Atlanta Warbird Weekend (AWW) will present its largest lineup of World War II veterans and aircraft for its third annual event at Dekalb-Peachtree Airport (KPDK) in Chamblee, Ga., Sept. 24-25, 2016.
Attendees will see eight Curtiss P-40 Warhawks among a total of 40 WWII warbirds on the grounds. More than 20 WWII veterans will participate, including Lt. Dick Cole, the last remaining crew member of the famous Doolittle Raid over Tokyo.
Warbirds will fly during the day, with a special P-40 formation flight at 4 p.m., and rides will be available on vintage Commemorative Air Force (CAF) WWII aircraft throughout the weekend, beginning at 9 a.m. each day.
This year’s program also will celebrate the 75th anniversary of the American Volunteer Group (AVG), nicknamed the Flying Tigers, hosting the largest gathering of P-40 Warhawks in 50 years.
Notable veterans who will participate include AVG Flying Tigers crew members Frank Losonsky and Charles “Chuck” Baiden, both officers of the AVG Flying Tigers Association. A special guest, Lt. Gen. Fan, Ta-Wei, Chief of Staff of the Republic of China Air Force, will attend with four other officers.
Kids will be able to ride the USAF Rapid Strike flight simulator, experience how to operate bomber turrets (electronically operated), see the inside of aircraft cockpits and play in the PDK park playground.
Hosted by the CAF Dixie Wing, the weekend event features 15 educational displays and two Beechcraft T-6 Texan II trainers on display from the U.S. Navy and U.S. Air Force.
“Community support has been amazing and it is really bringing history alive in honor of our veterans,” said Jay Bess, CAF Dixie Wing leader and AWW co-chairman. “Aviation and veterans’ groups, museums, local municipalities and individuals are volunteering to help us share the story of World War II aviation history. This terrific weekend would not be possible without the support of Pat Epps and Epps Aviation, Atlantic Aviation, Discover Dekalb and Mario Evans, Dekalb-Peachtree Airport director.”
AWW will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day Sept. 24-25 at the Dekalb-Peachtree Airport. Food will be available with food trucks, the 8th Air Force Historical Society barbecue and the Downwind restaurant, which will be open both days.
For a complete schedule of activities and CAF aircraft flight prices and reservations, visit AtlantaWarbirdWeekend.com