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The Tampa Bay Wing is proud to have developed partnerships with Trig Avionics, Lakeland Linder Airport, Sun-N-Fun Aerospace Expo, SheltAir Aviation, and Double M Aviation. Our partners' support helped the Tampa Bay Wing receive its first airplane, a Fairchild PT-19, which we flew from Dallas to Lakeland in May, 2024 and placed in our hangar at Sun-N-Fun.

CAF Tampa Bay Wing's Facebook page


PT-19 Status: UP

The Tampa Bay Fairchild PT-19 is being flown by Sebastian DaSo with Larry DaSo in the rear cockpit south of Lakeland Linder Airport. Sebastian Flew the PT-19 from Fresno, California, to Dallas. He returned two weeks later and, with the help of Ken Hewes, flew the PT-19 from Dallas to Lakeland. Sebastian flew our PT-19 from coast to coast, a true cross-country trip. Thank you, Sebastian, for your commitment to the Tampa Bay Wing.

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On February 27, 2025, the Tampa Bay Wing received its second aircraft assignment from CAF HQ, L-26B, known as Ike's Bird, one of six bought. President Eisenhower used this 1955 Aero Commander aircraft for shorter trips around the Washington, DC, area. President Eisenhower was a licensed pilot known to have flown the aircraft.


The Tampa Bay Wing members are excited to bring this historical aircraft to our Lakeland Linder International Airport base and store it in Sun n Fun hangars. We will display the aircraft and fly it to airshows and other events. The public can take rides in a former Air Force One aircraft.


When we move Ike's Bird to Tampa, we will post the arrival on our Facebook page. Come see the smallest Air Force One aircraft.

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