “Check-Six” MiG-17F and Adam Baker flying his Extra 330 LX – who will thrill crowds with their daredevil flying.”
The annual event draws thousands of aviation enthusiasts, local and regional residents to enjoy a full day of events and attractions. After the British and American flags are posted at 8:15 a.m., the fun begins with a pancake breakfast ($5) from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. benefiting the Civil Air Patrol Black Sheep Squadron. Visitors can enjoy the static displays of vintage and military aircraft, visit a World War II re-enactor camp, or stop by the car and motorcycle show throughout the morning. The performers take to the skies around 10 a.m. and again around 2:30 p.m. for an air show.
Two formation flight teams – the Texas V-Tails and Falcon Flight – begin the air show, followed by Pat Tuckey flying his home-built, RV-8 aircraft doing the “Tuckey Twosome”. Dave Honaker’s Super Decathlon, Russell Husbands in a Pitts and Carl Best’s T-6 trainer will also take to the skies. Adam Baker, flying his Extra 330, will race a Corvette Grandsport down the runway as part of his performance. Up next is Randy Ball flying a restored MiG-17F, the primary enemy aircraft of the Vietnam War.
Visitors can also purchase rides in some of the aircraft on display including Commander Phil Webb’s Stearman biplane, one of the aircraft actually used at Terrell to train RAF pilots during World War II, and the Commemorative Air Force’s B-25.
Educational activities and crafts will be offered throughout the day in the Kids’ Zone, housed in one of the hangars. UT-Tyler’s STEM trailer which highlights science, technology, engineering and math skills will be one of the attractions. Home Depot will also offer hands-on activities as will the Kaufman County Environmental Co-op.
Guest speakers include Tom Killebrew, author of The Royal Air Force in Texas; Daniel Flores, a former combat helicopter pilot and author of South of Heaven: My Year in Afghanistan; and a current RAF pilot who will review the Battle of Britain and share the history of the Royal Air Force.
Throughout the day, air show guests will be tantalized with smells from Nucor’s Cooking for the Cause barbecue cook-off. Benefiting the Kaufman County Fire Chiefs and Firefighters Association, cook-off competitors will vie for awards for chicken, spare ribs, brisket, pork butt, pinto beans and cobbler.
Providing sponsorship support for the 2015 Fly-In are Madix, City of Terrell, Terrell Chamber of Commerce Convention & Visitors Bureau, Terrell Aviation, Terrell Independent School District, Windsor Rehabilitation & Health Care Center, Nucor, American National Bank of Texas, Suddenlink, Oncor, and Texas Bank & Trust.
Gates open at 8:15 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Tickets are $7 per person or $15 per carload. For more information visit www.bftsmuseum.org/fly-in-2015.php or call 972-551-1122.
About the No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum
The No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum was established in 1987 to house, collect and display memorabilia related to the operation of the flying school at the Terrell Municipal Airport during World War II. One of only six flight schools in the country set up by the U.S. military, instructors at the flying school taught more than 2,000 young English aviators to fly from 1941-1945. The Terrell community welcomed the young airman, offering home-cooked meals and transportation, forming life-long friendships and continuing to care for the graves of 20 cadets who died during training exercises.
