WW II B-17 “Chuckie” Returns to Ft. Worth For October 15 Big Band Hangar Dance

Oct. 5, 2011 - PRLog -- FORT WORTH, TX –The World War II B-17 Flying Fortress “Chuckie” will fly back to Fort Worth to be on display for the Vintage Flying Museum’s annual Big Band Hangar Dance. “Chuckie” is one of only eight airworthy B-17s and the only airworthy B-17 Pathfinder in existence.

Couples have danced around the plane for more than 30 years when it was the main attraction at the local flying museum. Now, after being sold in January of this year to Jerry Yagen’s Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, VA, “Chuckie” will be returning to the museum for their special annual fundraising event.

Vintage Flying Museum Director Charlyn ‘Chuckie’ Hospers, who previously owned the aircraft along with her late husband Doc Hospers, said that the dance wouldn’t be the same without the plane. She adds that her namesake B-17 now sports a ball turret and a chin turret as part of its latest military restoration.

“This is our big fundraiser for the year,” said Hospers. “Everyone who attends has a great time and the swing dance club members who attend are so much fun to watch even for those who aren’t dancing. There’s always a competition at the end for the last couple standing as the Alan Glasscock Orchestra plays an extended version of ‘Sing, Sing, Sing (With A Swing)’, a big band standard.

Dinner will be served from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m., with dancing from 8 – midnight.  The event is BYOB with soft drinks and snacks available for purchase. Advance dinner and dance tickets are $45.  Dance only tickets are $30 in advance, $35 at the door.  

Reserve tables are available with the purchase of ten tickets.  Corporate tables are also available. For an additional $55 those attending the can take a nostalgic flight over the city of Ft. Worth in a DC-3. Flights will begin at 5 p.m.

Tickets are sold at the Vintage Flying Museum, 505 N.W. 38th Street, Hangar 33 South, Fort Worth, TX  76106.  Call 817-624-1935 for information and ticket sales.  Tickets are also available on the vintageflyingmuseum.org website.

About The Vintage Flying Museum [http://www.vintageflyingmuseum.org]
The primary mission of the Vintage Flying Museum, a Texas 501C(3), is to preserve America's flying heritage in word, deed and action. Over 200 members now support these efforts. One of its greatest achievements and contributions to the community is the development of aviation education programs for youth.

The Vintage Flying Museum is home to several WW aircraft, including a B-25, C-47, PT 22, and from time to time provides hangar space for the only flying B-29, “FiFi”. Other displays include a dedicated reciprocal and jet engine room, WWII memorabilia and artifact exhibits, a unique aircraft model exhibit and gift shop. Address for the Vintage Flying Museum, based at Meacham International Airport, is 505 NW 38th Street, Hangar 33 South, Fort Worth, TX 76016. Phone for the museum is 817-624-1935.


Contact:  Chuckie Hospers 817-846-4454 or Museum 817-624-1935

# # #

The Vintage Flying Museum, a Texas 501C(3) Non Profit located in Fort Worth, TX at Meacham Field, displays historic aircraft, plane engines, WWII memorabilia, and unique aircraft models. It also serves as a FAA Aviation Education Resource Center.