A Helicopter Icon for Training and Light Utility

The Hughes 300, later developed by Schweizer, is a light helicopter famed for its simplicity, durability, and use as a primary trainer. First flown in the 1950s, it’s been a staple in flight schools, agriculture, and law enforcement for decades.

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Highlights

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• Introduced in 1964 as a stable training platform

• Still produced today under Schweizer RSG

• Foundation for turbine variants like the S‑333

Developed after World War II, the North American T-28 Trojan was originally designed as a military trainer aircraft for both the U.S. Air Force and Navy. Its tricycle landing gear, bubble canopy, and powerful radial engine made it a dramatic upgrade from earlier trainers, helping thousands of pilots transition into jet-age aircraft.

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Beyond training, the T-28 saw combat during conflicts in Southeast Asia and Africa, thanks to its ability to carry rockets, machine guns, and bombs. It was used by U.S. allies in counter-insurgency missions and remains a surprisingly versatile platform for its time.

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Today, the T-28 is a favorite among warbird collectors and airshow pilots, appreciated for its speed, strength, and historical presence. Whether on the ground or in the air, it commands attention with its loud radial engine and aggressive silhouette.

The de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver is one of the most iconic bush planes ever built. Introduced in 1947, it was designed for rugged, off-the-grid environments, with features like high-lift wings, short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability, and the flexibility to use wheels, floats, or skis.

Originally used in forestry, mapping, cargo delivery, and even military applications, the Beaver quickly earned a reputation for being able to go where other planes couldn’t. It became a staple in remote parts of Alaska, Canada, and the Pacific Northwest, where reliable transport over rivers, forests, and mountains was essential.

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With its distinctive radial engine and classic design, the Beaver still flies today (more than 70 years later) proving that good engineering never goes out of style. It remains a symbol of exploration and self-reliance in the world of aviation.

The Christen Eagle II is a homebuilt aerobatic biplane introduced in the 1970s, designed by Frank Christensen as a sleek, performance-oriented competitor to the Pitts Special. Its unique design features a welded steel-tube fuselage, wooden wings, fabric covering, and a signature bubble canopy that gives it both aerodynamic precision and striking visual appeal.

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Equipped with a 200-horsepower Lycoming engine, the Eagle II can perform complex maneuvers with ease and absorb high G-forces (+9/–6 G). With a top speed of nearly 185 mph, it remains a favorite among aerobatic pilots and enthusiasts alike. Over 350 kits have been built and flown, making it one of the most successful kit planes in history.

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Whether flying in competition or on display at an air show, the Christen Eagle II is a symbol of precision engineering and pilot-driven performance. Its sharp handling and colorful, feather-like paint schemes make it a standout on any flight line.

Training Tomorrow’s Military Pilots

The Beechcraft T‑6 Texan II is a modern turboprop trainer used by the U.S. Air Force and Navy. With ejection seats and an advanced cockpit, it prepares student pilots for the transition to jets.

Highlights

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• Based on the Swiss Pilatus PC‑9

• Equipped with a four-blade prop and pressurized cockpit

• Used by multiple branches and allied nations

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is the most-produced aircraft in aviation history, with more than 44,000 units built since its debut in 1956. Its reliability, simplicity, and forgiving flight characteristics have made it the go-to training aircraft for flight schools across the globe.

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Powered by a 4-cylinder engine and featuring a high-wing configuration, the Skyhawk offers excellent visibility and stable handling, making it ideal for student pilots and seasoned aviators alike. It typically cruises around 120 knots and has a range of over 600 miles, depending on load and weather.

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For many pilots, the Cessna 172 was their first solo flight, making it a memory tied to freedom and personal achievement. It’s a true workhorse that continues to earn its place in hangars and skies around the world.

The Cessna 172 Skyhawk is the most-produced aircraft in aviation history, with more than 44,000 units built since its debut in 1956. Its reliability, simplicity, and forgiving flight characteristics have made it the go-to training aircraft for flight schools across the globe.

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Powered by a 4-cylinder engine and featuring a high-wing configuration, the Skyhawk offers excellent visibility and stable handling, making it ideal for student pilots and seasoned aviators alike. It typically cruises around 120 knots and has a range of over 600 miles, depending on load and weather.

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For many pilots, the Cessna 172 was their first solo flight, making it a memory tied to freedom and personal achievement. It’s a true workhorse that continues to earn its place in hangars and skies around the world.

From Combat to Comeback
“Lady Liberty” is the oldest flying Invader, the 130th one produced, accepted in August 1944 at Long Beach, California. It was flown to Great Dunmow, England, arriving on September 20, 1944, where it was assigned to the 9th Air Force, 410th Bomb Group, and began combat operations in early 1945.

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The 410th BG initially received four A-26s, with each squadron getting one aircraft. These aircraft were painted completely black and used for night interdiction missions ranging across Germany.

After WWII, this aircraft was flown to Hobbs, New Mexico for storage. Later, it was refurbished and assigned to a USAF Reserve unit for three years.

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Today, the aircraft is painted in 13th Air Force markings, though it never saw service in Korea. It continues to fly in honor of U.S. airpower history and American resilience.​
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Sponsored by: Carl & Terri Haake
Photos courtesy of the Commemorative Air Force

Since its introduction in 1979, the Sikorsky UH‑60 Black Hawk has been the backbone of the U.S. Army’s helicopter fleet. Designed for versatility and durability, this twin-engine utility helicopter can be found in nearly every combat and humanitarian mission, from troop transport and medical evacuation to disaster relief and firefighting.

Built to handle rugged terrain and adverse weather conditions, the Black Hawk can lift over 9,000 pounds and reach speeds exceeding 180 mph. Its armored fuselage and advanced avionics make it one of the most capable helicopters in the world.

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To date, more than 4,000 Black Hawks have been produced and used by dozens of countries. Its iconic shape and thumping rotor sound are instantly recognizable. It’s a symbol of strength and support on the battlefield and beyond.

The UH-72 Lakota is a light utility helicopter based on the Eurocopter EC145, introduced into U.S. military service in 2006. It was designed to perform non-combat roles such as search and rescue (SAR), medical evacuation (MEDEVAC), border patrol, and pilot training.

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With twin engines, modern digital cockpit systems, and room for up to nine passengers, the Lakota offers flexibility in both civilian and military operations. It’s used by the U.S. Army National Guard and training schools across the country and is valued for its low maintenance and operating costs.

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While not built for combat, the UH‑72 plays a vital role in ensuring mission readiness and public safety. It demonstrates how modern helicopters can be adapted to serve communities in times of need.

Eyes in the Sky for Public Safety

This Bell 407 is a high-tech helicopter used by the Missouri State Highway Patrol. Equipped with infrared cameras and street overlay mapping, it helps officers track suspects, locate missing persons, and improve safety during dangerous pursuits.

Highlights

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• FLIR thermal imaging and real-time video overlays

• Supports law enforcement and search operations

• Enhances officer safety in high-risk situations

More information coming soon...