On November 2, 2024, Planes of Fame Air Museum will feature its “Hangar Talk and Flying Demo” event, showcasing the Lockheed P-38J Lightning. Starting at 10:30 a.m., the event includes presentations on aviation history, followed by a live demo at 12:15 p.m., complete with engine start-up, taxi, and Q&A with the pilot. Visitors can enjoy food trucks, the museum’s gift shop, and family-friendly activities. Admission applies, with free entry for members.
Planes of Fame Air Museum will kick off the “Flying Demo” with an outdoor presentation by museum historian Richard Malvino, highlighting the P-38’s World War II legacy and unique features. Following this, pilot Chris Fahey will start the P-38’s powerful Allison V-1710 engines before taxiing for take-off, offering an ideal photo opportunity. While the aircraft gets into position, a “Members Only” raffle will be drawn for a chance to fly in a WWII trainer. Fahey will then perform a thrilling 20-minute flight, showcasing the P-38’s agility and speed, followed by a Q&A session and close-up viewing for guests.
Planes of Fame’s P-38J, built in Burbank, California, and delivered into service during May, 1944, has the distinction of being the 5,018th P-38 built – halfway through the total number of Lightnings which Lockheed produced. The fighter served with the 483d Army Air Force Base Unit in Santa Maria, California – a Replacement Training Unit providing combat crew training for P-38s during WWII. In September 1945, the military transferred the now-redundant airframe to the Hancock College of Aeronautics which used it to instruct trainee maintenance personnel. The Museum acquired the aircraft in 1959. In 1988, the aircraft returned to flying condition, thanks to a generous donation towards its restoration from Bob and Josie Pond.
Today, there are fewer than two dozen intact Lightning airframes in preservation anywhere in the world, with barely more than a handful in active flying condition. Steve Hinton’s Fighter Rebuilders, with assistance from museum volunteers, performed a 13-month restoration of the P-38 at Chino. The museum’s Lightning has seen a little Hollywood screen time, having flown in the 1992 movie, Iron Eagle III.
The museum’s doors will open at 9:00 am, while the Hangar Talk presentation will begin at 10:30 am, lasting until 12:00 pm. Regular admission prices are in effect, but Museum Members always get in free! For more information about the event, visit www.planesoffame.org
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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