Aug
04
Houston, TX
Houston Wing Houston, TX
Address:
West Houston Airport
18000 Groeschke Rd.
Hangar B-5
Houston, TX 77084
Contact number:
(281) 579-2131
Website:
http://www.houstonwing.org
BT-13 Valiant More Info
The Consolidated Vultee BT-13/BT-15/SNV family of Basic Trainers first entered service in 1940, and was finally retired in the late 1960’s. The Houston Wing aircraft is a BT-13A; about 7,000 of this model were built. It is estimated that only about 40 remain in flying condition today. The Houston Wing BT-13 spent 30 years as a public attraction on top of a Utah welding shop before being rescued and returned to flight status. A standard BT-13A is equipped a 450 HP Pratt & Whitney R-985-AN-1 radial engine which drives a fixed-pitch propeller (the Houston Wing’s BT-13A has a variable-pitch prop). The landing gear is not retractable, and is not equipped with fairings. Due to the large... ...
PT-19 Cornell More Cornell Info
The Fairchild PT-19 “Cornell” was a primary trainer developed for the U.S. Army Air Force. Traditionally, primary training was done using biplanes like the Stearman PT-17 “Kaydet” or Navy N3N. However, later it was felt that the transition from the very stable and forgiving biplanes to the more challenging monoplane basic and advanced trainers was too abrupt; the student would feel overconfident after mastering the biplane and have trouble adjusting to the later monoplanes. Therefore, the Army decided to introduce monoplane primary trainers like the PT-19. With a higher wing loading and stall speed, it was more similar to the next step in the training, the BT-13. Following its... ...
AT-6G Texan Ace in the Hole More Ace in the Hole Info
The North American Aviation AT-6 family of Advanced Trainers first entered service in 1938, and variants continued in service until recent times. The aircraft assigned to the Houston wing (affectionately referred to as “Ace”, as it carries the ‘Ace in the Hole’ insignia of the USAF 111th Fighter Squadron) is an AT-6A; about 1,800 were built. The naval version of the AT-6 is the SNJ; the approximate equivalent of the AT-6A is SNJ-3, and another 270 of these were built. In RAF and RCAF service, the AT-6 was known as the “Harvard”; most of these aircraft were built by Canadian Car and Foundry. AT-6A’s were built at the original North American factory in Inglewood, California and at a new... ...
N3N Canary More Canary Info
A Primary Trainer designed by the US Navy’s Bureau of Aeronautics, the N3N was built by the Naval Aircraft Factory at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was that facility’s most numerous product. The design was originated in 1934 and was a relatively advanced type in its time. The fuselage structure is of aluminum angle and plate, covered with a combination of fabric and removable aluminum panels. The flying surfaces are covered with fabric. Although the N3N had the semi-official moniker of “Canary”, it was more commonly known as the “Yellow Peril” (a name it sometimes shared with the Stearman N2S Primary Trainer) Most N3Ns were removed from service soon after the end of WWII, but some... ...
L-17 Navion More Info
This project is a complete restoration of our L-17, a dedicated group at CAF Houston Wing are leading the restoration and want to encourage anyone interested in helping, learning or contributing in any way to come out and join us.
C-60 Lodestar Goodtime Gal More Goodtime Gal Info
The Lockheed C-60A is a twin-engine transport based on the Model 18 Lodestar. The Model 18 was a civilian airliner, developed as a competitor to the Douglas DC-3. Slightly smaller and faster than the DC-3, it soon was in service with many airlines around the world. At the beginning of the war, 102 Model 18’s in service with U.S. airlines or under construction were impressed into military service; these “drafted” aircraft were designated C-56, C-57, C-59 or C-60 depending on their configuration and engines. The C-60A was the first “Lodestar” which was built specifically for military service. It was used as a cargo aircraft, VIP transport and paratroop transport. C-60As also served with the... ...The Commemorative Air Force honors the men and women who built, maintained, and flew in these airplanes during World War II. The organization believes that is best accomplished by maintaining the airplanes in flying condition; taking the airplanes to the people allowing them to experience the sight and sound of the aircraft in flight.
