History Hangar

While many folks come to see the aircraft, that's certainly not all there is to do at the Valkaria Air Fest. We are very pleased and honored to once again host our popular feature, The History Hangar... where guests will have the opportunity to meet some true heroes and aviators with fascinating experiences. This year we are adding the Technical Hangar to help the public understand the technical aspects of aviation. No matter how impressive or legendary any particular aircraft may be, the real story is the people associated with it. We have worked hard to provide an opportunity for the community to meet these folks who have, in many cases, created the history that will live forevermore.

We strongly encourage young people to meet and learn more about the amazing things that these folks did! Some attendees will give presentations, some prefer just to talk and answer questions, but all are there out of a desire to share their unique perspectives on our history with others. Several attendees will have books, DVDs, etc. available to buy if you wish, many of which help to support worthy organizations such as the Tuskegee Airmen Association.

Are YOU a Historic Aviator?

If you have experience with some historical aspect of aviation (or know someone who does) and would like to be part of the History Hangar, or if you have a historically significant aircraft you'd like to bring, please get in touch!

Featured Attendees

This is the current list of who we expect to host in the History Hangar and Technical Hangar. We're actively seeking more folks, so this list will change as we confirm attendance plans

• Patty Wagstaff
  Aerobatic and Olympic champion
  

  To Patty Wagstaff the sky represents adventure, freedom and challenge. A six-time member of the US Aerobatic Team, Patty has won the gold, silver and bronze medals in Olympic-level international aerobatic competition and is the first woman to win the title of US National Aerobatic champion and one of the few people to win it three times.

  Patty flies one of the most thrilling, low-level aerobatic routines in the world. Flying before millions of Airshow spectators each year, her breathtaking performances give spectators a front-row seat view of the precision and complexity of modern, unlimited hard-core aerobatics. Her smooth aggressive style sets the standard for performers the world over.  See the complete bio of Patty Wagstaff HERE.
  

  
  
• Freddy Cabanas
  P-51 Racing Pilot, Thrill Rides
  
  Fred Cabanas started flying at the age of 16 and has over 20,000 hours of total flight time.   

  He holds an Airline Transport Pilot, Multi-Engine, Instrument, Commercial, and Seaplane rating. Fred is also rated in the North American T-28 and Hawker Sea Fury. At the Reno air races in September 2005 Fred won the Silver on Saturday and was advanced to the Gold on Sunday to take 8th place overall making Reno history and was selected Rookie of the year.
  
  Fred earned his Air Frame and Power Plant License from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach and is an Aerobatic Competency Evaluator for ICAS. He performs air shows internationally in the PITTS SPECIAL S-2C and Hawker Sea Fury, N. American T-28, N. American T-6, N. American P-51 Mustang, Waco, and J3 cub. Fred is a member of the Screen Actors Guild. He has been featured in numerous movies and TV Programs including MTV’s Road Rules.

  Fred and Susan, his wife of 32 years, have two children—Kelly and Raymond. Kelly, 30, is a LT in the US Navy and received her wings of gold on January 23rd 2004. She flies the P-3 Orion . Raymond, 22 is a private pilot and currently attends school in Orlando, FL. He is flying banners in the AG Cat and Husky aircraft.

  Fred dedicates his air show to the Men and Women of the United States Armed Forces.  See more infor on Fred Cabanas HERE.
  
  

• Corky Fornof
  Movie Stunt Pilot
  
  Corky has appeared in various James Bond 007 movies as an airplane and jet stunt pilot.  He has a featured interview on the DVD "License to Kill", giving a glimpse into the making of the movie, and one of his roles as aerial coordinator, discussing the airplane stuntwork.
  
  

• Tuskegee Airmen
  First African-American Combat Pilots in US Military
  

• The Ninety-Nines
  Women Pilot's Group
  
  The 99's is an organization founded in 1929 by 99 (out of 117) American licensed women pilots in order to provide mutual support and advancement of aviation, and counted such luminaries as Amelia Earhart amongst their ranks. Today, the group's membership includes thousands of licensed women pilots from 35 countries and fortunately, female aviators are not such a rarity. Many Ninety-Nines today are professional pilots for airlines, industry, military or government, some teach and some just fly for pleasure, some are technicians and mechanics, but first and foremost the 99s are women who love to fly!
  
• CarolAnn Garratt
  Around the World Record Holder
  

  CarolAnn Garratt, Gainesville, Florida, is a former manager with a Fortune 500 company. She earned her private pilot license in 1978 and her instrument rating in 1980. In 1996, she completed her commercial license and bought a Mooney in 2000. After her mother suffered and died from ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, she flew around the world in 2003 to raise awareness and donations for ALS research. Not content to just fly, CarolAnn built her first plane in 2006. Today she owns and flies three different aircraft. She has over 3700 hours and flies more than 400 hours a year including flying students with the EAA Young Eagles program, the sick and needy with Angel Flights, and instructing cadets with the Civil Air Patrol.

