The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Dixie Wing will present a series of six Aviation Living History events in 2017 to share the history of notable aviation events and aircraft through the eyes of pilots, veterans and historians. All events will begin at 11 a.m. at the Dixie Wing headquarters and museum, 1200 Echo Ct., Peachtree City, Ga., adjacent to Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field. The series of two-hour presentations will run from February through December, with a $10 admission fee. Military retirees will be admitted free.
The series begins Feb 18 with “Flying the U-2 Dragon Lady,” presented by former U.S. Air Force pilot Bob Heath. The second presentation March 18 will highlight the Flying Tigers, presented by two authors and descendants of Flying Tigers pilots, Susan Clotfelter Jimison and Billy McDonald. On May 20, historian Zellie Orr will present “The Tuskegee Airmen’s Heritage in U.S. Military Aviation,” featuring a panel of original Tuskegee Airmen and successors.
The second half of the series will open Oct. 21 with pilot Bruce Connors discussing “Flying the F-111 Aardvark.” Retired CIA officer and U.S. Navy submariner Rick Ector will present “The SBD Dauntless and the Battle of Midway” on Nov. 18. (A original SBD Dauntless dive bomber is based at the Dixie Wing.) Racing pilot Thom Richards will close the 2017 series Dec. 16 with “The History of Air Racing – from Warbirds to Racers.”
“This is the second year for our Aviation Living History Days program, which we designed to fulfill our mission of aviation education,” said Dixie Wing Leader Jay Bess. We are grateful that so many of our members and other aviation experts are willing to share their experiences and knowledge about WWII and beyond. Also, the public is invited to visit our museum and hangar on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by special appointment.”
For more information about Aviation Living History Days or the CAF Dixie Wing, please go to www.dixiewing.org.
About the CAF Dixie Wing
The CAF Dixie Wing, based in Peachtree City, Ga., was approved as the 83rd CAF unit on Feb. 28, 1987, and has since displayed its collection of vintage World War II aircraft in numerous air shows throughout the United States. The wing is a non-profit, tax-exempt “flying museum” that relies on contributions of time and funds to carry out its mission.
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
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