Fantasy of Flight December E-news

December 2009    From all of us at Fantasy of Flight, Happy Holidays!     "Spirit of Igor" Visits Fantasy of Flight  Fantasy of Flight welcomes the wild and wonderful "Spirit of Igor," an aircraft that evokes an age of high romance and daring adventure.   This remarkable and eye-catching Sikorsky S-39 is the only airworthy example of the type and is the oldest flying Sikorsky in the world today. It was painstakingly restored by Dick Jackson, beginning in the 1960s with a hull discovered in the Alaskan bush. Nearly four decades and 40,000 of restoration work hours later, the S-39 flew again. The "Spirit of Igor" was named for the "Spirit of Africa," an S-39 owned by African naturalists Martin and Osa Johnson, and for Igor Sikorsky himself, a true visionary and pioneer in aviation.   The giraffe spotting on the fuselage is authentic to a specific species. It was projected onto the hull in order for the painting to be completed.    The Johnsons & the "Spirit of Africa"   The aircraft is displayed courtesy of Dick Jackson and will remain in Fantasy of Flight's display hangars for several months. To learn more, visit www.spiritofigor.com.       From a WWII enthusiast: Hey G. Willie, any refurb upcoming on WWII German aircraft?   G. Willie (or "Villie" as he prefers when speaking of German aircraft) responds:   What a terrific question! As it stands, mid-century German aviation is well represented in the collection already. One super celebrity is the Fiesler Storch, which just returned to active service after a period of R&R.   As a matter of fact, the Storch is quite often featured in the Daily Aircraft Demonstration due to its remarkable flight characteristics as a STOL type aircraft, which translates into "Short Take Off and Landing." In other words, with a cooperative wind, it can take off and land just about anywhere. It can virtually hover... and with a VERY cooperative wind, it can fly BACKWARDS!!!    G. Willie checks out the Fiesler Storch for the Aircraft Demonstration. Back in the day, the Luftwaffe (German Air Force) realized they had developed something very special, so like proud papas, they took their baby out to show off... at the 1938 Cleveland Air Races. Once the American military got an eyeful of what this remarkable liaison aircraft could do, they rushed to their own drawing boards and came up with the glorious but rare Stinson L-1, the American cousin of the Storch, and the first example of a great unsung hero of the war, the L bird.  As it happens, Fantasy of Flight has been working hard to restore one. And you can see the process unfold by taking the daily Restoration Shop Tour.      G. and Paul Stecewycz discuss the restoration of the Stinson L-1. Now... back to the topic. Future German engineering projects include a really cool Messerschmitt 108 (made by another fine fellow called "Villie") that waits in the bays plus a gorgeous Spanish-built Junkers 52, which is also in line for some restoration-love. In This Issue G. Willie Ponders German Aircraft December Discounts Connect with Us Holiday Shopping         A HUGE time was had by all at Roar n' Soar. Flip through our album to see some photo highlights. Photo credit: Marc M. Ellis / H2OPictures.com    The planning has already started for next year's Roar n' Soar, so mark your calendar now for Nov. 13 and 14, 2010!       Fantasy of Flight Salutes Military Veterans   During Veterans Day last month, we paused to reflect, recognize, and honor America's service men and women who have served gallantly to preserve the liberty of our country.   We are especially proud of the military veterans who work at Fantasy of Flight:   Don Beveridge Paul W. Cleveland David Dudley Jesse Douthit Paula Goodrich John Gracik David Kassler John Newton Harold O'Leary Bill Roberts Dale Walton        Discount A-Go-Go       Join with Fantasy of Flight to keep the holidays cheery for those in need. Our toy drive will benefit Toys for Tots of Polk County. Visitors who donate a new, unwrapped toy will receive $8 off full-priced admission* (adult or child) for each donation, through Dec. 13. Please note that items of greatest need include infant (ages 0-2) toys and toys appropriate for middle school-aged children. Then, starting Dec. 14, Florida residents are invited to enjoy a special $8 off discount on general admission OR Annual Passes* for adults and children through the end of the year. *Not valid with any other offer, discount or promotion.         Connect with Fantasy of Flight:                                 Forget the mall... Do your holiday shopping with Fantasy of Flight   No admission fee is required to visit the gift shop. Or just shop from home in your pajamas via our web-store.   Give your Fantasy of Flight fanatic the gift he or she craves: an Annual Pass to Fantasy of Flight and get 365 days of fun for one low price! (And, just between us, the reciprocal agreement in the works with other attractions throughout the state of Florida will make your Annual Pass an even better bargain! New reciprocal discounts at other attractions will begin in January for Annual Pass holders.)         Or how about one of those nifty new golf shirts with embroidered aircraft? Check out the brand new GeeBee design.   And if you can't decide, give the gift that's guaranteed to please: Fantasy of Flight Gift Certificates!   Special note: online orders must be received by Dec. 15 to ensure delivery by Christmas. Click here to browse the online gift shop, or stop by the attraction 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily to pick up all your gifts this season.