News Release: Leesburg Executive Airport to Host WWII Warbirds Showcase

Leesburg, VA (May 10, 2024) –The Capital Wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) will host a WWII Warbird Showcase on Saturday, May 18 and Sunday, May 19, at Leesburg Executive Airport.

The two-day event will provide residents in Northern Virginia and surrounding communities the opportunity to see and hear vintage WWII warbirds in support of the Capital Wing mission to “Keep ‘Em Flying”. The event is also intended to honor the thousands of men and women who built, serviced, and flew the aircraft.

Headlining this unique event will be the North American T-6 “Texan”, which was the transition trainer to the larger military aircraft such as the P-51 Mustang fighter. The T-6 has a 600- horsepower radial engine with features such as retractable gear, flaps, and a constant speed propeller.

Rides will be available for purchase in the T-6 Texan as well as the Stinson OY-1, a Fairchild Forwarder, and a Boeing PT-17 Stearman open-cockpit bi-plane. The public can book any ride at the Capital Wing bookings website, https://www.capitalwingwarbirdrides.org/. Flights not sold in advance will be available for sale on site during the event.

In addition to warbird rides, the public will get a close-up view of vintage aircraft including a Japanese Fuji LM-1, one of only three in the world; and a French Alouette II, the world’s first jet-powered helicopter that will be there as a static display. Other attractions will include a B-26 twin 50-caliber machine gun turret, the Capital Wing PX (Post eXchange), as well as a food truck.

“The Leesburg Executive Airport is excited to host the Commemorative Air Force Warbird Showcase,” said Airport Director Scott Coffman. “It’s a unique opportunity for any aviation history fan who might want to take a ride in restored WWII-era aircraft.”

The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., both days. Admission is free. Leesburg Executive Airport is located at 1001 Sycolin Rd, in Leesburg.

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