The Gathering of Warbirds in Waukesha, WI will return this month! This one day event is organized by the Wisconsin Wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) and will be held on Saturday, May 27th. This is a relaxed, smaller event where you can wander the ramp to get up close and personal with a wide variety of aircraft, many based at the airport. Last year featured types from Stearman biplanes to T-6 Texans to a P-51 Mustang and P-40 Warhawk – you can see them all in our Gathering of Warbirds 2016 photo gallery.
The event runs from 10am to 4pm, and flying is expected sporadically throughout the day. It is not an airshow, and there are no designated performances, but the pilots will be eager to do some flybys. Highlights this year include the B-25 Mitchell bomber “Miss Mitchell”, Brad Deckert’s TBM Avenger, and the MiG-17 Fresco and F-86 Sabre from our friends at MiG Alley Airshows. Organizers are hopeful that the Royal Canadian Air Force will bring in a C-130 Hercules for static display as well.
Those wanting to take part in the flying can purchase rides in the B-25 bomber or a BT-13 trainer aircraft. More details are available on the Gathering of Warbirds website.
From the event’s website:
Airplanes dating back to World War II and the Korean War will be in the air over Waukesha and on the ground at the Waukesha County Airport.
This second annual Gathering of Warbirds will honor veterans and the 75th Anniversary of the 1942 Doolittle Raid on Tokyo, which was the first strike to hit the Japanese home islands in World War II.
The Gathering of Warbirds is a family-friendly event featuring historic and modern military aircraft, aircraft tours and rides, and education activities for all ages. It’s aimed at anyone who enjoys seeing historic and modern military aircraft and fighter jets fly throughout the day.
Aircraft presentations and tours will provide hands-on opportunities for families and aviation history buffs alike. Miss Mitchell, a restored B-25 Mitchell and the type of aircraft used in the Doolittle Raid, will be at the event and will offer tours and flight experiences. The event will also honor veterans with a free hat presented to the first 200 veterans who attend.
Entrance fee is $15 per vehicle (cash only), which includes entrance for everyone in the vehicle. Park in Waukesha County Expo Center. Handicap parking will be available. Please no pets or smoking on the grounds of the event.
Jennifer Dchultz
Would love to go see this.
Lynn Brewer
So excited for all southeastern aircraft buffs. Thank you Waukesha Airport for hosting.
Holly M
Hope there will be another show like this. This is really amazing!