Hagerstown to Host Centennial Celebration for Fairchild Aircraft

Hagerstown, Maryland will become the epicenter of aviation history this September as the Hagerstown Aviation Museum prepares to host a monumental three-day event commemorating the 100th anniversary of Fairchild Aircraft. The celebration, scheduled for September 12th, 13th, and 14th, promises to be a deep dive into the rich legacy of aviation innovation and a vibrant showcase of community spirit.

The anniversary festivities will feature an impressive array of vintage Fairchild aircraft, with attendees having the unique opportunity to witness the arrival of Fairchild aircraft owners on Friday, September 12th. A significant highlight of the day will be the fly-in of a Fairchild A-10. Throughout the event, the Hagerstown Aviation Museum will offer the chance to experience “Fairchild Heritage Flights,” with donations of $200 supporting the museum’s preservation efforts. These flights will be available in the museum’s restored PT-19 and UC-61 aircraft. The opening day will culminate with a 1940s-themed Hangar Dance from 6:30 PM to 11 PM, complete with live Big Band music, dancing, food, and beverages.

Saturday, September 13th, will bring the annual Wings & Wheels Expo to the museum grounds. This day-long event will shine a spotlight on Fairchild aircraft alongside other vintage planes. The Fairchild A-10 will be on display, and visitors can explore the historic 1943 Fairchild Flight Test Hangar and various aviation exhibits. The expo will also include a classic car, truck, and tractor cruise-in, live music starting at noon, along with a variety of food and local vendors. As on Friday, opportunities to participate in Fairchild Flight Experiences in the PT-19 and UC-61 will be available.

Sunday, September 14th, will focus on aviation fellowship and educational programming. The day will begin with coffee and doughnuts, followed by a speaker series. A notable session will be an A-10 Warthog Roundtable, offering insights into the iconic aircraft. The event will also include a Rosie Reception. The afternoon will provide a final opportunity for attendees to interact with the visiting Fairchild aircraft, including the A-10, before they depart. The museum’s PT-19 and UC-61 will again offer Fairchild Flight Experiences.

The Hagerstown Aviation Museum, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving over a century of regional aviation history, boasts the world’s most extensive collection of historic Fairchild aircraft. Its collection includes notable models such as the PT-19, XNQ, C-82, C-119 Flying Boxcar, C-123K, and F-27. The museum’s archives are a treasure trove of aviation history, housing over fifteen thousand photographs, thousands of historical artifacts, personal items, films, and artwork. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Beyond the anniversary celebration, the museum has announced a special one-time event on Monday, September 22nd, to welcome a Maryland Air National Guard Fairchild-Republic A-10C, serial number 79-0087, into its permanent collection. Further details regarding this upcoming A-10 Homecoming Event are expected soon. Rider Jet Center is recognized as a sustaining sponsor of the museum and a supporter of its flight programs.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from Hagerstown Aviation Museum.

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