Wings of Hope Charity Open House

The Open House is a great experience for all involved. A number of reenactors, vehicles, aircraft and people stop in to visit, see the sights and learn about WWII. On top of it, charities such as Second Harvest Food Shelf are featured and contributed to. Look for the Open House next year, it should be quite an event!
(Photos Thanks to Gary Chambers and Max Haynes)

(It was a perfect day to host the Open House)


(Numerous Aircraft stopped in to visit, including this T-50 Bamboo Bomber...)


(... And the World Record holding Miss Mitchell 2, of Flugtag fame!)


(Miss Mitchell ran History Flights all day long)


(The motor pool got involved in the ride program as well, offering rides to those who wanted to stay closer to the ground)


(The presence of the reenactors added significantly to the event, showing the uniforms and gear that would match up to the aircraft on hand [Eric Cheever, Troy LaFaye, Darren Byrnes, Eric Delacruze, Peter Laughlin)


(Eric Cheever and Troy LaFaye, looking the part in the cockpit)


(Eric Delacruze operates the Norden Bombsight)


(Amy Lauria and Eric cruise in the Jeep)


(Troy took a nap, even with the B-25 running!)


(Superman even got involved and took on some Germans!)


(Liz Strophus was asked to show Alan Miller her piloting skills)


(She had no problem doing that!)


(Liz grinned from ear to ear after her flight, which made everyone else grin from ear to ear as well!)


(Liz gets a warm reception when she gets back, the perfect way to end the Open House!)

FLUGTAG!

Flugtag (or Flight Day) was conceived in 1991 by the owner of Red Bull (Energy Drink). It took place in Vienna, Austria and the world record flight (195 ft) has been undefeated since then. Over the years, the Flugtag has expanded around the world, and holds events many times a year, in many states and countries. On the 24th of July, it was held in St. Paul, at Harriet Island, in front of crowd of more than 90,000 people (more than any other Flugtag event). "Major Trouble and the Dirty Dixies", a team gathered by Jason Franke (son of member Glenn Franke) came up with the idea to model their flying craft after Miss Mitchell. They worked closely with Bob Wiplinger (owner of Wipair) and came up with a very good representation of Miss Mitchell. A lot of engineering, time and testing were put into the craft, and it was worth it! The aircraft was pushed from the 30 ft high platform, released from its base and cleared the world record, flying 207 ft!!! Congratulations to Major Trouble and the Dirty Dixies, and Wipair for their accomplishment!

Expect to see the flying machine at our Charity Open House on August 14th.

(Photos Thanks to Various Sources, Video thanks to Red Bull on Youtube)

(The aircraft was piloted by Rachel Norman, one of Wipair's pilots)


(It was pushed off the platform by 4 members of the team)


(Yes, the tail doesn't look right, but the whole thing rotates (making it a stabilator) to create more control surface)


(Pulling up from the dive was the most difficult part, from there it sailed to victory!)