Mid TN Fly In

A Saturday to Remember

Saturday June 13th was a day to remember. It was a day to remember not only the perfect weather, historic aircraft, and great flying, but also to remember and honor those who fought to protect the freedom that allows us to enjoy such events.

The sun broke through the high broken ceiling around 07:00 and the peaceful tranquility of the morning was soon shattered by the throaty rumble of good old fashion power…the Mid TN Fly In was officially underway. By mid morning the west ramp was full of various warbirds from the venerable B-17 to the classic L-16. The Flagship Detroit was even on hand representing the oldest flying example of a DC-3. The parking lot remained full of cars, and the ramp full of inquisitive adults and wide eyed children throughout the day. The caretakers (pilots) of this living history took the time to talk with visitors and answer the seemingly endless stream of questions. Steadily throughout the day the warbirds took turns filling the sky in an aerial showcase of history…that is what a fly in is all about. At any given time there was a Stearman or T-6 hoping rides for the volunteers, a Sea Fury on strafing runs, a Strikemaster and Viper in a mock dogfight, a formation of Yaks on a training mission, or a pair of Birddogs on a reconnaissance mission. There was even a P-51 that took to the air to escort the B-17 on a mission over down town Lebanon. On one particular flight the B-17 was carrying a WWII veteran who was a navigator on the “Fortress”. When asked about his flight he commented: “I have not been in a “Fortress” since 1945. It was a hell of a lot smoother without all that flak filling the sky around us and our little friend was at our 3 o’clock covering our butt, right where he was when I last saw him”. History came alive at the Lebanon airfield on June 13th; it was not just a page in a history book, a black & white picture in a photo album, or a story being told by our grandparents…we got to see it in color. It was the sights, the smells, and the feel of a time gone by mixed with a reverent awe at the realization of history.

Thanks to all the pilots, volunteers, and sponsors who helped support he event. We could not have done it without you.

Videos of the event can be found here:

Video 1

Video 2

Video 3

Video 4

Video 5

Video 6

Clear skies & tailwinds