Collecting, restoring and flying vintage historical aircraft for more than half a century, the Commemorative Air Force ranks as one of the largest private air forces in the world. The CAF is dedicated to Honoring American Military Aviation through flight, exhibition, and remembrance. A non-profit educational association, the CAF has more than 13,000 members and a fleet of 165 airplanes distributed throughout the country to 76 CAF units for care and operation. For more information, visit www.commemorativeairforce.org
As a unit of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), we are dedicated to preserving and honoring our military history with the rallying cry to “Keep ‘Em Flying!”
The Houston Wing is based at West Houston Airport, in Houston, Texas, USA. The Wing has six CAF aircraft assigned:
hw logo webLockheed C-60A Lodestar “Goodtime Gal” North American AT-6 Texan “Ace in the Hole” Consolidated-Vultee BT-13 Valiant Naval Aircraft Factory N3N “Yellow Peril” Fairchild PT-19A “Cornell” North American L?17 Navion Meetings are usually the third Sunday of each month at 2 PM (but check the calendar for the exact schedule, as this will sometimes vary).
Our museum is staffed on the first and third Saturday of each month from 10 AM until 3 PM. However, we can generally arrange to have the museum open for groups or other visitors at other times with some advance notice.
Most work on the aircraft and the hangar is performed on Saturdays, and on Wednesday evenings. Visitors are welcome during the work sessions (especially visitors who don’t mind getting their hands dirty!).
whs logo comm final white bghw logo webHistory The Houston Wing began as the West Houston Squadron, a Squadron of the West Texas Wing, in June 1978. Starting from three members and operating only member-owned aircraft, it has now grown to over 100 members and six assigned CAF warbirds. In 2012, the West Houston Squadron petitioned CAF Headquarters and the West Texas Wing for realignment as a direct-reporting unit (a Wing) rather than a Squadron of the West Texas Wing. Upon acceptance of this request, the West Houston Squadron became the Houston Wing.
By 1982, the Squadron had grown to about 35 members and had been assigned its first CAF aircraft, the N3N. This was a true project, with the airframe coming from two separate aircraft and arriving by truck. It would be eight years before its first flight.
Later in 1982, the Squadron was assigned its first flying aircraft, the DC-3 “Dragon Lady”. This was a BIG airplane for a still-small Squadron, and after several years of struggle, it was reluctantly returned to CAF headquarters, with the Squadron focusing on smaller aircraft (for the time being). Over the next few years, the AT-6, the BT-13 (another project aircraft), and a Stinson 108 (now with the Gulf Coast Wing) would be brought into the Squadron. In more recent times, the C-60, PT-19, and Navion would be purchased by the Squadron and donated to the CAF, which then assigned them to the Squadron for operation and care.
In 1985, the West Houston Squadron and the Gulf Coast Wing combined forces to hold the inaugural Wings Over Houston Airshow at Ellington Field (now Ellington Airport). Held every year since, and now jointly presented by the Houston Wing, the Gulf Coast Wing, and the Tora Tora Tora Sponsor Group, it is now one of the largest airshows in the country and attracts fans from all over the world.
Houston Wing Hangar Hang Out More Info
On the first and third Saturday of every month, we open our museum and hangar to the public free of charge! It's the perfect family day and a great chance to see unique artifacts from World War II along with our aircraft and engine collections. See historic aircraft both restored and being restored, talk to the crews, and discover Houston's best-kept secret!
Oct
06
Houston, TX
Hangar Hang Out More Info
The first and third Saturday of every month, our museum and hangar are open to the public and admission is FREE! Bring your family and spend a day looking at a unique collection of artifacts and aircraft from World War II and more. Who says there's nothing fun and affordable for families to do anymore?
Dec
07
Houston, TX
Dinner with Patton More Info
Join the Houston Wing in welcoming world-famous General George Patton re-enactor Denny Hair as we present a “Dinner with Patton.” Denny will recite inspirational speeches inspired by General George Patton and answer questions from the audience about General Patton’s life and career. Period music will be provided by local artist Maria Thorne! Doors open at 6:00 pm and dinner is served at 7:00. Patton will address the troops at 8:00 pm. We will be featuring a 3-course holiday-themed dinner featuring ham and turkey for the main course. A special treat can be had as there are 9 seats available at Patton’s table for a slight upcharge, but hurry as these are sure to go fast! Join us for a... ...
