Commemorative Air Force Hosts Aviation Discovery Fest Nov. 10–12

This family-friendly festival celebrates our veterans by bringing history to life. Since its inception in 1957, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) has worked to preserve, protect and share the history of American military aviation. This year, the Dallas-based nonprofit will host Aviation Discovery Fest from November 10–12 at Dallas Executive Airport.

World War II-era airplanes

A fantastic array of historically significant and beautiful World War II-era airplanes will be on display at the Aviation Discovery Fest, many of which can be booked for private rides. For true American history buffs, these airplane rides serve as bucket-list memories, but they are much more important for the volunteers who maintain the aircraft. Funds generated from providing rides help maintain and preserve these flying pieces of history. Other airplanes that are not giving rides are instead offering tours and hands-on experiences. Aircraft featured at this year’s event and their classifications include:

B-29 Superfortress FIFI, Heavy Bomber*
P-51 Mustang Gunfighter, Fighter*
B-24 Liberator Diamond Lil, Heavy Bomber*
L-26 AeroCommander Ike’s Bird, Transport*
T-34 Mentor, Trainer*
PT-13 Stearman, Trainer*
AT-6 Texan Nella, Trainer*
PBJ Devil Dog, Medium Bomber*
C-47 Skytrain That’s All, Brother, Transport*
PT-19 Pride of Corsicana, Trainer*
PT-17 Stearman, Trainer
C-45 Expeditor Bucket of Bolts, Transport*
L-5 Sentinel Miss Ziggy, Liaison
P-40 Warhawk “Tex” Hill, Fighter
C-45 Expeditor Texas Dolls, Transport
L-19 Birddog, Liaison
C-45 Expeditor Yellow Belly, Transport
T-33 Shooting Star, Trainer Jet
L-2, Liaison
J-3 Cub Lulu Belle, Liaison
*Indicates plane offering paid rides

But the Aviation Discovery Fest offers much more than just these historic warbirds. Families will enjoy one of the most extensive Living History experiences available in the country, with re-enactors and military vehicles. These expertly-staffed interactive displays bring the wartime experience to life for guests of all ages. Kids will love riding in a Jeep, half-track or other military transport vehicle.

Aviation Discovery Zone

Visitors will find the Aviation Discovery Zone inside the Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center (NAEC). This highly interactive area includes dozens of educational experiences, live performances and more. Veterans will share their experiences throughout the weekend, often in front of the historically significant airplanes used in the campaigns they served.

New this year is a hands-on simulator in the cockpit of an actual C-47 based on an aircraft recovered and restored by the CAF, which led the main aerial Allied invasion on D-Day. Guests can strap into the cockpit and experience what it was like to fly teams of paratroopers into hostile territory as the Allies invaded Europe. The event will also display a classic car show featuring restored vehicles from the 1930s through the 1950s.

“There is no place in Texas better to spend Veteran’s Day weekend than the Aviation Discovery Fest,” said Henry “Hank” Coates, President/CEO of the Commemorative Air Force. “American veterans are celebrated in every aspect of this event, and their stories will come to life in ways that families cannot experience anywhere else.”

Education Day

Friday, November 10, is Education Day at Aviation Discovery Fest. On that day, thousands of school groups and homeschooled children can attend the event free of charge when registered by October 13. Schools or homeschool groups should register to attend here: aviationdiscoveryfest.org/education-day.

Volunteers are needed throughout the weekend. Those interested should register here: aviationdiscoveryfest.org/volunteer.

Tickets for the Aviation Discovery Fest start at just $5. A family pass, which includes two adult tickets and up to four children’s tickets, is available for $45, which reflects a $15 savings. Tickets for the event can be purchased at aviationdiscoveryfest.org.