CAF Great Plains Wing

09/20/2026

Great interview with our CAF president at Air venture..

David Oliver, president of the Commemorative Air Force, joins Dan M...

09/09/2026

FLY IN A PIECE OF WWII HISTORY!

The PT-19 is coming to Mt. Ayr, Iowa THIS SATURDAY!

Ever wanted to experience what it was like to fly in a historic WWII-era aircraft? Now’s your chance!

🎟️ PT-19 RIDES AVAILABLE
📍 Mt. Ayr, Iowa
📅 Saturday, September 12

These rides are a unique opportunity to get up close and personal with a beautiful piece of aviation history — and you can actually fly in it!

DON’T MISS YOUR CHANCE — BOOK YOUR RIDE TODAY!

Seats are limited, so reserve your PT-19 ride and come make a memory you’ll never forget!

Come fly with us!

09/02/2026

Today, the Great Plains Wing of the Commemorative Air Force remembers Victory over Japan Day, marking the end of World War II and the Allied victory in the Pacific.

On September 2, 1945, Japan formally surrendered aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, bringing the Second World War to an end.

For those who served in the Pacific, from the pilots and aircrews who flew dangerous missions, to the sailors, Marines, soldiers, and support personnel who kept them going, victory came at an enormous cost.

Today, we honor their courage, sacrifice, and perseverance. We also remember those who never came home.

The aircraft we preserve are more than machines. They are tangible connections to the men and women who flew, maintained, supported, and served alongside them.

We remember. We honor. We preserve their legacy.

08/07/2026

The PT-19 is headed to the Offutt Defenders of Freedom Airshow!

Come see this beautiful piece of aviation history up close this weekend at Offutt Air Force Base! The PT-19 will be on display alongside an incredible lineup of aircraft.

Stop by, say hello, check out the PT-19, and help us celebrate aviation and the men and women who defend our freedom.

08/03/2026

We will have our PT-19 at the Defenders of Freedom airshow this weekend! If you're coming to the show, come out and see us

❓ Got questions? We've got answers!

Before you head to the Defenders of Freedom Air & Space Show, take a few minutes to review our FAQs.

📖 Read the FAQs here: https://www.offutt.af.mil/Air-Show/

📅 August 8-9
📍 Offutt Air Force Base
🎟️ Admission is FREE. A FREE Base/Parking Pass is required for every vehicle entering the installation.

08/01/2026

CAF FLY-IN BREAKFAST IS TODAY!

Come join us TODAY for a great morning of airplanes, good food, and good company at the Great Plains Wing of the Commemorative Air Force!

Grab some breakfast, check out the aircraft, meet some of our members, and talk aviation with us. Whether you’re a longtime aviation enthusiast or just looking for something fun to do this morning, we’d love to see you!

Bring the family, bring a friend, and come hungry!

📍 Great Plains Wing – Council Bluffs Airport
🍳 Breakfast • Airplanes • Aviation • Fun

We’ll see you there!
Come for the pancakes, stay for the airplanes!

07/29/2026

Start your Saturday with pancakes and warbirds!

Join the CAF Great Plains Wing on Saturday, August 1, for our annual Fly-In & Drive-In Open House at Council Bluffs Municipal Airport!

From 8:00 AM to Noon, The Pancake Man will be serving up a delicious pancake breakfast. Breakfast is available for a free-will, tax-deductible donation, with all proceeds helping support the Great Plains Wing’s mission of preserving and sharing World War II aviation history.

While you’re here, enjoy:
🇺🇸 FREE museum admission featuring over 5,000 WWII artifacts
✈️ Watch aircraft fly in throughout the morning
🛩️ Take an unforgettable 20-minute ride in our historic Fairchild PT-19 (rides available for $295)
🚗 Bring the whole family—whether you arrive by airplane or automobile!

📍 Council Bluffs Municipal Airport
16803 McCandless Road
🕗 Open House: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
🥞 Pancake Breakfast: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

There’s no better way to spend a summer Saturday than with great food, historic aircraft, and fellow aviation enthusiasts. We hope to see you there!

07/24/2026

Heading home from Oshkosh this weekend? Make the Commemorative Air Force Great Plains Wing Museum part of your journey!

If your travels bring you through the Omaha/Council Bluffs area on Saturday, stop by and stretch your legs while exploring our collection of historic military aircraft, memorabilia, and the stories of the Greatest Generation. Whether you’re arriving by air or by road, we’d love to welcome fellow aviation enthusiasts and hear about your AirVenture adventures.

Our volunteers will be on hand to answer questions, share the history behind our aircraft, and talk all things aviation.

Safe travels home, and we hope to see you at the Great Plains Wing Museum this Saturday!

07/18/2026

Three generations of pilots. One incredible legacy.

The CAF Great Plains Wing was honored to welcome the family of Earl H. Janssen, a civilian flight instructor who trained military pilots in Bonham, Texas, during World War II.

Earl earned his pilot’s license in 1933 and went on to log an incredible 1,200 hours instructing in the Fairchild PT-19, helping prepare the next generation of military aviators during a critical time in our nation’s history.

The passion for flying has continued through the generations. Earl’s son earned his pilot’s license in 1983, and his grandson followed in 2009, carrying on a family tradition that spans more than 90 years.

Pictured here is Earl’s family, including his son, grandson, and great-grandchildren, standing in front of the CAF Great Plains Wing’s PT-19 while holding a photo of Earl in front of the PT-19 he flew during World War II. It’s a powerful reminder that aviation history isn’t just preserved in airplanes, but in the families and stories that keep it alive.

Thank you to the Janssen family for allowing us to be a small part of honoring Earl’s remarkable legacy.

07/13/2026

The Great Plains Wing of the Commemorative Air Force is in Sioux Falls this week!

It’s a great week to experience living aviation history! We’re offering PT-19 Flight Experiences Monday through Thursday at Sioux Falls Regional Airport. Take to the skies in an authentic World War II military trainer and enjoy an unforgettable open-cockpit flight.

Special Bonus: The legendary B-29 Doc will also be in Sioux Falls this week, making it an exciting opportunity to see one of only two airworthy B-29 Superfortresses in the world.

Wednesday Night Cookout: If you’re back home midweek, don’t forget to join us for our weekly cookout at the Council Bluffs Municipal Airport on Wednesday evening. Everyone is welcome—come enjoy great food, great company, and some amazing airplanes!

📍 PT-19 Flight Experiences: Sioux Falls Regional Airport (Monday–Thursday)
📍 Wednesday Night Cookout: Council Bluffs Municipal Airport

We’d love to see you this week, whether you’re taking a flight, checking out the aircraft, or just stopping by to visit!