Houston Wing was founded in June 1978 as the West Houston Squadron (then under the West Texas Wing) of the
Commemorative Air Force
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF), formerly known as the Confederate Air Force, is an American non-profit organization based in Dallas, Texas, that preserves and shows historical aircraft at Air show, airshows, primarily in the U.S. and Canada.
...
It is a United States historical air display organization and public history education focused on
vintage aircraft of military aviation mainly of
World War II
World War II or the Second World War (1 September 1939 – 2 September 1945) was a World war, global conflict between two coalitions: the Allies of World War II, Allies and the Axis powers. World War II by country, Nearly all of the wo ...
time period. It also has a sizable museum with a broad collection of artifacts and themed displays.
Aircraft Collection
Located at
West Houston Airport
West Houston Airport is a privately owned, public use airport in Harris County, Texas, 15 miles west of Downtown Houston in the Greater Katy area. It opened in 1962 and was known as Lakeside Airport until the early 1980s due to its location near ...
since its foundation the organization occupies hangar B-5 and currently maintains a fleet of training aircraft used during World War II. They also are in process of restoring two post war aircraft, a Ryan L-17 Navion, and the nose section of an Aero L-39 Albatros. Also present is some aircraft engines on display, including one cutaway.
Current aircraft under care:
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Lockheed C-60A Lodestar Goodtime Gal – Paratroop Transport
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North American AT-6 Texan Ace in the Hole – Advanced Trainer
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Consolidated-Vultee BT-13 Valiant – Basic Trainer
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Naval Aircraft Factory N3N Canary – Primary Trainer
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Fairchild PT-19A Cornell – Primary Trainer
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North American L-17 Navion – Liaison Aircraft
* Cockpit section of an
Aero L-39 Albatros - Advanced Trainer
Past aircraft:
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Stinson 108
The Stinson 108 is a popular single-engine, four-seat, light general aviation aircraft produced by the Stinson Aircraft Company, Stinson division of the United States, American airplane company Consolidated Vultee, from immediately after World ...
in
Civil Air Patrol
Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is a Congressional charter, congressionally chartered, federally supported Nonprofit corporation, non-profit corporation that serves as the official civilian auxiliaries, auxiliary of the United States Air Force (USAF). CA ...
markings
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Douglas DC-3 Dragon Lady
Museum
While the in hangar museum is mostly on World War II aviation there is a large number of items from ground and naval forces including from belligerent nations (Germany and Japan), plus a few items from World War I and post World War II. There is also special displays for the
Women Airforce Service Pilots
The Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) (also Women's Army Service Pilots or Women's Auxiliary Service Pilots) was a civilian women pilots' organization, whose members were United States federal civil service employees. Members of WASP became t ...
, life in USA during the war, and one on the history of the CAF itself. A few items can be handled and operated by visitors, including an
"Gibson Girl" Emergency Survival radio.
Events
The museum is open first and third Saturday of each month (at the airport gate state you are going to museum) and special events for any size group can be organized in advance, including school events. Annual events include a Hangar Dance, the "Warbird Weekend" WW2 themed gathering of all types of vehicles and reenactors, and major participation with the Wings Over Houston
air show at
Ellington Airport.
See also
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Trainer aircraft
A trainer is a class of aircraft designed specifically to facilitate flight training of pilots and aircrews. The use of a dedicated trainer aircraft with additional safety features—such as tandem flight controls, forgiving flight characteristic ...
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History of transport
The history of transport is largely one of technological innovation. Advances in technology have allowed people to travel farther, explore more territory, and expand their influence over increasingly larger areas. Even in ancient times, new tool ...
References
{{Reflist
External links
Commemorative Air ForceCommemorative Air Force Houston Wing
Aviation organizations based in the United States
de:Commemorative Air Force
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