Foley’s vintage Navy biplane will fly in this weekend’s Veterans Flight event in Pensacola, marking a historic first for the city and its aircraft. The bright yellow 1941 Navy N3N biplane, now based in Foley, will join a fleet of vintage military planes taking veterans of World War II, Korea, and Vietnam on commemorative flights. The Veterans Flight is part of the annual Blue Angels Air Show and serves as a tribute to those who served in past conflicts. This is the first time an N3N will participate in the event, which began as a local effort more than a decade ago.
The Veterans Flight is scheduled for July 11 and 12 at the Pensacola Aviation Center at Pensacola International Airport. Several World War II veterans, some over the age of 100, are expected to take part. Each aircraft is scheduled to make two or three flights during the morning hours of both days. Other planes taking part include Stearman biplanes, T-6 Texans, and a T-34 Mentor.
Phil Webb, the volunteer pilot who maintains and flies the N3N for the city of Foley, said the Veterans Flight began around 12 years ago. At first, the focus was on flying World War II veterans. As fewer WWII veterans remain, the program expanded to include veterans from the Korean and Vietnam wars. Webb said this year’s event also marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in 1945…