History
Founded on August 14, 2008 during the monthly 1941 Historical Aircraft Group's meeting, it is a branch-off suggested and led by member/volunteer Austin Hancock. It is determined to acquire funds and sponsorships for the acquisition of a World War Two fighter plane, either a P-40 Warhawk or a P-51 Mustang.
Mission Statement / Goals
After the acquisition of the P-40 / P-51 occurs, the following goals will be followed to the fullest extent of the 1941 Historical Aircraft Museum.
If a P-40 is bought, it will be flown as a memorial to the Flying Tigers and the ace R.T. Smith, as well as be a memorial to all men and women of the Western New York area who worked tirelessly at the Curtiss / Bell factories during World War Two to produce the Warhawk.
If a P-51 is bought, it will be flown as a memorial to the Tuskegee Airmen and will be used to demonstrate the capabilities of the Mustang and tell the story of the Tuskegee to inner-city schoolchildren of the Rochester, NY, area, and if needed, serve the same duty in other area cities. It will be the center-piece of the 1941 Historical Aircraft Group's Tuskegee Program, which takes place in the two days preceding the Geneseo Airshow.
The fighter plane, once acquired, will be constantly maintained in flyable condition to best represent those who served in the Second World War.
The fighter plane, if not already equipped, will be fitted
with a rear jump seat so rides can be given to all war veterans free
of
charge. Rides will also be sold to the general public to help defray
costs
of
flying and
maintaining the fighter.
The fighter plane will also serve as a representative of the
Western New York area. As it travels, it will show the public just
how
dedicated this area is to greatness in aviation history.
In addition to maintaining availability for air shows to book as a flying display, the fighter plane will participate in the 1941 Historical Aircraft Group's Greatest Show on Turf and show off the dedication of 1941 HAG members toward keeping warplanes flying.
The fighter plane will raise money for the 1941 Historical Aircraft Group to keep the museum successful and growing, allowing it to be a mainstay in New York State for ages to come.
In addition to attending air shows and being used for educational purposes, the plane will also be used for flyovers in the area. Memorial Day, September 11, and July 4 are just a few of the events that the 1941 HAG provides flyovers.
The P-51 or P-40 that is obtained would also be used in direct conjunction with another developing program, at the 1941 HAG, that is directed at teaching children about all things aviation, with a focus on warplanes. The fighter would be used as an example for the kids in many different ways, and teach valuable lessons.
As well as being maintained in flyable condition, the fighter plane will also be properly fitted with authentic World War Two components as to best represent its power and what the plane really was like in the Second World War.
The fighter plane will be used as a living example of the sacrifices made by The Greatest Generation and teach all persons why these sacrifices had to be made and why they were successful. It will also teach how we can help to keep these pieces of history alive for all to enjoy.
Austin Hancock - 2008
Click this link for a form you can use to donate to the fund.
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