Beach City Baby C-53 Pancake Fly-In 2022
Channel: Kinsey Media
Date: 25/05/2022

On May 21st Vintage Wings Inc. teamed up with EAA Chapter 988 at Venango Regional Airport to host a fly-in/ drive-in pancake breakfast. The event not only celebrated Armed Forces Day, but raised money for both organizations through donations and gave the local communities a great way to see the freshly completed hangar and aircraft!

Vintage Wings was pleased to welcome Sgt. Don Wightman  back to our hangar! He served as a loadmaster on AC-47 gunships in Vietnam and is a native of Franklin, Pennsylvania, home of “Beach City Baby.” During Vietnam, Master Sergeant Wightman was awarded the USAF Distinguished Flying Cross for his actions which saved the life of his entire crew and aircraft when they were hit over North Vietnam. The anti aircraft rounds caused him to prematurely ignite a flare on the airplane when they struck the cabin. Knowing the airplane would quickly fill with smoke, Don quickly gathered the flare and threw it out of the aircraft as it ignited.

On September 20, 2022. The Vintage Wings team was notified of his passing. We were honored to have him in the C-53 on a plaque above the Crew Chief seat. Rest easy sir. You will never be forgotten, and will miss you terribly. 

To learn more about Beach City Baby and Vintage Wings Inc. Visit their social media accounts and website to see upcoming airshows, more in depth history, along with merchandise for sale, and opportunities to become involved! 

 Website   :   https://www.vintagewingsinc.com/
Instagram :  https://www.instagram.com/vintagewing...
Facebook :  https://www.facebook.com/vintagewingsinc
 Youtube   :  www.youtube.com/channel/UCCmBKScKYLje...