Legendary Fighter Planes From Philanthropist Paul G. Allen’s Flying Heritage Collection Are Set To Return To The Skies May 16, 2009

LEGENDARY FIGHTER PLANES FROM PHILANTHROPIST PAUL G. ALLEN’S FLYING HERITAGE COLLECTION ARE SET TO RETURN TO THE SKIES

Starting in May, some of the world’s most iconic and legendary planes will return to the Everett sky and the public can see it all for free. On various Saturdays from May 16 until September 19, the Flying Heritage Collection will host Summer Fly Day events at Paine Field in Everett, Wash. The Flying Heritage Collection, owned by philanthropist Paul G. Allen, is one of the world’s great collections of rare World War II-era military aircraft.

Two planes from the collection will fly during each Fly Day event. The lineup for this year includes such famous aircraft as the North American P-51D Mustang, which is arguably the plane that won the air war in Europe, and the Polikarpov U-2/PO-2, a wood and wire biplane famously flown by female Soviet pilots known as the “Night Witches” in their daring nighttime raids against German forces.

A prime viewing area alongside Paine Field’s runway will be open to the public at the west end of 109th St. SW at Paine Field, Everett, Wash.—just a short walk from the collection's hangar. Free parking is available in the Flying Heritage Collection parking lot and there is signage to the Fly Day viewing location.

WHEN: Various Saturdays from May 16 until September 19, the Flying Heritage Collection will host free ‘Fly Days’ at 12:00 p.m. The flight schedule is as follows:

• May 16 – General Aviation Day: P-47 Thunderbolt, P-51D Mustang
• June 6 – 65th D-Day Anniversary, FHC Anniversary: Bf 109, Fieseler Fi 156 Storch
• June 20 – Father’s Day Weekend: Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, Polikarpov I-16
• June 27: Hawker Hurricane, P-51D Mustang
• July 18: Messerschmitt Bf 109, P-47 Thunderbolt
• July 25 – Battle of Britain Event: Supermarine Spitfire, Hawker Hurricane
• August 8: Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, Curtiss JN-4 "Jenny"
• August 22: P-51D Mustang, P-47 Thunderbolt
• September 12 – Russia Day: Polikarpov I-16, Polikarpov U-2/PO-2
• September 19 – Luftwaffe event: Messerschmitt Bf 109, Fieseler Fi 156 Storch

NOTE: These flights are planned activities, but are subject to weather conditions, pilot availability and the mechanical condition of the aircraft. Fly Days may be cancelled without notice due to these factors. Please call FHC at (877) FHC-3404 or check the Web site prior to your visit.

WHERE: Flying Heritage Collection, Paine Field, 3407 109th Street SW, Everett, WA 98204
• Free parking is available outside the hangar. There is signage to the Fly Day viewing location.

COST: Fly Days are free to the public, but do not include admission to the Flying Heritage Collection. FHC admission prices are as follows: Adults $12, Seniors/Military: $10; Youths (6-15): $8; Children (5 and under) are free; Groups (15 or more) are $10 per person.

WEB: Flying Heritage Collection (www.flyingheritage.com)

PHONE: (877) FHC-3404

MEDIA CONTACT: Jennifer Bragg, (206) 838-9205 or [email protected]

Official Website: http://www.flyingheritage.com