Heritage Flight Conference comes to D-M

  • Published
  • By 021307
Modern and historic military aircraft from around the country will fly here in the annual Heritage Flight Conference March 2 to 4.

The Heritage Conference is held each year prior to the beginning of the spring and summer air show seasons to provide a forum for civilian and Air Combat Command demonstration pilots to train together to prepare for the upcoming season. The flying members are civilian pilots approved by the Federal Aviation Administration and ACC to fly in formation with ACC Demonstration Team aircraft at air shows held throughout the United States and Canada.

This year's historic aircraft include the P-51 Mustang and for the first time, the A-1 Sky Raider.  The P-51 escorted U.S. bombers over Nazi Germany during World War 2, and helped the allies break the dominance of the Luftwaffe, Germany's air force.  The USAF began flying A-1 Sky Raiders in Vietnam in 1964.  Sky Raiders were famous for their roles in protecting high-risk search and rescue operations and precise close air support to US Army and Marine Corps ground forces.  Modern military aircraft that comprise ACC's demonstration teams include the A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-15 Eagle, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon and the F-22A Raptor.  This F-22A is America's newest fighter aircraft.

Viewing of the event is available on the flightline for military members and those with military identification cards.