The Warbirds Over the Beach Airshow is fast approaching, taking place on October 5-6, 2024. The museum’s dedicated maintenance team is working tirelessly to ensure that the aircraft collection is ready for the show. Renowned for its authentic World War II atmosphere, the airshow will feature the museum’s remarkable vintage warbirds in flight from their 130-acre campus, which includes a beautifully preserved 1940s airfield. What makes Warbirds Over the Beach truly special is not only the incredible lineup of historic aircraft but also the immersive experience it provides. Attendees can explore living history encampments, interact with period-dressed reenactors, and step back in time to experience a slice of America’s WWII heritage.
One of the event’s main attractions is the rare Messerschmitt Bf 109G-4, which will take to the skies after undergoing more than a year of maintenance. Chief pilot Mike Spalding first flew the Bf 109 on September 9th, and after a quick test flight, it returned to the shop for final adjustments. On September 25th, Spalding completed another successful test flight from the museum’s grass airstrip in Pungo, VA. “The airplane flew very well, as you’d expect from a Messerschmitt Bf 109. It’s definitely ready for the upcoming airshow,” said Spalding.
The museum’s Bf 109 is based on the remains of Bf 109G-4 WkNr 19257, which crashed on May 5, 1943, during a mission on the Eastern Front. The aircraft, piloted by Feldwebel Viktor Peterman of JG 52, suffered coolant system damage from Russian fighters, forcing a belly landing. Although Peterman took four days to walk back to his airfield, he had already claimed his 30th, 31st, and 32nd aerial victories before being shot down. This particular Bf 109 was restored by Meier Motors GmbH in Eschbach, Germany, with painstaking attention to detail, including input from former Luftwaffe pilots. However, due to the scarcity of original parts, it now flies with a composite propeller.
Its engine, a Daimler-Benz DB 605, also has an interesting history, having come from a German aircraft that mistakenly landed in Switzerland during WWII. The pilot destroyed his aircraft to prevent its capture, but the engine survived, stored in a Swiss warehouse until after the war. The aircraft is painted in the markings of Hauptmann Klaus Quaet-Faslem, GruppenKommandeur of Jagdgeschwader JG3 “Udet” during mid-1943. This historic fighter unit saw action across the European theater, from the Battle of Britain to the Eastern Front and, eventually, in the defense of the Reich.
The Military Aviation Museum’s *Warbirds Over the Beach* Airshow is a must-attend event for history enthusiasts, aviation fans, and families seeking an educational and thrilling weekend. With the sights and sounds of vintage aircraft roaring through the skies, it promises to be an unforgettable experience. All proceeds from the event support the Military Aviation Museum, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving military aviation history and inspiring future generations through educational programs. Mark your calendars and get ready for a weekend of nostalgia, excitement, and celebration of WWII aviation history. Click HERE to purchase tickets.
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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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