CV

The Flight Line

Aircraft Showcase

Rare warbirds spanning American military aviation — all in one place, for one day.

Supermarine Spitfire

Aircraft 01

RAF · WWII

Supermarine Spitfire

The elegant fighter that defended the skies over Britain during the darkest days of 1940. The Spitfire became famous during the Battle of Britain and remains one of the most recognizable Allied aircraft of WWII.

First Flight
1936
Engine
Rolls-Royce Merlin
Top Speed
369 mph
Role
Fighter · Interceptor

Did You Know

This year's display highlights the RAF Spitfire as one of the signature aircraft visitors can see up close on the flight line.

Messerschmitt Me-262

Aircraft 02

Luftwaffe · WWII

Messerschmitt Me-262

The Me-262 was the first military jet ever to see combat. Introduced in 1944, it was one of Hitler's so-called 'Wonder Weapons' and represented a dramatic leap ahead in speed and technology.

First Flight
1941
Engine
2× Junkers Jumo 004
Top Speed
540 mph
Role
Jet Fighter

Did You Know

Hangar films during the event also cover the Me-262, and displays nearby include authentic German WWII items and pilot uniforms.

Douglas C-47 Skytrain

Aircraft 03

D-Day · WWII

Douglas C-47 Skytrain

This actual C-47 dropped US paratroops into France on June 6, 1944. It remains one of the most powerful artifacts on the field — a transport aircraft visitors can board and experience firsthand.

First Flight
1941
Crew
3 + 28 troops
Range
1,600 mi
Role
Transport · Paratroop

Did You Know

Event films also tell the story of the D-Day C-47, and visitors can climb aboard for a tour of this piece of American history.

Bell UH-1 Huey

Aircraft 04

Vietnam

Bell UH-1 Huey

One of the day's biggest family favorites, the Huey lets kids and grandparents climb aboard, meet the pilots who flew it in Vietnam, and sit at the controls around the guns and cockpit.

First Flight
1956
Rotor Diameter
48 ft
Crew + Troops
4 + 8
Role
Utility · Medevac

Did You Know

For many visitors, hearing the stories of Huey crews in person is just as memorable as stepping inside the aircraft itself.

Fairchild PT-19

Aircraft 05

USAAF Trainer

Fairchild PT-19

Metal was in short supply during WWII and badly needed for combat aircraft, so pilots were often trained in lighter aircraft like the PT-19, built largely of wood.

First Flight
1938
Engine
Ranger L-440
Top Speed
132 mph
Role
Primary Trainer

Did You Know

Stop by the hangar to see the PT-19 up close and learn how it helped prepare a generation of wartime pilots.