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The Mile High Wing is
a local unit of the organization known as the Commemorative Air
Force .
The CAF is a worldwide, all volunteer non-profit
organization dedicated to the preservation in flying condition of
the great warplanes that dominated the skies during World War II.
Starting in 1958 with a P-51 Mustang and two F8F Bearcats, the CAF
is approaching its goal of collecting at least one example of
every aircraft used by the United States armed forces in WWII.
"Keep 'em
flying" is our motto.
With over 7,000 members and 137 aircraft
assigned to local Wings and Squadrons, the National Headquarters
is at Midland, Texas. Of these aircraft, about 100 are in
flyable condition at any time and many of these are the only
flying examples left in the world. This is the direct result of
the monumental restoration and maintenance efforts required to
keep these 50+ year old aircraft airworthy. We believe that the
only way to properly present these gallant warriors is to allow
the public to see them in the air, hear the engines run, and touch
the same thin aluminum that offers no protection from enemy
bullets.
The Mile High Wing received its
charter in
February, 1999. We have about 30 members.
All our members are volunteers who
have a great love for maintaining these war veteran airplanes for
the years ahead. Our Wing, like any CAF unit, receives no federal
funding. The brief summer air show season, aircraft tours,
memorabilia sales, and on going financial support by the members
themselves, are the only way our Wing maintains itself. All monies
go towards the acquisition and maintenance of WWII aircraft. |