  CarolAnn spent 18 months planning for her world record attempt and, with co-pilot Carol Foy, set out from Orlando International on December 2^nd, 2008 to fly around the world westbound. The planning paid off as the first six legs went like clockwork. The seventh leg, across Africa, had its difficulties, but with the help of their ground/support crew, everything continued almost on schedule. They arrived back in Orlando after 8 days, 12 hours and 20 minutes, just 90 minutes ahead of a massive cold front that was plowing its way across Florida.

  The US governing body, National Aeronautics Association, has certified their flight as the US record. The Federation Aeronautique Internationale certified their flight as the world record on March 16, 2009.

  Books and DVD are available directly from CarolAnn at presentations and through the website, www.alsworldflight.com, or at www.Amazon.com (note, 15% goes to Amazon).

  
  

• Cdr William R. Barnett, USN
  US Navy Hellcat Pilot and Author of "US Naval Air Station Melbourne, FL WWII"
  
  William actually did his flight training at Valkaria Airport during World War II and has extensive knowledge of the history of military aviation in this area during the War. He will give a presentation on this fascinating segment of Valkaria Airport's history.
  
• Jeff Goldstein
  USAF Retired / Melbourne Airport / Melbourne Area Pilots Association
  
  Jeff Goldstein designed and created, with help from individuals such as Bill Barnett, the Melbourne Airport Museum where he currently works.  Jeff and Bill Barnett will be presenting a video about the history of aviation in Melbourne.
  
  

• Paul C. Davis
  Rescue Helicopters in Viet Nam
  
  Paul B. Davis is an Assistant Professor in Aeronautics for Florida Tech, and is the advisor to all first-year students. Paul's FAA certificates include Commercial, Instrument, Multi-Engine, CFI, MEI, CFII, Single Engine, and Multi Engine, Helicopter, and FAA basic ground instructor ratings. He's been a multiengine fixed-wing and helicopter pilot for 40 years with more than 9,000 flight hours. He served as U.S. Air Force command pilot, military airfield manager and as an airport manager for three years. Professor Davis has an educational background in transportation management and business administration, and is the intern coordinator and alumni
  liaison at Florida Tech. He has taught and/or attended cockpit crew resource management and leadership classes for United Airlines, American Airlines, Transworld Airlines, Pan American World Airways, Airbus Industries, Delta Airlines, Flight Safety International and Comair Aviation Academy. Paul's research interests in aviation studies include cockpit/crew resource management, aviation management, flight safety, human factors and ergonomics. Paul will be giving a presentation on Rescue Helicopters in Vietnam.
  
  

• Major John R. Kachenmeister
  Civil Air Patrol and Public Service
  
  Major Kachenmeister began his preparation for a military and public service career in 1963 with the Civil Air Patrol in Ohio, participating in Emergency Services missions.  He earned his private pilot license in 1966 prior to graduating from High School. 
  
  He served in the Navy and also attended the Marine Corps Field Medical Service School.  After returning from active duty in Vietnam, he  became involved in the Marine Corps Reserve while attaining his Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice administration.
  
  Returning to military service, he joined the Ohio National Guard and was later posted as a platoon leader in the 323rd Military Police Company.  He subsequently served in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Senior Instructor with USAR Schools and as a Public Affairs Executive Officer.
  
  He has a Master of Science degree in Security Science & Management and a Doctorate in Business Administration.  He hold numerous military awards, including the Army Commendation medal, the Vietnam Service medal with 3 stars, the Humanitarian Service medal, the National Defense Service medal, the Yeager Aerospace award, the SAR Find ribbon, and many others.
  
  We are proud to recognize Major Kachenmeister and his decades of service to the public and military branches.
  
  
  

• MajGen Frederick C. "Boots" Blesse, USAF
  Korean War Double Ace and Author of "No Guts, No Glory"
  
  Boots Blesse graduated from West Point in 1945 as a US Army Air Corps pilot. After stints flying P-40, P-51, P-47 and F-80 fighters, he volunteered for two combat tours in the Korean War. Between Nov. 1950 and May 1951 and April 1952 and Oct. 1952, Boots flew 67 missions in F-51 Mustangs, 35 missions F-80 Shooting Stars, and 121 missions in F-86 Sabres. During his second tour he shot down nine MiG-15s, one LA-9, and scored 1 "probable" and 3 "damaged" MiG-15s, making him America's top jet ace by the time he returned to the States in Oct. 1952. At the 1955 Air Force Worldwide Gunnery Championship, Boots won all six trophies offered for individual performance... something that's never been equaled. He served two tours in Vietnam, flying 156 combat missions. When he retired from the USAF in 1975, he had over 6,500 flight hours in fighters and over 650 combat hours. Perhaps most famously, Blesse wrote the book "No Guts, No Glory" which is required reading for all fighter pilots. He will have copies of his books available to buy at VAF.
  
