An unusual AC-47D gunship of the Vietnam era, known as “Spooky,” will be part of the Virginia Regional Festival of Flight this coming weekend, April 28-29.
This 1944 Douglas DC-3C-R was restored into a flying status as the famous “Spooky” or “Puff the Magic Dragon” gunships used for close air support of United States troops in the Vietnam war.
Warbirds of America Squadron 14, Inc. has restored this AC-47 Gunship used during the Vietnam War in the markings of John Levitow’s airplane in which he received the Congressional Medal of Honor, Spooky 770 (N2805J).
A new feature of the fly-in this year is a Parade of Flight on Saturday, 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. during which antiques, classics, homebuilts and light sport aircraft will fly over the airport. During this hour the airport will be closed by NOTAM.
During the day see and examine these aircraft and talk to the owners. Also browse aviation vendor displays; attend 28 aviation-related educational forum sessions and four workshop sessions. There will also be a Woman’s Tent with expanded demonstrations and activities.
Get into the air at the Festival of Flight by taking a ride in either a helicopter or airplane. And if you are a kid, 8-17 years old, bring a parent on Sunday and take a Young Eagles flight. Rides will only be given from noon to 3 p.m. on Sunday, but registration for the rally is available Saturday and Sunday morning.
If you are flying in, you’ll find 100LL fuel prices are $5.25 a gallon, self-service or full service, organizers note. Or you also have the choice of self-service auto gas for $4 a gallon.
For information: www.VirginiaFlyIn.org
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I flew on Spooky 770 several times as a flight engineer with the 3rd SOS in Vietnam between Sept 68 and Jan 69. I had a good career in the AF starting in1966. I got out. In 1970, took a 5 year break and went back to college. In 1975 joined the Army Reserve in Green Castle, PA for four years as a CH-47 Shenook mechanic. The thought that was similar to a AC-47. Transferred to the West Virginia Air National Guard for years later. I received my commission in 1980 as a 1LT. I served 22 years with the 167th Air Lift Wing, in the Aerial Port Squadron, the last 11years as the squadron commander. Trasferred to State HQ for 1.5 years and then to the 130th Air Lift Wing as Logistics Group Commander and later as the Aircraft maintenance Group Commander. I finally retired in Jan 2007 as Colonel. It only took 36 years. I started in aircraft maintenance as an E1 and finished in aircraft maintenance as a O-6.