Oct
19
Oct
20
Houston, TX
Wings Over Houston More Info
We're incredibly honored to host, not one, but TWO national military jet teams, the USAF Thunderbirds & Canadian Forces Snowbirds, in October! Even better, the United States Air Force is sending an F-35 Lightning II for a full-tilt, rip-roaring, crank and bank (FIRST TIME ever in Houston!) demo you don't want to miss!
Apr
06
Houston, TX
Hangar Hang Out More Info
On the first and third Saturday of each month, join us to hang out in the hangar and see our collection of WWII-era aircraft, and enjoy our WWII museum with its unique collection of memorabilia and artifacts. Free admission makes it a great family activity for the new year!
Apr
20
Houston, TX
Hangar Hang Out More Info
On the first and third Saturday of each month, join us to hang out in the hangar and see our collection of WWII-era aircraft, and enjoy our WWII museum with its unique collection of memorabilia and artifacts. Free admission makes it a great family activity for the new year!
Apr
13
Apr
14
Houston, TX
Warbird Weekend More Info
Spring in Houston means warbirds galore at West Houston Airport! This year, our Warbird Weekend features the CAF Gulf Coast Wing's B-17 Texas Raiders along with her new sidekick the Beech JNB Little Raider. Joining Texas Raiders will be a variety of WWII, Korea and Vietnam-era warbirds like the only flying SB2C Helldiver in the world, the unforgettable CH-46 Sea Knight, the Venerable T-6 Texan and much, much more. Enjoy a full day of touring or riding warbirds!
Jun
06
Houston, TX
NASCAR and WARBIRDS-performs flyovers on race days More Info
We're excited to announce that Houston Wing flyovers will now be a part of NASCAR Houston's Race Day Program! The wing is partnering with Houston Motorsports Park to perform flyovers on race days. We know you're a warbird fan already, but are you a race fan too? This Saturday gates open at 4pm! Admission: $20 Adult admission, Kids 6-12 $5, 5 & under are FREE
Aug
01
Houston, TX
Hangar Hang Out More Info
Saturday at 10 AM – 3 PM-The first and third Saturday of each month, we open our hangar and museum to the public to share the history of WWII aviation with everyone. There is no admission fee, so it's a great way to entertain the family for the day and maybe learn something at the same time. Join us for a bit of history come to life!
Oct
10
Oct
11
Houston, TX
Wings Over Houston Airshow- Drive-In viewing experience More Info
Dates and Times: Oct 10 at 4 PM – Oct 11 at 7 PM Wings Over Houston Airshow- Friday Show is Cancelled Today. Today's ticket is good through Sunday. Public · Hosted by Wings Over Houston Airshow 2020 , CAF Gulf Coast Wing's B-17 Texas Raiders and Collings Foundation HEADS UP HOUSTON! Mark your calendars for The 36th Annual Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Wings Over Houston Airshow will take to the air on, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10-11, and will offer fans a drive-in viewing experience to ensure safe social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The final lineup for an unprecedented three-day show will showcase the skills of four United States Air Force demonstration... ...
Jun
20
Houston, TX
Hangar Hang Out - High Performance Edition More Info
Saturday at 10 AM – 3 PM- The Houston Wing is proud to announce the return of our Hangar Hang Outs with a special High-Performance Edition featuring our special guests, the Houston Ferrari Group! Join us on Saturday, June 20, to see our fast and powerful WWII aircraft, and some very fast and powerful cars to boot! Admission is free and it's a great way for the family to spend a Saturday, so come down and hang out in the hangar at West Houston Airport!
Jul
04
Houston, TX
Hangar Hangout-July 4th More Info
Starting Saturday, July 4th 2020-The first and third Saturday of each month, The CAF Houston Wing we open their hangar and museum to the public to share the history of WWII aviation with everyone. There is no admission fee, so it's a great way to entertain the family for the day and maybe learn something at the same time. Join us for a bit of history come to life!
We will be giving rides in the N3N!
