The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Tex Hill Wing will be hosting their annual fly-in event this weekend, May 18th at South Texas Regional Airport at Hondo, in Hondo Texas. This year’s event will be celebrating the achievements of the American Volunteer Group, “The Flying Tigers” with a special program covering the history of this famous Fighter Group that was extremely effective in combatting the Japanese during their campaign against the Chinese in the early days of World War Two. A restored Curtiss P-40 will be on hand for a discussion of it’s capabilities, flight characteristics and armament.
The show will also feature presentations held plane-side where visitors can meet the flight crews and learn the history and capabilities of the North American B-25 Mitchell, P-51 Mustang, T-6 Texan, Lockheed C-60 Lodestar, Douglas C-47 Skytrain and the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress.
There will be flight experiences on offer in the B-17 Flying Fortress “Texas Raiders” operated by the CAF Gulf Coast Wing and the B-25 Mitchell “Devil Dog” operated by the CAF Devil Dog Squadron. Also available for flights will be the North American T6 Texan and the Douglas C-47 Skytrain.
Rounding out the festivities of the day will be continuous WWII-era movies, a concert by the US Air Force Band of the West, aircraft fly-bys, food, souvenirs and fun for the whole family. Gates will open at 9:00AM and promises to be a very full day.
