4th Annual Marvel of Flight
City of DeFuniak Springs Announces 4th Annual Marvel of Flight
DeFuniak Springs, Florida-(March 24, 2014)- The City of DeFuniak Springs is proud to announce our fourth annual fly-in/aviation festival, “Marvel of Flight” on Saturday, April 26, 2014, 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. at the DeFuniak Springs Municipal Airport on Hwy 90 West. Come experience history at the DeFuniak Springs Airport as we celebrate the legacy of the B-25. Get up close and personal with “Panchito”, one of only a dozen or so airworthy B-25’s in existence today.
“Marvel of Flight has seen phenomenal growth since its inception in 2011 and the City of DeFuniak Springs, in connection with countless community businesses and organizations, looks forward to providing an even more exciting event for everyone to enjoy,” says City Manager Sara Bowers.
Marvel of Flight was created as the 2010/2011 class project of Leadership Walton, a program of the Walton Area Chamber. The class was challenged with bringing alternate forms of tourism throughout the county, while promoting economic development.
This year the event continues to grow and the lineup of airfare participating is even more impressive. “Panchito”, a B-25 Bomber with a wingspan of 67 feet 6.7 inches and length of 53 feet 5.75 inches, will be on display! “The addition of B-25 “Panchito” puts the City of DeFuniak Springs on a national stage in terms of fly-ins and aviation festivals” says Ryan Adams, Airport Services Supervisor for the City of DeFuniak Springs.
In addition, the Red Dragons Eastern Block Warbirds will be on display. Even a novice to airplanes, can recognize that this is a tough rugged aircraft. The Yak 52 was originally used for aerobatic training off of unimproved airstrips and was first delivered to the Russian military in late 1978. The Chinese Nanchang CJ6 aircraft are not quite as aerobatic as the Yak, but are larger and faster. The first CJ6 was delivered to the Chinese military in the mid-1960s. Both aircraft served as excellent trainers for military pilots transitioning into jets or learning advanced aerobatic maneuvers. Red Dragon Pilots are Fast rated Pilots of The Red Star Pilots Association, a Federal Non Profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to the preservation and operation of such radial engine aircraft as the Nanchang CJ-6 and Yak 52.
Jon Blake of Dothan, Alabama offered this about their airplanes: “Our team offers people an opportunity to see these stunning Red Star airplanes up close and personal. A chance to see airplanes that only a few years ago would have been impossible here in the United States.”
