The Board of Directors of both the Antique Airplane Association and the Air Power Museum have announced the 2013 AAA/APM Invitational Fly-in will be held Aug. 28-Sept. 2, 2013, with the theme — “60th Anniversary of the Antique Airplane Association” — featuring Luscombe aircraft and the 75th Anniversary of the Model 8.
In 1953 AAA founder Robert Taylor placed a classified ad in an aviation magazine, founding the organization that is now headquartered on its own privately owned airport in Iowa, which is home to the Air Power Museum and hosts the pre-eminent fly-in for owners of antique/classic aircraft every year, known simply as “Blakesburg.”
Through those last 60 years the AAA has been the leader in helping its members restore and fly their antique and classic aircraft while also helping to protect and advocate for their owners/pilots rights, according to association officials.
“In honor of this milestone we will celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the AAA and our 60th National Fly-in by featuring antiques that attended those very first fly-ins starting in 1954,” officials said in a prepared release. “It’s fitting then that we feature Luscombe aircraft as that aircrafts heritage emanates from Iowa where designer Don Luscombe was born, raised and where another of his earlier and famous designs, the Monocoupe, was originally manufactured.”
Officials said they have already begun the process to feature a impressive cross section of Don Luscombe designed aircraft including, hopefully, the Monoprep, Monocoupe models 90a, 110 spl, D-145, Luscombe Phantom, Luscombe model 8 (8A, 8E, 8F, T8F etc.), 11A Sedan and other aircraft with a Luscombe heritage.
The AAA/APM Invitational Fly-in is sponsored by the Antique Airplane Association and the Air Power Museum, both headquartered at Antique Airfield (IA27) near Blakesburg, Iowa. This By the Members, for the Members event is held on a privately owned airport that receives no federal, state or local funds, organizers note.
“While not an airshow nor public event, we encourage all with an interest in preserving and flying antique and classic aircraft to join the AAA and be able to attend this premiere antique/classic aircraft gathering,” officials conclude.
For more information: 641-938-2773, AntiqueAirfield@sirisonline.com; AntiqueAirfield.com
