Buzz Builds for Historic WWII Aircraft Flyover

WASHINGTON - Just two weeks from today, on Friday, May 8, more than 50 vintage World War II military aircraft will soar above the skies of the nation’s capital as part of the Arsenal of Democracy: World War II Victory Capitol Flyover. As this event marking the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe Day nears, momentum is clearly building for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to honor the heroes who fought in the War and those on the home front who produced the tanks, ships, and planes that enabled the U.S. and its Allies to achieve victory.

Signs of anticipation for the Flyover are all around the Washington, D.C., area. A banner highlighting the alliance between Canada and the United States—and showcasing the Flyover specifically—is hanging from the Embassy of Canada’s Pennsylvania Avenue side, where it is clearly visible to pedestrians and traffic. In addition, the Friends of the National World War II Memorial has received a record number of RSVPs—including hundreds of World War II veterans—for the commemorative wreath-laying ceremony at the Memorial, which begins at 10:30 a.m. on May 8. The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va., will hold Fly-In to Victory Day on Saturday, May 9, featuring several of the planes participating in the Flyover, as well as educational and World War II-era activities.

The best place for the public to watch the Flyover is along the National Mall. The planes will depart from Manassas Regional Airport and Culpeper Regional Airport, both in Virginia. The first plane should appear around 12:10 p.m., and the Flyover will last about 40 minutes. The minimum altitude will be 1,000 feet. All planes will adhere to all Federal Aviation Regulations. The event has been extensively coordinated with the Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration, United States Secret Service, U.S. Capitol Police, and National Park Service, and Reagan National Airport will be closed from 12 noon to 1 p.m. to accommodate the Flyover.

With parking limited near the Mall, Metro offers the best option for transportation to view the Flyover. Nearby stations include the Smithsonian, Farragut West, Archives-Navy Memorial, and Federal Triangle. More information is available on the Washington Metro Web site at www.wmata.com, or at the National Park Service Web site at www.nps.gov/nama/planyourvisit/publictransportation.htm.

For 911 Call Centers: The planners of the Flyover expect significant public interest in this event and are working with members of the media to ensure the public is informed about it. The aircraft will fly in the vicinity of Washington, D.C., and Washington National Airport. Concerned citizens should be reminded that the pilots have received FAA and Secret Service authorization, and that the aircraft are in constant contact with Air Traffic Controllers.

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