Aug
15
Houston, TX
Hangar Hang Out More Info
Date and Time: Saturday, August 15, 2020 at 10 AM – 3 PM-The first and third Saturday of each month, we open our hangar and museum to the public to share the history of WWII aviation with everyone. There is no admission fee, so it's a great way to entertain the family for the day and maybe learn something at the same time. Join us for a bit of history come to life!
Sep
05
Houston, TX
Hangar Hang Out More Info
Date and Time: Saturday at 10 AM – 3 PM-The first and third Saturday of each month, we open our hangar and museum to the public to share the history of WWII aviation with everyone. There is no admission fee, so it's a great way to entertain the family for the day and maybe learn something at the same time. Join us for a bit of history come to life!
Oct
03
Houston, TX
Hangar Hang Out More Info
Date and Time: Saturday, October 3, 2020 at 10 AM – 3 PM-The first and third Saturday of each month, we open our hangar and museum to the public to share the history of WWII aviation with everyone. There is no admission fee, so it's a great way to entertain the family for the day and maybe learn something at the same time. Join us for a bit of history come to life!
Oct
09
Oct
10
Houston, TX
The 37th Annual Wings Over Houston Airshow More Info
Great news Airshow fans – The 37th Annual Wings Over Houston Airshow is set for October 9 & 10, 2021, at Houston's Ellington Airport. If you can't Join us in person, join on Facebook & Twitter #WOHAirshow! The 122d Observation Fighter Squadron will participate on October 9-10, 2021. On Saturday, October 9th, three F-15C Eagles out of New Orleans will be flying over the Texas A&M and Alabama football game (Gig ‘Em Aggies! … or whoever you prefer, and then turning around to fly back to Ellington Field at this year’s airshow. Although the football game is only on Saturday, the 122d Fighter Squadron will be back Sunday for a repeat performance at Ellington before heading home to New... ...
Sep
04
Sep
05
Houston, TX
Houston Wing Warbird Weekend 2021 More Info
Clear your calendar and save the dates, because the Houston Wing's famous Warbird Weekend is BACK! See historic aircraft, artifacts, and more as warbirds gather at West Houston Airport for the first time in two years. All proceeds go toward keeping these historic birds in the air. Stay tuned for ticket information as we get closer to the event!
Jun
05
Houston, TX
CAF Houston Wing - Hangar Hang Out More Info
The first and third Saturday of each month, we open our hangar and museum to the public to share the history of WWII aviation with everyone. There is no admission fee, so it's a great way to entertain the family for the day and maybe learn something at the same time. Join us for a bit of history come to life!
May
15
Houston, TX
Ferraris & Fighters More Info
Saturday at 10 AM CDT – 3:30 PM CDT- Our inaugural event in association with the Ferrari Club of America’s Houston Chapter! See WWII warbirds and some of the fastest production and race cars in the world at this unique event on May 15 at the West Houston Airport Terminal. We will be offering rides in the Houston Wing aircraft, there will be food trucks, and much more! A suggested donation of $20/carload will get you a day of family fun and amazing machines! All proceeds from the event go to fund the flying history programs of the CAF Houston Wing! If you would like to make a donation to the fundraiser, click here:... ...
May
31
Houston, TX
Houston Wing - Memorial Day Flyover More Info
Houston, keep your eyes on the skies on Memorial Day as our flyover team performs for several important ceremonies. We should be over Sugar Land Memorial Park at 11:05, Memorial Oaks Mall at 11:20, and the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Park at 12:00. If you catch a photo of us in action, post it here and we may feature it next week! One of the most important missions that all of the units of the Commemorative Air Force performs every year is flyovers of parades and local Memorial Day events. The Houston Wing has a long and storied history of performing these flyovers. Of all the flyovers we perform throughout the year the Memorial Day flyovers remind us of why we fly. When... ...
Apr
30
May
01
Houston, TX
Houston Warbird Weekend More Info
Come See Texas Raiders B-17 and a ton of other warbirds at Warbird Weekend at West Houston Airport April 30-May 1, 2022. Texas Raiders will be open for tours and you can buy your favorite B-17 T-shirts and caps. You can also experience West Houston in the sky with a flight on our twin-engine Beech 18. Painted in Navy colors and sporting an Admiral’s stars, the Twin Beech seats five passengers in cozy comfort as she lifts into the sky. Want the view from the cockpit? The co-pilot’s seat is available, as well as four cushy leather seats in the cabin. Flights leave from West Houston Airport. Children aged 5 to 12 are welcome when accompanied by an adult. Each flight is approximately 25... ...
