The Planes of Fame Air Museum in Chino, California has an exciting line up of ‘Hangar Talks’ on November 5th. They will focus upon several aspects of naval aviation, and also explore the museum’s long history with scale aircraft models. Furthermore, they will hold the annual Ed Maloney Scale Model Contest, perform a flying demonstration of their Grumman F-8F Bearcat and host a visit from a number of classic cars, including Austin-Healeys, AC Cobras, and Ferraris! Below is a description of the events at Planes of Fame this coming Saturday.
Hangar Talk Line-Up – Here’s What’s In Store:
A Story of Devotion Brought to the Big Screen:
Planes of Fame is proud to have played a small role in the upcoming major motion picture release Devotion, due to hit theaters over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. The museum’s Brian Finnegan will take a look at this upcoming blockbuster, from the true story to the best-selling book and its development into this exciting film. Three of the museum’s own aircraft feature in the movie, including the Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat which will fly later in the day.
A Century of Aircraft Carriers: 1922-2022:
The Museum’s Michael Quinney will explore the fascinating evolution of the aircraft carrier from the early years through the super carriers of the present day. Quinney will relate some of his own experiences of carrier duty as he shows the importance of these massive ships in protecting America’s interests on the global stage.
US Attack Aviation: From the Red Baron to TOPGUN
Keynote speaker, Brigadier General R.G. Head (USAF, ret) will be on hand to talk about his newest book entitled, US Attack Aviation: From the Red Baron to TOPGUN, as he compares the differences between Air Force and Naval Aviators, the challenges of attack aviation, and the aircraft built for these duties – including a close-up look at the development and politics behind the creation of some of America’s next generation attack fighters. General Head’s newest book will be available for purchase and he will be happy to sign copies. General Head has given presentations at the museum, most recently when he spoke of German World War One ace, Oswald Boelke, and his contributions to combat aviation.
5th Annual Ed Maloney Scale Model Contest :
Open to all museum members and volunteers, the contest features scale model submissions in five different categories. Guests to the Hangar Talk will serve as judges for this event – receiving a number of stickers to place on the ballots located next to each scale model entry. Be sure to arrive early so you can judge the entries. This event is always lots of fun; it’s great to see the handiwork of expert modelers up close. Special Note – there is still time to enter the contest; please reach out to organizer, Ted Mount (email: [email protected]), if you would like to do so.
Flying Demo: Grumman F8F-2 Bearcat:
Following the Hangar Talk events, the action will move outside for the Flying Demo of the Museum’s F8F “Bearcat.” The museum’s Scott Cassells will give a brief presentation on the aircraft beginning at 12:15pm. Following this lecture, the Bearcat’s 2,000+ horsepower Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engine will fire up! The aircraft will then taxi out to the runway, take off and perform a flying demonstration over the museum for roughly 20 minutes. Upon the Bearcat’s return, guests will be able to ask questions of the naval fighter’s pilot, Rob Patterson. The Museum’s Bearcat is a beautiful restoration and, as already noted, it features in the upcoming motion picture, Devotion.
The museum’s doors will open at 9:00am; regular admission will furnish entry into the museum for the day, and also include access to the Hangar Talk and flying demo. As always, museum members get in for free!
