Second World War aircraft will bring ‘living history’ to late August event at Calgary’s Aero Space Museum – Calgary Herald August 8, 2012
Pilot John Aitken with Vintage Wings of Canada stands on a P51D Mustang at the Springbank Airport. On Aug. 25 and 26, the Aero Space Museum of Calgary is hosting a very special event, with a flying B-17 bomber and this P51D Mustang at the museum for the Aviation Calgary Expo. Photograph by: Dean Bicknell , Calgary Herald
CALGARY – Two warbirds used in the Second World War headline an upcoming aviation expo.
A Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress and P-51 Mustang will take to the air during ACE: 2012 Aviation Calgary Expo, which runs on Aug. 25 and 26.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to see living history,” said Brenda Blair of the Aero Space Museum of Calgary, which is hosting the event.
Widely considered the most popular Second World War aircraft, the B-17 heavy bomber comes on loan from the Arizona Commemorative Air Force.
Blair said it’s one of the most fully restored B-17s remaining and one of only five capable of flying.
Finding 70-year-old parts involves scrunching scrap heaps or else the nuts and bolts will have to be milled from scratch.
“It takes a lot of work to restore aircraft,” she said.
A P-51 Mustang from Vintage Wings of Canada will also be featured during the expo.
The tactical-reconnaissance aircraft and fighter-bomber was flown by the Royal Canadian Air Force, including the Calgary 403 Squadron.
More than a dozen other aircraft will be displayed during the expo, including T-28 Trojans, a Boeing Stearman and F4U Cosair, although organizers caution that the lineup is subject to availability.
The expo will also feature book signings from aviation authors, kids’ activities and a barbecue with pilots.
The SAIT Polytechnic Art Smith Aero Centre will allow its ramp and apron to display the planes.
Some events have limited availability, ticket prices vary and more information can be found at asmac.ab.ca.
The Aero Space Museum of Calgary is located at 4629 McCall Way N.E.
