The Flight Line
Eleven aircraft. Nine decades of American military aviation. All in one place, for one day.
Aircraft 01
RAF · WWII
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.
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.
Aircraft 02
Luftwaffe · WWII
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.
Did You Know
Hangar films during the event also cover the Me-262, and displays nearby include authentic German WWII items and pilot uniforms.
Aircraft 03
D-Day · WWII
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.
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.
Aircraft 04
US Navy · WWII
Distinguished by its inverted gull wings, the Corsair dominated the Pacific theater. Its 11-to-1 kill ratio made it one of the war's most feared fighters.
Did You Know
Japanese pilots nicknamed the Corsair 'Whistling Death' for the sound of its wing intakes at high speed.
Aircraft 05
US Navy · WWII
A long-range flying boat that patrolled every ocean of WWII — famed for spotting the Bismarck and for tireless air-sea rescue missions.
Did You Know
Catalina crews were called 'Black Cats' — flying night patrols painted matte black to avoid detection.
Aircraft 06
Vietnam Era
A piston-engined attack aircraft that outlasted the jet age. Beloved by ground troops in Vietnam for its ability to loiter and deliver massive ordnance loads.
Did You Know
Called 'Sandy' by rescue pilots — the Skyraider escorted downed airmen home more than any other aircraft in Vietnam.
Aircraft 07
Vietnam
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.
Did You Know
For many visitors, hearing the stories of Huey crews in person is just as memorable as stepping inside the aircraft itself.
Aircraft 08
USAAF Trainer
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.
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.
MQ-1C Gray Eagle
Aircraft 09
Modern · US Army
A modern unmanned aircraft system providing reconnaissance, surveillance and precision strike for US Army units around the world.
Did You Know
The Gray Eagle can loiter overhead for more than a day at a time — a bird's-eye view for troops below.
Aircraft 10
Modern · US Army
The Army's heavy-lift workhorse. Tandem rotors, six decades of continuous service, and a payload capacity that no other US helicopter matches.
Did You Know
The Chinook can lift a fully loaded Humvee — and has been in continuous service longer than any US helicopter.
KC-135 Stratotanker
Aircraft 11
Modern · Flyover
A flyover from the aerial refueling backbone of the US Air Force. In service since 1957 and still keeping the world's aircraft flying today.
Did You Know
The KC-135 flies overhead during the ceremony — look up, and thank the crew.