#MIAMI FL.NEWS BRAVE CHURCH FULL#

in July 2019, the Tunison Foundation’s crew set about creating a DC-3/C-47 operators support group the Foundation started to use the Normandy trip as a launchpad for a more secure future for Placid Lassie and the PBY, which included a permanent hangar. The project was a success, with few mechanical issues and resulted in many flights over historic sites and interactions with thousands of Europeans grateful for America’s contribution to the war effort. contingent of C-47s – 15 in total – which crossed the Atlantic for the occasion.

#MIAMI FL.NEWS BRAVE CHURCH FULL#

His C-47 and PBY moved on to the then-new Tunison Foundation in 2017, which intended to preserve and operate both aircraft.īy 2019, commemorative festivities for the 75th anniversary of D-Day were in full swing, with the Tunison crew at the head of the U.S. Although the C-47’s restoration to wartime configuration took place relatively quickly, with the Skytrain making it to Normandy in time for D-Day’s 70th anniversary, her owner’s personal life underwent changes over time and he eventually chose to step away from warbird flying. An active pilot with a particular passion for amphibious flight, he purchased a Consolidated PBY Catalina project in 2008, amongst other amphibians. When he purchased the C-47 in 2010, Lyle was already fascinated by interesting aircraft. Until rescued by James Lyle, a New York-based British businessman, Lassie lay derelict in Covington, Georgia. Lassie, the Foundation’s 1943-built Douglas C-47 Skytrain, served in WWII Operations Neptune, Market Garden, Repulse, and Varsity in other words, she is a combat veteran with a significant to her name. Like many warbirds today, Placid Lassie would not be airworthy were it not for her rescue spurred on by one passionate private individual.

Today, a strong contingent of transport, liaison, and training aircraft form a growing proportion of the types which are actively flown by volunteer-led museums – of which the Tunison Foundation in Oxford, Connecticut is a great example. But in recent years, as operating and acquisition costs for fighters and other warbirds have risen due to a variety of cultural and market factors, some organizations have found a new opportunity to honor the service of those whose stories only rarely made it to Hollywood. Indeed, many of us will be fortunate enough to see a gathering of Corsairs at this year’s EAA AirVenture Oshkosh.

Walk around any air show, and it’s easy to see the Tuskegee Airmen, the Doolittle Raid, Memphis Belle, and more are passionately commemorated by many thoughtful and active flying museums and private individuals. As they once were critical to the war effort, they are now critical to preserving the memory of the brave men and women who fought in this global battle, too. Without a doubt, World War II fighters and bombers are fantastic machines.

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