Memorial Day

Memorial day is a National Holiday honoring and remembering those who have died in military service. The Cold War Air Museum joins with families and communities all over America in recognizing and honoring our men and women in military service and those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.

Mi-24 Fly-bys

The Cold War Air Museum Mil Mi-24D is flying on a regular basis now. We have had requests for pictures of the aircraft in flight, so Jon and Miguel are working on a new series of "in the air" photos. Their post will be up after Memorial Day. Until then, enjoy these short clips of the Mi24 flying by.

Feature Associate - Larry Dodson

We are fortunate at the Cold War Air Museum to have a fine group of associates and volunteers. Larry Dodson has recently come aboard as an active volunteer, working on the UH-1B restoration.

Larry owns his own business, specializing in excavation and emergency response for A T & T. A Helicopter Private Pilot, he is currently working on his Commercial rating.

Larry's beautifully restored Bell 47 G-2 was originally manufactured in 1957.

Larry frequently fly's down to the Museum to help out on the weekends. The Bell 47 and Schweitzer (aka Hughes, aka TH-55, aka Osage), parked here together, provided primary training for the majority of helicopter pilots from the Korean War through Vietnam.

We appreciate Larry's help. Come join Larry and the gang at the Cold War Air Museum where you can watch (and help!), as we get our many projects "off the ground"!

Cold War, Timeout

The cold war was not always fought with weapons. In fact, the whole point of the "cold" war was to avoid the use of weapons, specifically, weapons of mass destruction. The message of the opposing super powers was often carried by economic or cultural means, including movies and music.

At this year's George Washington University Commencement (set on the Washington Mall with the capitol building as a backdrop), Dave Brubeck received an Honorary PhD and told a story from his cold war days.

Dr. Brubeck told of being asked to take his Jazz group to eastern Europe in 1958 by then American President, Dwight Eisenhower. While in Poland, he was approached and told "We have something in common". When he asked what, the Pole replied "Our people both love freedom".

Upon awarding him the Benjamin Franklin Award for Public Diplomacy in 2008 (the first individual recipient of this award), the State Department wrote; "as a pianist, composer, cultural emissary and educator, Dave Brubeck's life's work exemplifies the best of America's cultural diplomacy."


Dr. Brubeck first "toured" Europe with General George S. Patton's Third Army, creating and leading the unit's first racially integrated jazz band. Years later, following their return from the 1958 European tour, the Brubeck Quartet released their "Time Out" album, which is still popular today.

Congratulations to our Cold War Air Museum Associate who recently received his Master's degree from the University's Elliott School of International Affairs. The struggle for world peace is no less difficult or any less important today than it was during the "cold war", so we extend our thoughts and prayers to all those throughout the world who are working to make the world a safer and better place, whether through diplomacy, trade, culture, or conflict resolution using live fire.

With thanks and credit to YouTube sources linked.

Mi-24 Static Display gets Main Rotor Blades

The DFW wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) continues to make progress with their static display Mil Mi-24D in "front" of their hangar.

With the main rotor blades now attached, the "beast" looks more and more like its flying brother every week.

This project, which started a little over a year ago, is covered in more detail in the series of posts available by clicking on the "Bord 122" label below.

The CAF Museum is located at the opposite end of the airport from the Cold War Air Museum. Both are open on the weekends and within easy walking (or driving) distance of each other. Check our web sites for directions or detailed times and schedules, then come visit!

Mil Mi-24 Check Rides

Now that the Cold War Air Museum Mil Mi-24D is certified for flight and has flown off it's required program hours, pilot training and rating is underway.

With weather and maintenance co-operating, Bord 118 was turned around quickly for multiple hops over the weekend.

Watching the aircraft fly is, awesome. For the many people who have contributed to this effort, it was a beautiful day to enjoy seeing their work take flight.

The downwash from the massive rotor blades shakes the cameraman as the aircraft taxis by.

For the pilots working on their rating, every moment not flying presented an opportunity to hit the books and study the check lists.

The moment of truth comes when you climb in the big bird and actually take the controls in flight. After some initial time in the front cockpit with an experienced instructor, the qualified airmen climb in the back cockpit for further checkout.

We appreciate the support of the many people who worked hard to get the program approved and underway. The newly rated Mi-24 pilots, who had extensive previous rotary wing experience, exchange congratulations with their instructor and examiner.

Spring Cleaning

As we prepare to take some of the aircraft associated with the Cold War Air Museum to local air shows, we are once again thankful for the support given to the museum by our volunteers.

The Mi-2, which is preparing to go to Corsicanna this weekend for their annual fly-in, is shown getting a well deserved bath. Someone passing by said "Hey, I didn't realize there were white numbers under there".

Thanks guys, we appreciate your work.