In recent years, the warbird community has made remarkable efforts to create opportunities for young people to get involved in vintage aviation. Across museums and flying organizations throughout the United States, it’s becoming increasingly common to see young enthusiasts flying, restoring, and maintaining historic aircraft. A standout example is the Warbirds of Glory Museum in Michigan, where high school students are helping to rebuild a B-25 bomber almost entirely on their own. Another initiative, the Warbirds 20 Under 40 Rising Stars Program—launched by the National Warbird Operators Conference (NWOC)—recognizes and supports young pilots and maintainers making a difference in the vintage military aviation world. Until recently, however, there hadn’t been a dedicated flying event focused on bringing these young aviators together to network, learn, and share their passion. That changed thanks to the Savage family and their Vintage Flying Machines Museum.
Over the weekend of October 25–26, 2026, the Savages hosted the inaugural Young Aviators Fly-In in Huntington, Indiana. One of the museum’s core missions is to inspire and equip younger aviators to become active participants in preserving and flying historic aircraft—and this event delivered on that goal in a big way. About 40 young men and women, all under the age of 35, flew in from across the country—from Florida and Texas to New York and beyond. Their mission was clear: to ignite curiosity, fuel dreams, and ensure the next generation is ready to preserve and fly our nation’s vintage aircraft.
The museum’s Fairchild PT-26 played a key role in the weekend’s activities, serving as a training aircraft for new warbird pilots. Chief Pilot Job Savage checked out six young aviators in the airplane, including four first-time warbird pilots—one of whom completed her initial tailwheel solo flight. Alongside the checkouts, the weekend featured formation flying, photo flights, and even a pumpkin drop contest. Sixteen young aviators and enthusiasts also had the unforgettable opportunity to fly aboard Vintage Flying Machines’ beautifully restored DC-3 “Western Airlines.”
The weekend was more than just a fly-in—it was a powerful reminder that the future of aviation is in great hands. By continuing to inspire, mentor, and invest in these young pilots and maintainers, we’re not only preserving our past—we’re shaping the skies of tomorrow. Congratulations to Tim and Job Savage for their leadership and dedication in carrying forward this vital mission.
