The Jumps schedule for the much anticipated “Daks over Normandy” event is slowly materializing. For the first time since 1944 the skies over Normandy will be filled with Dakotas to drop paratroopers. Throughout Europe about 15 of these aircraft are still flying and for this very special occasion the plan is to bring them all together one last time,clcik HERE for our previous articles.The preliminary jumps schedule is now set for the following dates and locations:
4 June – 13.00 Hrs. – Carentan ( between Dead man’s Corner and Carentan )
5 June – 18.00 Hrs. – Utah Beach Museum
5 June – 21.00 Hrs. – Foucarville ( former German POW camp )
6 June – 19.30 Hrs. – Ste. Marie du Mont ( behind municipal sports grounds)
7 June – 14.00 Hrs. – Airship hangar Ecausseville
8 June – 13.00 Hrs. – la Fiere
8 June – 19.00 Hrs – St. Mère Eglise ( Town square )
For tourists and spectators who will participate to the event, the organizers have arranged scenic flights for the 5th, 6th and 7th of June.The scenic flights in vintage Douglas DC-3 Dakota’s will take off from Cherbourg Airport, passengers will be able to admire the historic Normandy countryside from the sky. The flight toute will include flights over towns and places such as St. Mère Eglise, Carentan, Ste. Marie du Mont and the Utah invasion beaches.
For aviation photographers interested in air-to-air photography, the organizers will have a T-6 available as well as seats reserved on C-47’s that will drop the airborne troops. If you are a professional aviation photographer or cinematographer and have an interest in doing this, get in touch with the organizers at [email protected].
Peter Braun,Daks over Normandy Project Director tells Warbirds News “At this moment we are still in search of one or more major contributors. As you all might understand for our endeavors we need a considerable amount of aviation fuel. Any donations can be made through our website www.daksovernormandy.com and they are highly appreciated. For sponsors we have a number of great opportunities. One of them is a VIP flight over Normandy on a DC-3 with complementary champagne! And since we are a US registered 501c3 non-profit organization, all donations are tax deductible.”
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.
l wonder if l have the time to join any of your drops in Normandy. l was born in 1944 and it means something to me.l have some 250 jumps(70 military static-the rest suares).Pls let me know details,if there is a chance to join.
Take care
Alexandros LIOLIOS M.D
Thessaloniki-HELLAS