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The Tampa Bay Wing takes pride in its partnerships with Trig Avionics, Lakeland Linder Airport, Sun-N-Fun Aerospace Expo, SheltAir Aviation, and Double M Aviation. The support from our partners enabled the Tampa Bay Wing to manage two aircraft assignments within a year. Precious, a Fairchild PT-19, and Ike's Bird, an L-26B Aero Commander, are now housed in our hangar at Sun-N-Fun.

The Tampa Bay Wing is home to Ike's Bird, the 1955 Aero Commander L-26B, a former Air Force One for President Eisenhower.



At the Tampa Bay Wing,

The Sky is not our limit,

It is our Destination!





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The Tampa Bay Wing received official Wing status in January 2023. In May of 2024, we received our first aircraft assignment, a 1942 Fairchild PT-19 Primary Trainer. This is the aircraft that all WWII pilots trained in, including the Women's Airforce Service Pilots, WASP. Our PT-19, Precious, was stationed at Avenger Field, the WASP training base. In February 2025, we accepted our second aircraft assignment, Ike's Bird, a 1955 Aero Commander L26-B. This aircraft has had the call sign Air Force One. Two aircraft assignments in less than two years is quite the accomplishment. In 2024, the Tampa Bay Wing was the fastest-growing Unit in the CAF, 49%. Come join us and preserve aviation history.

HomeAirplane Rides/Barnstorming Days

Experience the Thrill of Open Cockpit Flying...

The PT-19 was the primary trainer of thousands of flyers who earned their wings in this plane. Take a ride and feel the wind in your hair. The plane holds one passenger. The ride is approximately 20 minutes, and each ride is $225. Use the QR codes below to pick your day to fly.


Fly like the President in "Ike's Bird" the smallest aircraft ever called Air Force One. You can ride in the co-pilot's seat or the Presidential seat. The Presidential seats are $195; there are 2 seats, or you can sit up front in the co-pilot's seat for the view only pilots see for $285. Use the QR codes to pick your seat and day. Receive a $100 discount if you purchase all three seats, $585.

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PT-19 Ride: The Tampa Bay Wing is scheduling Barnstorming Days across Florida. Our next date is June 7th at Zephyrhills Airport, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This event is in conjunction with the Zephyrhills Museum of Military History. Contact Brad Billings, PX Officer at: px@caftampabaywing.org to schedule rides.


You can use the QR code below to complete your Hold Harmless form, saving you time at the Ride Desk.



Ike's Bird Ride: Fly in the Co-Pilot seat and have the view from the front. The Tampa Bay Wing is scheduling Barnstorming Days across Florida. Our next date is June 7th at Zephyrhills Airport, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This event is in conjunction with the Zephyrhills Museum of Military History. Contact Brad Billings, PX Officer at: px@caftampabaywing.org to schedule rides.


You can use the QR code below to complete your Hold Harmless form, saving you time at the Ride Desk.



Ike's Bird Ride: Fly in the Presidential seat! The Tampa Bay Wing is scheduling Barnstorming Days across Florida. Our next date is June 7th at Zephyrhills Airport, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. This event is in conjunction with the Zephyrhills Museum of Military History. Contact Brad Billings, PX Officer at: px@caftampabaywing.org to schedule rides.


You can use the QR code below to complete your Hold Harmless form, saving you time at the Ride Desk.



PT-19 Hold Harmless

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Ike's Bird Co-Pilot Seat Hold Harmless

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Ike's Bird Rear Seat Hold Harmless