Feb
05
Houston, TX
Houston Hangar Hang Out- Feb 5 More Info
The first and third Saturday of each month, we open our hangar and museum to the public to share the history of WWII aviation with everyone. There is no admission fee, so it's a great way to entertain the family for the day and maybe learn something at the same time. Join us for a bit of history come to life
Houston Wing Location- West Houston Airport- 18000 Groschke Rd, Hangar B-5 Houston, TX 77084
Feb
19
Houston, TX
Houston Hangar Hangout - Feb 19 More Info
The first and third Saturday of each month, we open our hangar and museum to the public to share the history of WWII aviation with everyone. There is no admission fee, so it's a great way to entertain the family for the day and maybe learn something at the same time. Join us for a bit of history come to life
Houston Wing Location- West Houston Airport- 18000 Groschke Rd, Hangar B-5 Houston, TX 77084
Dec
03
Houston, TX
Hangar Hang Out More Info
The first and third Saturday of each month, we open our hangar and museum to the public to share the history of WWII aviation with everyone. There is no admission fee, so it's a great way to entertain the family for the day and maybe learn something at the same time. Join us for a bit of history come to life!
Jul
22
Angleton/Lake Jackson, TX
Houston Wing Rides Day More Info
Come out to Texas Gulf Coast Regional Airport for a ride day with the Houston Wing! Check out their website and follow them on facebook for more information.
Aug
26
Houston, TX
Houston Wing Rides Day More Info
Come out to Houston Executive Airport for a rides day with the Houston Wing. Visit their website and follow them on facebook for more information.
Nov
29
Dallas, TX
CAF Warbird Tube - C-60 Lodestar "Goodtime Gal" More Info
***ONLINE EVENT*** The C-60A is a twin-engine transport based on Lockheed’s Model 18 Lodestar. The Model 18 was a civilian airliner like the DC3, but slightly smaller and a little faster. During the War, the C-60 was used as a cargo aircraft, VIP transport, and paratroop transport. The C-60s also served stateside as tow aircraft for training glider pilots. Most C-47s were sent to fighting units overseas in Europe and Pacific theaters. The CAF’s C-60 Lodestar is assigned to the Houston Wing. She was built in 1943 and carries the name and Nose Art “Goodtime Gal.” She is configured as a paratroop transport, complete with jump lights and a static line hookup. Join Houston Wing members on... ...
Jun
15
Houston, TX
Father's Day Flights More Info
Treat Dad to a flight on a historic warbird when the CAF Houston Wing hosts Father's Day Flights on June 15 at West Houston Airport. Fly in the open cockpit N3N biplane, the BT-13 WWII trainer, or the AT-6 Texan known as "The Pilot Maker" throughout WWII. Reserve your flight at the ticket link in this event, or visit https://bit.ly/4amySm1
Jul
13
Houston, TX
Warbird Expo More Info
Vintage Aircraft • Ride Flights • Cockpit ToursAnd More! AT-6 Texan "Ace in the Hole" N3N Biplane "Yellow Peril" BT-13 Vultee Valiant PT-19 Fairchild Cornell Entry $10 per person • $20 for families
Jul
20
Houston, TX
Hangar Hangout More Info
On the first and third Saturday of each month, we open our hangar and museum to the public to share the history of WWII aviation with everyone. There is no admission fee, so it's a great way to entertain the family for the day and maybe learn something at the same time. Join us for a bit of history to come to life
Sep
14
Houston, TX
Hometown Rides Day &Hangar Hangout More Info
Join us for our Hometown Rides Day & Hangar Hang Out at West Houston Airport on September 14, 2024 from 10 am – 3 pm Take the flight of a lifetime and see our free WWII museum and maintenance hangar. Fly in our AT-6 Texan, our BT-13 Valiant, our N3N Biplane, or our PT-19 Cornell. We can’t wait to see you as the weather begins to cool down in Houston! Make your reservations at the ticket link in this event!
