Hangar Talk and the Flying Demo of the Grumman F8F “Bearcat”

Hangar Talk and the Flying Demo of the Grumman F8F “Bearcat” This Saturday!

Great topics and a chance to see this powerful little fighter take to the skies

We’ve got a great line-up for the June 3, 2023 “Hangar Talk” and a spectacular Flying Demo with the powerful Grumman F8F “Bearcat”for everyone to enjoy. Doors to the Museum open at 9:00am and regular admission prices are in effect (Members always get in FREE).

“Hangar Talk” will kick off at 10:30am and last until noon. The Flying Demo will begin at 12:15pm with a brief presentation followed by engine start of the 2,250 horsepower Pratt & Whitney R-2800 radial engine of the Bearcat directly in front of the crowd.

We’ll be holding our “Member’s Only” raffle for a flight in the Vultee BT-13 “Valiant” training aircraft from World War II. All members in attendance will be eligible for this drawing.

There will be food trucks on-site and everyone is welcome to enjoy the 14 acre Museum and our collection of over 100 aircraft.”Hangar Talk” begins at 10:30am in the Maloney HangarThe Story of the Ejection Seat

The Museum’s Richard Malvino will take us through the evolution of escaping from a damaged aircraft. From early parachutes to the development of the modern ejection seat, this presentation will give us insight into every military pilots final option – cross their fingers, pull the handle, and blast their way out of their aircraft and to safety.Special Guest: Dan Petkunas and “Combat Flying: Vietnam”

We’re thrilled to have USAF Col. (ret) Dan Petkunas join us for this Hangar Talk. Dan will take us through his experiences during the Vietnam War where he flew 222 combat missions in the McDonnell Douglas F-4 “Phantom.”

From near misses to mission accomplishments, Dan chalked up an impressive record of achievements. For his service, he was recognized with three Distinguished Flying Crosses and eighteen Air Medals. Dan will take us on this exciting trip into his military history.TED Talk: “A Father’s Legacy”
Join the Museum’s Ted Mount as he brings us a unique Father’s Day story about Edward Joseph O’Hare and his son, Edward Henry “Butch” O’Hare.

We’ll visit the mean streets of Chicago during the Prohibition days. We’ll learn of gangsters and the reign of Al Capone. We’ll meet “Easy Eddie” O’Hare – Capone’s trusted lawyer and his young son, Edward – better known to everyone as Butch. This is a story of love and sacrifice that will ultimately take us to incredible heroics in the Pacific War. Ted will shape this into a story of true inspiration, devotion, and redemption.

Flying Demo of the Bearcat begins at 12:15pm

The Museum’s Scott Cassells will present our Flying Demo presentation beginning at 12:15pm on our “Hot Ramp.”

Then we’ll start-up the Bearcat’s powerful engine and watch as she taxis away. She’ll then take to the skies over the Museum for twenty minutes. Upon her return, guests can meet and talk with the

Bearcat’s pilot in a fun “Q&A” session.

Early morning fog is slated to give way to sunny skies – perfect flying weather! Make a trip out to the Museum this Saturday (June 3, 2023) to enjoy all this event has to offer!

Planes of Fame Air Museum 909-597-3722 ~ www.planesoffame.org
Open Wednesday – Sunday 10:00am until 4:00pm
Doors Open at 9:00am on Saturday, June 3, 2023 for Event Saturday
Note: Alternate Routes to Museum Necessary Due to Road Construction – Check website