Tampa Bay Wing Lakeland, FL
Address:
Lakeland Linder International Airport
4075 James C. Ray Drive
Lakeland, FL 33811
Contact number:
(727) 270-3447
Website:
https://www.caftampabaywing.org
L-26B Aero Commander Ike's Bird More Ike's Bird Info
The factory drawing for Aero Commander serial number 55-4638 is titled “Ike’s Bird”. Built in 1955, the plane and several others were ordered by the government for a special purpose… to carry the President, Vice President and other government officials on short trips. The plane has the distinction of being the smallest aircraft ever to carry the “Air Force One” call sign. The story goes that President Eisenhower took office and refused to use the “Independence”, Harry Truman’s airplane, as his Air Force One. Instead he ordered a Lockheed Constellation as his primary aircraft. But for short trips into and out of his farm grass strip near Gettysburg, PA, the President needed... ...
PT-19 "50" More "50" Info
The Tampa Bay Wing was started in the summer of 2022, applied for a charter in December of 2022, and received a charter in January 2023. What began as a few aviation enthusiasts has grown into over 50 members and is still growing. In February 2024, the Tampa Bay Wing filed for and received approval for our first airplane, a Fairchild PT-19. In May 2024, the PT-19 was flown from California to Florida by Wing members. The Tampa Bay Wing will use our aircraft to continue the CAF mission to Educate, Inspire, and Honor.
The members of the Tampa Bay Wing have already shown a strong commitment to our mission. Their enthusiasm for locating and restoring aircraft has paved the way for educational programs in aircraft maintenance and restoration. These programs, designed to inspire and educate the next generation of pilots and maintenance personnel, stand as a testament to the Wing's dedication to the CAF mission. In collaboration with local Veterans associations, we also plan to honor our Veterans with regional flights and flybys, further strengthening our ties with the community.
Mailing Address: CAF Tampa Bay Wing, 4075 James C. Ray Drive, Lakeland, FL, 33811
No events currently scheduled.
