Vintage Aircraft Exhibits

Can you imagine the feeling of wonder, viewing a vintage aircraft taking off into the skies. It's awesome to watch these flying machines, as they were called. The sight of these aircraft flying over you is like watching history come alive.

Vintage aircraft are often exhibited at air shows and static displays. This brings people from all over the world to share their interest and knowledge of them. This keeps aviation history alive, and educates people on what flying was like long ago.

Often, what defines the term "vintage" is a source of debate. With cars, it's defined as from 1919 to 1930. However, many people regard the time between the two world wars as the vintage era. Aircraft built in the early post-war period, from the mid forties to the early fifties, are now old enough to be considered vintage.

The most famous of theminclude; Aeronca Champ, Beech 18 and Staggerwing, Bellanca Cruiseair and Cruisemaster, The German Bucker Jungmann, The early Cessna series, including the 120, 140, 170, 190, 195.

The British DeHavilland Chipmunk, The Fairchild 24W, PT-19 and PT-26 The Globe Swift, Luscombe Silvaire, an early aluminum plane, Monocoupe, Naval Aircraft Factory N3N, The early Pipers, including the famous Cub, plus the Pacer and Tri-Pacer, Rearwin Sportster, Ryan STA and PT-22, Stearman Biplane, Stinson Reliant, Taylorcraft BC-12D, Travel Air, and the Waco biplanes, among others.

Most of these manufacturers disappeared long ago, so keeping them in flying condition is a challenge.

These airplanes are a beauty to watch, and the big attraction at air festivals. These planes are painstakingly maintained by their owners and volunteers and flown for pleasure. You can often get close enough to photograph and talk to the pilots.

The two biggest air shows in the country are held every year at Oshkosh, Wisconsin and Lakeland, Florida. These gigantic events bring thousands of visitors.