More than 12,000 aviation fans and family members filled the tarmac at the Commemorative Air Force Dixie Wing’s second annual Atlanta Warbird Weekend, Sept. 12-13 at Dekalb-Peachtree Airport. Guests toured A DC-3, a B-17, “Memphis Belle,” and viewed 33 WWII warbirds brought in for the occasion. They were able to see a fleet of five P-51 Mustangs, a British Royal Air Force Hurricane and other famous WWII aircraft. The air buzzed with landings and take-offs all weekend as more than 50 happy passengers enjoyed rides in the Dixie Wing’s WWII warbirds.WWII veterans and other pilots attracted large crowds as they discussed their experiences and their warbirds at a series of “Warbirds in Review” sessions in front of various aircraft. More than 37 veterans attended as honored guests. WWII pilot and triple ace Bud Anderson, 93, attended Atlanta Warbird Weekend and recounted his experiences to a sold-out crowd for “Dinner with an Ace,” at the 57th Fighter Group restaurant.
Families enjoyed activities provided by 16 vendors and presenters, including Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta History Center and the Museum of Aviation History in Macon. The Dixie Wing PX sold out of most of its inventory, and Dixie Wing authentic bomber gun turrets drew crowds of interested children and families. Six USAF T-6B aircraft and pilots changed plans and dropped in for the weekend, and 30 photographers attended an aviation workshop with special access to the vintage aircraft and twilight scenes.
Connie Bowlin, founder of EAA Warbirds of America, a Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame inductee (2009), and a Gathering of Eagles inductee said the Dixie Wing organizers “ and all the other volunteers can be proud of a great weekend.”
“This is a great event, well done Dixie Wing,” said Pat Epps, head of Epps Aviation and an inductee of the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame (2011) and the Gathering of Eagles.
“It was gratifying to see so many people turn out for the remembrance and celebration of the men, women and machines of the Greatest Generation,” said Jay Bess, program coordinator. “Some came from as far away as Texas to be part of this weekend. AWW brings together organizations, aircraft and people to keep this history alive and preserve the spirit of America’s shared past. We appreciate the many sponsors that helped make this weekend a success, including MetLife, Epps Aviation, Discover Dekalb, City of Brookhaven, PDK Airport, Atlantic Aviation, Yancey Cat, TSS Towers and Honk Kong Mall. With such strong support, we are already looking forward to an exciting event next year.”
Atlanta Warbird Weekend Picture Gallery by John Willhoff, click HERE.
About Commemorative Air Force Dixie Wing
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to flying and restoring World War II aircraft. Based in Dallas, Texas, the organization has more than 12,500 members and operates a fleet of more than 160 World War II aircraft. The CAF was founded to acquire, restore and preserve in flying condition a complete collection of combat aircraft that were flown by all military services of the United States, and selected aircraft of other nations, for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations of Americans. More than just a collection of airworthy warplanes from the past, the CAF’s fleet of historic aircraft, known as the CAF Ghost Squadron, recreates, reminds and reinforces the lessons learned from the defining moments in American military aviation history. The 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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