HOT SPRINGS – From left: CAFMO pilot John Fester, Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce CEO Jim Fram, Arkansas Department of Aeronautics Director John Knight, CAFMO pilot Jordan Brown and Hot Springs District 4 City Director Pat McCabe.
A Hot Springs VIP team taking a “living history” flight yesterday on the 1944 B-25 “Show Me” Mitchell bomber included Greater Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce CEO Jim Fram, Arkansas Department of Aeronautics Director John Knight and Hot Springs District 4 City Director Pat McCabe. Joining them are Commemorative Air Force Missouri Wing pilots John Fester (left) and Jordan Brown.
CAFMO invited the team to fly on the B-25 in advance of the Aerospace Day and Job Fair, which will be held from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. tomorrow, Saturday, April 19 at Hot Springs Memorial Field, 525 Airport Road. The event highlights the availability of aerospace jobs and related training opportunities.
Along with the returning B-25 and the TBM-3 Avenger Torpedo Bomber will be a newcomer -- the Missouri Wing's 1941 US Army Aeronca L-3E "Defender" observation aircraft, nicknamed "Lil Show-Me." The L-3E and TBM-3 will be on static display only, while the B-25 will also be offered for “living history” rides Thursday afternoon through Sunday morning. A fee is charged for the rides.
During Aerospace Day, a free event, representatives from various companies and educational institutions will be on hand to discuss local career opportunities in the aerospace industry. The event will also include free airplane rides for youth ages 8 through 17 through the Young Eagle Program. No advance registration is necessary, but youth must be accompanied by an adult to register at the Henderson State information booth.
Henderson State University will bring its mobile flight simulator. Schools and military recruiters will be on hand with applications and additional information. Aviation art by the Hot Springs Traditional Arts Guild will be on display in the airport’s terminal building. AAR will provide facility tours, and Western Pilot, Inc. will give an air tanker water drop demonstration. Other vintage airplanes will also be on static display.
Headquartered in Midland, Texas, the Commemorative Air Force is a non-profit organization whose primary mission has been to acquire, restore and preserve in flying condition historic U.S. combat aircraft for the education and enjoyment of present and future generations of Americans. For more information, visit www.cafmo.org .