LI's American Airpower Museum Warbirds To Join Jones Beach Air Show

FARMINGDALE, NY — The American Airpower Museum's "Legends of Airpower WWII Warbirds" are set to perform at the Bethpage Federal Credit Union Jones Beach Air Show on Memorial Day weekend, the Farmingdale museum announced.

AAM’s legendary warbirds, including the WWII B-25 Mitchell bomber, North American P-51D Mustang, Grumman TBM-3E Avenger Torpedo Bomber, and Curtiss P-40M Warhawk "Flying Tiger," will take to the skies over Republic Airport on Friday for a practice day, as well as Saturday and Sunday for the Jones Beach Air Show.

Additional aircraft will be in the air including AAM’s WWII North American AT-6 Trainers, Vietnam era AT-28D Nomad and our Cold War era L-39 Jet Fighter/Trainers.

"Military aviation enthusiasts will not want to miss AAM’s WWII C-47 80th Anniversary D-Day Living History Experience, as WWII Airborne reenactors interact with our visitors on Saturday, May 25th," the museum wrote in a news release.

Throughout the weekend, museum visitors will get to watch U.S. Navy Blue Angels and USAF A-10 "Warthogs" take off and return at Republic Airport. The Blue Angels practice on Friday, as well.

"So, if you’re not going to Jones Beach, there is simply no better place to be than on AAM’s ramp, right off New Highway," the museum wrote. "Witness hours of awe-inspiring aviation action, as our warbirds and U.S. military aircraft take off and land from our flight line Saturday and Sunday. You won’t be able to get much closer than that!"

People can watch the museum's aircraft perform practice flybys over Republic Airport all day Friday.

"Get up close and personal with these historic bombers and fighters of yesteryear! Then join us at
AAM to catch even more aerial action Saturday and Sunday, as our warbirds lift off to perform in the air show!"

The A-10 Demo Team will be performing in the Jones Beach Air Show and will be based on the American Airpower Museum's ramp, touching down at 4:30 p.m. Thursday before taking off and returning on Friday for practice day, and then several times each day for the air show on Saturday and Sunday.

"Folks will be able watch the pilots get onboard each Warthog, watch them fire up their twin jet engines, taxi off AAM’s ramp and take off for the south shore and the show; then watch as they return afterwards to their home base at the American Airpower Museum," the museum wrote. "It’s kind of historic, since these legendary ground support and attack aircraft were manufactured right here on Long Island, when the airport used to be Fairchild Republic!!! Another WOW factor is the Blue Angels are headquartered at Republic and take off and return each day from AAM’s flight line, so guests coming to the museum will be able catch awesome Blue Angel action as well, plus the Skytypers and many other performers!"

Flight experiences are also available each day on one of the American Airpower Museum's AT-6 Texans or its red WACO Biplane. People can park for free in AAM’s lot or along New Highway. Food and ice cream trucks will be available onsite.

The museum is also open on Memorial Day and set to close at 4 p.m.

According to American Airpower Museum President Jeff Clyman, the goal for this three-day extravaganza is two-fold.

"To honor the men and women of the ‘Greatest Generation’ who built, maintained and piloted the iconic warbirds of yesteryear, in a bold defense of freedom during WWII, as well as active-duty military, reservists and the national guard, who continue this mission today," Clyman said in a news release.

Clyman said that public support strengthens AAM’s mission to educate the next generation about American military aviation history and will also help maintain the museum’s iconic aircraft.

"Help keep ‘em flying," he said.

As a special promotion, every paying museum guest 18 and over on Friday through Monday will be entered to win a Cockpit USA "made in the USA" leather flight jacket. Cockpit USA, sponsor of the American Airpower Museum, is the official supplier to the United States Air Force of A-2 leather flight jackets.

Various genuine leather flight jackets and other military wear is specially priced and on sale all weekend and can be purchased at AAM’s gift shop.

Museum hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the exception of Monday when it closes an hour earlier.

Tickets and preregistration are not required. Regular admission is $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and veterans and $10 for children ages 3 to 12.

"Three days of action guaranteed to thrill aviation fans of all ages," the museum wrote. "Don’t forget your cameras or smart phones."

American Airpower Museum is at Republic Airport, at Hangar 3, 1230 New Highway,
Farmingdale. People can call 631-293-6398 or visit the museum's website.