Warbird Weekend to display vintage military aircraft at Shelby County Airport – Shelby County Reporter

By DONALD MOTTERN | Staff Writer

CALERA – History buffs and fans of vintage military aviation will have the rare opportunity to experience some vintage aircraft when Warbird Weekend takes place May 13-19 at the Shelby County Airport.

Warbird Weekend is a joint event involving a number of aviation groups, including the Commemorative Air Force, which led the charge in organizing the event.

“We are a national organization that operates World War II aircraft. We have approximately 175 World War II aircraft that we fly through various regional branches across the country,” said Pat Grogan Wing Leader of the Shelby County Airport-based Commemorative Air Force – Birmingham Escadrille. “Here in Alabama we have Birmingham, Huntsville and the Florabama Wing. We have a World War II training plane at the Shelby County Airport called a PT-19 – this would have been a trainer in the first step of pilot training during the war.

The event includes a partnership with the Flying Legends of Victory Tour, hosted by Arizona Air Base, which is providing the B-17 bomber named Sentimental Journey and their B-25 named Maid in the Shade for the event.

“Our sister organization in Arizona, called Airbase Arizona, has multiple aircraft, including a B-17 and B-25 bomber,” Grogan said. “I think there are only three B-17s flying in the United States right now. Arizona Air Base is currently on a tour that started in Arizona and goes through Texas, New Orleans, Birmingham, Georgia and then makes its way up the East Coast. They wanted to stop at Shelby County Airport to support our unit.”

Bombers will be at the Shelby County Airport, located at 265 Weather Vane Road in Calera, from Tuesday, May 14 through Sunday, May 19.

Visitors can book a ride on the B-17 or B-25 bombers on flights available Friday through Sunday. Seating is limited and weather and other factors beyond the control of event organizers may affect ride availability. Rides can be booked online at FlyingLegendsTour.com

The costs for the flights are as follows:

• B-25 front jump seat – $590
• B-25 Waist Gunner Seat – $375
• B-17 bombardier/navigator seat – $850
• B-17 radio room/hip gunner seat – $475

Tours of the two bombers will also be available Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The cost of the tours is $15 per person or $30 per family.

Event sponsors for the outing include Hendrick Chevrolet Hoover, Birmingham Escadrille Commemorative Air Force and Baker Camp Arnold Capital Management.

Other vintage military aircraft have also been invited to attend the event on a static exhibition basis and a number of vintage military vehicles, including jeeps and trucks, will also be in attendance. Related organizations such as the Birmingham Aero Club and Women in Aviation will also have information stands at the event and merchandise for sale.

“It will be a great opportunity for anyone interested in history, aviation or patriotic events to come see aircraft from different vintage eras,” Grogan said. “They can talk to pilots, learn more about the aircraft and take tours of the planes and bombers.”

A Vietnam-era UH-1 Huey helicopter will also provide rides from Shelby County Airport on Saturday, May 18 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as part of the weekend. That experience will be provided by The Friends of Army Aviation, an organization based in Ozark, Alabama and made up of former military helicopter pilots who have restored the helicopter for educational purposes and driving experience.

‘I’ve flown it myself; last fall they had a career aviation day in Pell City,” Grogan said. “It costs $80 and takes about twenty minutes. They do simulated military maneuvers, going up and down and sideways, making high turns and things like that.

Minors aged 2 to 17 may drive with some restrictions, while minors aged 16 and 17 may drive alone, provided they have written permission from their parent or guardian.

Tickets for the helicopter flights can be found at friendsofarmyaviation.org/venue/shelby-county-airport.

“Warbird Weekend is a special opportunity to see the aircraft that have helped protect the United States over the past 80 years,” Grogan said. “This will be a great opportunity to see vintage military aircraft and military vehicles in person for tours and rides.”