Culpeper Regional Airport hosting Warbird Showcase, offering rides on World War II planes

CULPEPER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — The Capital Wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) is coming to the Culpeper Regional Airport in mid-July for an expanded version of its Warbird Showcase.

This free event showcasing iconic planes will take place at the airport, located at Beverly Ford Road at Routes 15/29, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 13 and 14, according to a Capital Wing CAF press release.

Multiple unique planes will be on display during the showcase. According to the release, this includes a Japanese Fuji LM-1, of which only three exist. There will also be the world’s first jet-powered helicopter, a French Alouette II, and a Vultee BT-13, which is currently being restored.

Twice a day, at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., the Capital Wing TBM Avenger torpedo bomber will perform an engine run-up and fold and unfold its wings.

“The sound [of the engine] is awesome and the sight of the wings folding is amazing,” the release reads.

Additionally, rides will be offered on World War II warbirds — including a Boeing PT-17 Stearman open cockpit bi-plane. According to the release, these rides can be booked in advance for a special reduced price only valid for the Warbird Showcase. Any rides that remain unsold will be sold on-site during the showcase.

Attendees can also tour a vintage Douglas DC-3 twin-engine airliner for a nominal donation. This plane was reportedly considered “state-of-the-art air travel” in the 1940s.

According to the release, the Capital Wing will also be offering a limited number of special coupons at the showcase. Old House Vineyards, located only 7 miles off of the airport’s runway, will provide a free beer or wine in exchange for said coupons.

“The Capital Wing is more than just warbirds,” said Pete Ballard, warbird rides coordinator of the Capital Wing, in the release. “We strive to educate the public on aviation history which, during WWII, included beer. Beer was a staple for US pilots in WWII. It was not uncommon for American pilots to load warm beer into one of their aircraft and fly up to 6,000 feet where the air temperature is about 30 degrees, providing the crew a nice cold beer after landing.”

Attendees will also be able to grab a bite at the Law Dawgs food truck, which will offer a variety of food and drink, including hot dogs and fries.

Free on-site parking will be available for those attending the event.

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