Air Show representatives proudly announce the first time appearance of the RISE ABOVE Traveling Exhibit, an inspiring display about the Tuskegee Airmen, who were the first black military pilots and crew in the U.S. military. Sponsored by the Texas Flying Legends Museum and the Commemorative Air Force Red Tail Squadron, the RISE ABOVE exhibit is a one-of-a-kind, custom-trailer that creates a 30-seat theater with a 160-degree panoramic screen. Spectators will sit in this climate-controlled theater and watch the inspiring story from the 1940’s of how the Tuskegee Airmen overcame many obstacles to achieve their dreams of becoming the first black pilots in the U.S. Army Air Corps. In addition, spectators will also experience the exhilarating sensation of what it’s like to fly the P-51 Mustang.
Along with the RISE ABOVE exhibit, the Commemorative Air Force Red Tail Squadron will also bring their P-51C Mustang “By Request” that will both fly during the show as well as be part of the Tuskegee exhibit. The storied P-51 fighter was a game-changer for the U.S. forces during WWII. The Tuskegee pilots flew red-tailed P-51s during WWII, hence the name “Red Tail Squadron”. “By Request” was the dream of Commemorative Air Force member, Don Hinz, who felt the P-51 should be restored to draw attention and tell the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, and the Red Tail Project was born. The name “By Request” honors Benjamin O. Davis Jr., who was a member of the first class to graduate from flight training at Tuskegee. Davis led the 332 nd Fighter Group during WWII and eventually became the first black general in the U.S. Air Force. He named his Mustang “By Request” because white pilots would request Tuskegee Airmen to escort them during WWII.
"We’re honored to host the RISE ABOVE exhibit for the first time in Dayton," stated Michael Emoff, United States Air and Trade Show Board of Trustees Chairman. "The Tuskegee Airmen are an important part of our history," he added.
The P-51 “By Request” joins a blockbuster lineup for the 2013 Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger. In total, there will be 15 feature attractions in the air and a host of ground display aircraft and interactive exhibits. Flying attractions range from award-winning aerobatic great Sean D. Tucker to the only flying B-29 Superfortress in the world, "FIFI", to a first ever demonstration of the MiG-17. Spectators will also enjoy the AeroShell Formation Aerobatic Team and the "Great Wall of Fire" just to name a couple more. Visit the show website at www.daytonairshow.com for a complete lineup and ticket information.
The Vectren Dayton Air Show Presented by Kroger is produced by the United States Air and Trade Show, Inc, a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit Ohio Corporation that relies on sponsorship and community support to offset the cost of producing the event. The Dayton/Montgomery Convention and Visitors Bureau estimates that the show has a $3.2 million annual economic impact on the region.
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