PEACHTREE CITY, GA. (Oct. 31, 2023) – World War II aviation followers enjoyed a great opportunity to see most of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Airbase Georgia fleet in the air at the 2023 Atlanta Airshow in Peachtree City, Ga. Four of Airbase Georgia’s vintage fleet flew in the show and two were on static display for Airshow guests.
The Airbase’s FG-1D Corsair performed a solo aerobatic demonstration, and the LT-6 Mosquito, SBD-5 Dauntless dive bomber and the T-34 Mentor participated in a “Warbirds in Review” aerial exhibition. The P-63 Kingcobra and well known P-51 Mustang “Red Nose” were on display during the weekend show.
“This was a rare opportunity for local aviation buffs to see our historic fleet in action,” said Airbase Leader Joel Perkins. “We perform in several airshows each year, but most are away from our home base, Atlanta Regional Airport – Falcon Field. We also sold rides on some of our aircraft during the show.”
All of the aircraft are maintained and flown by volunteer members of Airbase Georgia. An additional plane, a PT-19, will soon rejoin the fleet after a complete makeover. The PT-19 flew for years at the Airbase, but it was taken apart, rebuilt and repainted to restore it to its original condition. This was one of many PT-19s that served to train pilots of the Tuskegee Airmen during WWII.
The next aircraft out of the shop will be a restored Stearman biplane, used for initial military pilot training in the 1940s. The Airbase’s talented mechanics also are hard at work on restoration of a P-47 Thunderbolt, a renowned WWII fighter plane.