Spreading Hope Through Flight

Latest News

Sunday, September 8 - The New York City Honor Flight began as scheduled at 10am from Essex County Airport in Fairfield, NJ. 51 aircraft flew flags representing all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. The Spirit of America, piloted by Charles Oppermann and Molly Peebles and accompanied by famed aviator Erik Lindbergh, carried Old Glory, the flag of the United States.

The solemn procession flew down the Hudson River, past ground-zero and the Statue of Liberty. After returning, the flags were transferred to a helicopter provided by Liberty Helicopter Tours where they were flown to the Intrepid Sea-Air-Space Museum docked on the Hudson River and presented to the people of New York in a moving ceremony.

Saturday, September 7 - Pilots from across the county started arriving at Essex County Airport in Northern New Jersey.  Greeted by volunteers organized by Flight Across America's Susan Loricchio, participants from across the country got to know each other over lunch.

That evening, the flag bearers along with their guests attended a banquet in their honor.  Flight Across America's Rusty Eddy presented the flag bearers with individually engraved bottles of wine provided by his brother, founder of Tom Eddy Wines

Friday, September 6 -  Flag bearers gathered in downtown Frederick for a pizza party hosted by Maryland flag bearer Tom Meacham and sponsored by the manufacturers of Comm1 Radio Simulator.

Friday, September 6 - Pilots chosen to be flag bearers for their home states paid tribute to the victims of the 9/11/01 terrorist attack on the Pentagon Friday afternoon.  In a visit organized by flag bearers Kevin Rebman (MN) and Tom Meacham (MD), they toured the building and heard about America's military response.

Friday, September 6 - Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association President Phil Boyer met with over fifty Flight Across America participants at the AOPA headquarters in Frederick, Maryland.  Boyer praised the effort, saying "You are doing a tremendous favor for the rest of the pilots in this country."
Read the full story...

Thursday, September 5 -
In Somerset County, Pennsylvania, Honor their Memory, Celebrate their Spirit was the theme for Colorado state flag bearers Donna Miller and Nancy Aldrich - both retired airline pilots.  In the emotional event at the site of the United flight 93 crash, Donna and Nancy laid a wreath at the temporary memorial for the 40 people who lost their life on the rolling hillside of the small town on 9/11/01. Full story...

Wednesday, September 4 - Some of the heroes of the 9/11/01 aftermath were the thousands of Angel Flight pilots who transported rescuers, victim families and medical supplies in their own aircraft.  Flight Across America is proud to have nine Angel Flight pilots among the 53 flag bearers.  In addition, dozens of other Angel Flight pilots have registered their flights.
Learn more about Angel Flight...

Tuesday, September 3 -
The Spirit of America with Flight Across America organizers Molly Peebles and Charles Oppermann was part of a well-attended program put on by the group of enthusiastic pilots from Mallory Airport, near Charleston, West Virginia.

 

Monday, September 2 - A year after 9/11, General Aviation's largest member organizations are providing resources for pilots and the public.  Check out EAA's "...One Year Later" pages and AOPA's "GA Serving America" web site.

Sunday, September 1 - Our web site now features a guest book for visitors to leave their comments.  Take a moment to record your thoughts about the 9/11 anniversary.  Guest Book...

Saturday, August 31 - Pioneer Airport and the EAA AirVenture Museum hosted an emotional "Never Forget" memorial over the weekend.  Organized by flag bearers Bob Warner and Noel Marshall, the solemn event featured the presentation of the Wisconsin state flag and a 21-gun salute, in honor of Lt. Col. Dennis M. Johnson, U.S. Army, a Wisconsin victim of the 9/11/01 attack on the Pentagon.  Johnson's family watched as Wisconsin Congressman Thomas Petri wrapped up his comments with "These are flights of love, and love will overcome hate."
Read EAA's article...