MONROE COUNTY — If you're in Bloomington or Monroe County, keep your eyes on the sky this weekend. There's a good chance you could see a plane that helped train service members during World War II.
Indiana's wing of the Commemorative Air Force is flying in several actual World War II planes for the Monroe County Airport's Aviation Weekend. The first plane, a BT-13 built in 1942, parked on the tarmac Friday afternoon.
"We educate, inspire and honor," said Tim Sparks, a Navy air veteran who pilots and maintains the BT-13 with the Commemorative Air Force. "I do that by having people come out and see this piece of living history."
Three planes will offer rides in the sky during the weekend: Sparks' BT-13, a Stearman, and a PT-26.
Sparks' BT-13 is an intermediate training plane used by both the Army and the Navy. He said he is inspired to keep in the air by the teenagers who learned to fly in a BT-13, including his father.
"He actually got winged shortly after Pearl Harbor," recalled Sparks. "He had a total of about 15 hours in the BT-13 and I now have more than 100 hours of flying one. Basically, I beat my dad at one thing."
Sparks is enthusiastic about the chance to take children between the ages of 8 and 17 up in the plane whenever he can.
"Unfortunately the online registration is all filled up, but if you show up, we'll make every effort to get them a ride," Sparks said.
The pilots will offer Aviation Weekend rides between 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Saturday and between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday, weather permitting.
Monroe County Airport Aviation Weekend starts with a free showing of Top Gun: Maverick in the IU Hangar on Friday at 8 p.m.
-
Families with ALS face greater need as association loses state funding
4,000 Hoosiers have ALS, a fatal disease-causing loss of mobility and speech. Walk to Defeat ALS is Sept. 20 at the State Fairgrounds to raise funds after lawmakers cut $1M annual funding.
IMPD releases video showing officer shoot armed double murder suspect
The Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department has released critical incident bodycam video showing an officer shooting an armed suspect following a deadly shooting that left two men dead.
Indiana National Guard mobilizing 50 troops to support ICE operations
The Indiana National Guard will mobilize approximately 50 Hoosier Guardsmen to provide administrative, transportation and logistics support to ICE across the state, according to a spokesperson.
Colorado man pleads guilty to exploiting 68+ minors nationwide
A Colorado man pleaded guilty to exploiting more than 68 children nationwide, including at least one Indiana victim. Ryan Lauless now faces life in prison.