  

• Capt Denis G. Murphy
  Pilot and Author of "PAN, PAN ,PAN - A Survivors Story"
  
  Denis is a professional speaker & aviator and the author of "PAN, PAN ,PAN - A Survivors Story" which describes his experiences in surviving ditching his twin-engine Cessna 402 in the ocean while returning from a trip to Havana, Cuba... after surviving an in-flight fire, smoke in the cockpit, and losing both engines! Denis is an ATP pilot who has flown over 50 aircraft, and has flown as a commuter, ferry, and corporate pilot as well as been the chief pilot for a commuter airline. He has received numerous prestigious awards for his aviation writing and activities.
  

• Dwight Bell
  Owner of Bell Helicopters, LLC
  
  Dwight owns multiple businesses in the Melbourne, FL area and is an active local Church member.  His presentation will provide an overview on "Choppers for Christ", an excellent program for Scouting groups, Royal Rangers, and Church youth ministries, showing aviation experiences and their parallel to every day activities and faith in our lives.  The dreams and excitement of flying can motivate a young person to excel in school, make smart decisions, and to be proactive in planning for his or her future.  Dwight's talent and entertainment business will also be present at the Air Fest and more information can be found HERE.  
  
  
  
• Peter S. Checklick
  Senior Quality Engineer, Safety and Mission Assurance, Kennedy Space Center
   
  Peter joined NASA in 2004 after 27 years working in for private industry, for companies such as for  Motorola, American Optical, Second Foundation Consulting and Coulter Electronics. In his free time he is a private pilot, a mathematics teacher, a scuba instructor, certified cave diver and an avid BBQ cook.
   
  Education: Graduated with a Bachelors of Science in Industrial Engineering and Operations Research from Syracuse University in 1976. Received a Master of Science in Mathematics from Nova Southeastern University in 1999.
   
  NASA  honors: Silver Snoopy, Space Flight Awareness Group Achievement Award, NASA Group Achievement Award, KSC Group Achievement Award and the Mission Managers Flight Commendation.
  
  Peter will present an up front and personal view of the history of Kennedy Space Center and an inside look at Space Shuttle operations.
  
  

• Capt. Winston E. Scott, USN (Ret.)
  Former Space Shuttle Astronaut and Dean of Florida Tech Aerospace Dept.
  
  Captain Scott entered Naval Aviation Officer Candidate School after graduation from Florida State University in December 1972, and earned his wings as a Naval Aviator in August 1974. He served a 4-year tour with HSL-33 flying anti-submarine missions in the SH-2F LAMPS helicopter out of NAS North Island, CA. In 1978, he earned his MS in aeronautical engineering with avionics from the Naval Postgraduate School at Monterey, CA. He went on to complete jet training in the TA-4J Skyhawk before serving a tour with VF-84 at NAS Oceana, VA fling the legendary F-14 Tomcat (of 'Top Gun' fame). In June 1986, Winston was designated an Aerospace Engineering Duty Officer and served as a production test pilot at the Naval Aviation Depot in Jacksonville, FL where he flew the F/A-18 Hornet and the A-7 Corsair. He was also assigned as Director of the Product Support (engineering) Department. He was next assigned as the Deputy Director of the Tactical Airclaft Systems Department at the Naval Air Development Center in Pennsylvania. As an R&D project pilot, he flew the F-14, F/A-18 and A-7 aircraft, accumulating over 5,000 hours of flight time in 20 different military and civilian aircraft, and more than 200 shipboard landings. He was also an associate instructor of Electrical Engineering at Florida A&M University and Florida Community College at Jacksonville. NASA chose him for the astronaut program in 1992. He served as a Space Shuttle Mission Specialist on STS-72 in 1996 and STS-87 in 1997, and has logged over 24 days in space, including 3 spacewalks totaling over 19 hours. On STS-72, shuttle Endeavour flew 142 orbits between from January 11 and 20, 1996. On that flight, the crew retrieved the Space Flyer Unit satellite (launched from Japan 10 months prior), deployed and retrieved the OAST-Flyer satellite, and conducted two spacewalks. Capt. Scott's first EVA during this flight lasted nearly 7 hours and helped to refine techniques for building the International Space Station. STS-87 in late 1997 was the fourth U.S Microgravity Payload flight, focusing on experiments to study the effects of microgravity on various physical processes as well as on observations of the Sun's outer atmospheric layers. Scott performed two spacewalks, the first lasting over 7 hours and featuring the manual capture of a satellite in addition to testing tools and procedures for future Space Station assembly. The second spacewalk lasted 5 hours and also featured ISS assembly tests. STS-87 took 252 Earth orbits and travelled 6.5 million miles. Capt. Scott retired from NASA and the U.S. Navy at the end of July 1999 to accept a position at his alma mater, Florida State University, as VP for Student Affairs and also served as associate dean in the FAMU/FSU College of Engineering. In July 2003, he became the Executive Director of the Florida Space Authority, advising Florida's lawmakers on space- and aeronautics-related matters. He was also a part time professor of Aeronautics at the Florida Tech in Melbourne. In September 2006, he became a VP and Deputy General Manager for Jacobs Engineering in Houston, Texas. Today, he serves as Dean of Florida Tech's College of Aeronautics. His book Reflections From Earth Orbit was published in July 2005.
  
