Navigating life by foot and by air with a side of optimism
Recently, the daughter of a WASP visited a shop, sharing her mother Ruth Franckling's contributions during WWII as part of the Women Airforce Service Pilots. The family aims to raise awareness of the WASP's importance, making signs available to museums. Author Margaret Dibenedetto and her family honor their legacies through literature and museums.
Progress at a small airport is uneven, with ongoing efforts to establish a home for vintage Aeronca aircraft. Recently, a restoration project gained momentum as the first plane, Nell, prepared for a festive parade. Enthusiastic owners prioritize their passion for aviation, fostering community and camaraderie despite the challenges of maintaining older aircraft.
The rainy weekend posed challenges for sightseeing with an aviation friend, but it led to visiting the National Museum of the US Air Force. Highlights included the Memphis Belle, presidential aircraft, and discussions on aircraft restoration. The shared passion for aviation fostered connections, turning a dreary day into a memorable experience.
Driving into town with the restorer, we could see the Huey flying over town south of the airport and restoration shop. The museum's founder and along with another museum pilot flew up with a Cobra and Huey from his collection to give helicopter rides as part of a volunteer appreciation day. As the main museum... Continue Reading →
Brittany Elise captures the beauty of airplanes through her lens, freezing moments in aviation history. Recently, she collaborated in a unique setting at the Barnstorming Carnival. The day culminated in a successful photo shoot in the air. Brittany's skill and dedication promise incredible work ahead, as she heads to AirVenture in Oshkosh.
An aviation museum agreed to sell their shelves to provide a home for combined collections of their museum and our restoration shop. Upon delivery, we began organizing the books using the Library of Congress system. With the help of Peppermint Pam, most books were added, but some require further research. The reading room is now ready for volunteers.
The restoration shop encountered an unexpected influx of donated books from a local aviation museum. The challenge of accommodating and organizing the books led to the creation of a makeshift library. Inspired by a nearby museum's reading room, the team embraced the idea of a comfortable space for reading to complement their restoration work.
Introduction Over the past couple of years, the restoration shop at Urbana has become a familiar place to me. Initially, it was a way to be around airplanes and people who love airplanes as much as I do, but then it became more. This safe and nurturing environment was where I could learn about myself... Continue Reading →
In 2024, the writer witnessed the eclipse at Waco Field, enjoying the change in temperature and sunlight. After the eclipse, they examined airplanes and conversed with a Bonanza's family. The writer's partner focused on a museum's airplane part. The writer reminisced about the 2017 eclipse and contemplated life's changes.
The week included preparations at the restoration shop and plans for adventures. The group visited locations with ties to aviation history, including the Wright Brothers' resting place and the Carillon Park. They explored buildings and aircraft related to the Wright Brothers, and ended the day at the Butter Cafe. They plan to visit Orville's house in the future.