Air Group One - 8th Annual Wings Over Gillespie World War II Static Air Show

Calendar Announcement February 14, 2002

Media Contacts:
Kelly Speer/Paula Smith (619) 443-2300
Eileen Simpson (619) 449-0655

Mark Your Calendars for the
"8^th Annual Wings Over Gillespie" Airshow
May 3 – 5, 2002

Over 60 Vintage World War II Planes to be Featured at Gillespie Field

San Diego, Calif. – Mark your calendars for the 8^th Annual Wings Over Gillespie World War II Static Air Show scheduled for May 3 – 5, 2002 at Gillespie Field in El Cajon, California, just 20 minutes East of downtown San Diego. Presented by Air Group One, the San Diego Wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), the theme of the 2002 air show will be a "Salute to American Air Power" and the show will be dedicated to the history of the Douglas A-26 Invader.

Thousands of people from around the world are expected to attend the three-day air show, which has gained nationwide recognition for its dedication to sharing the history of the planes and people of World War II. The 8^th annual show will feature over 60 World War II and vintage planes including the Douglas A-26 Invader, North American P-82 and P-51, Chance Vought F4U Corsair, Grumman Hellcat and Bearcat, the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk (used by the Flying Tigers) and the Northrop N9M Flying Wing. Aviation personalities scheduled to appear include the Flying Aces, Flying Tigers, Navajo Code Talkers, and Tuskegee Airmen. In addition to touring World War II aircraft and meeting veterans, rides will be available in a variety of vintage planes, a flight simulator ride will be available for people of all ages, parachute jumping shows will take place throughout the weekend and there will be a variety of panel discussions and live entertainment.

The price for admission will be $10. Military in uniform and children under 10 will be admitted free of charge. All proceeds will benefit Air Group One (the San Diego Wing of the CAF), as well as the "Gillespie Field Youth In Aviation" scholarship fund. Entrance to the show will be at the Gillespie Field Administration Building, which is located at 1960 Joe Crosson Drive. Gates will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For more information, call (619) 448-4505 or (888) 215-7000, or email us.