• Steve Wood
  Holder of 225 Aviation Records and 90 FAI World Records
  
  Steve has accumulated a large variety of records... in fact, the 225 Aviation Records he's earned is a record in itself! From May 2007 to July 2008, Steve set a massive total of 225 aviation records of which he has claimed 90 records as official FAI World Speed Records (all 90 world records have been ratified). This exceeds the 88 FAI records set by Steve Fossett. All of Steve's 90 FAI international records have been accepted by the Royal Aero Club as British National Records. With 90 records ratified by the FAI as official world records - and 77 world records set in a single year - Steve is also No. 1 in the World for number of records held in various categories. In fact, no other British pilot in aviation history has set as many records in any type of flying machine! (You can view a more complete list of Steve's records here.) However, unlike what you might expect for someone with so many aviation achievements under their belt, Steve came to aviation in a rather unusual way. Steve's flying career began in San Diego in 1993... in the worst winter weather for over a decade... after just over two weeks intensive training... which must be quite a record in itself! The next year, he went on to fly in the challenging environment of New Zealand and gained a NZ licence. In 2005, Steve added an instrument rating to his complex & high performance sign-offs, and has flown almost 50 different types of airplane during his 1000+ flight hours. Steve still lives in the town of Harrogate, North Yorkshire, England, where he was born. He finds he's often mistaken there for fellow Yorkshireman and TV personality gardener Alan Titchmarsh, not surprising considering they're a similar age and were born within 20 miles of each other! In the 1980's, Steve produced a video series on Ferraris, and developed a video format later adopted by the BBC for their very popular (and quite humorous) car show Top Gear. Steve's record setting started early when he was elected a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors at the youngest possible age of 30. Since then, alongside his surveying career, he has taken on many challenging projects including building his own home, car, and record setting Glastar airplane... officially dubbed the 'Spirit of Endeavour' but better-known as "GOOFY" (after it's FAA registration number, N600FY... who says aviation is always serious business?) Steve is a member of Rotary, and promotes Rotary International during his record setting flights. While Steve enjoys fast cars, motorcycles, sailing, flying and world travel, he has put much effort into voluntary work associated with aviation. In 1991, he formed Heli-Aid, which (along with behind-the-scenes support from Prince Charles and The Duke of Gloucester) pressured the UK government and ambulance services into establishing a widespread helicopter air ambulance system throughout the UK. In 1998, he established GreenHawk Trust as a UK Charitable Trust with the aim of providing free Young Eagles flights to disabled, disadvantaged and terminally ill children, which opened doors to some interesting events. Well over 1000 children were flown in the three years before Steve (and 'GOOFY') went to live half the year at the Spruce Creek Fly-In community near Daytona Beach. Today, Steve still continues with Young Eagles flights. Typical of Steve's efforts, on a preview day at the 2005 RAF Cosford airshow he and record setting aviatrix Polly Vacher flew special needs children throughout a fun-filled day the kids will certainly never forget. Steve is now fully supporting Polly's passion of Flying Scholarships for the Disabled and its Royal International Air Tattoo connection, through Able Flight in the USA. Steve's aviation record setting has involved a lot of hard work, such as dealing with the parts for his homebuilt airplane arriving heavily damaged from shipping and continuing through many other difficult trials and tribulations during the 7-year building process which took place in both the UK and Florida. Two years of planning and negotiations took place before his first attempt at a round-the-world flight, which ended in an off-filed landing in Ohio after his second engine failure. Now retired, Steve splits his time between Harrogate and Florida.
  
• More To Come!
  
  We are working hard to confirm the attendance of more aviators with interesting and historic experiences... stay tuned!