Heart of America Wing History

The Heart of America Squadron was formed on July 5th, 1982. Becoming the Heart of America Wing in 1999 with a current membership of over 70. In 1999 the Heart of America Wing constructed a 9,000 sq. foot hangar that now houses various warbirds. Currently we are constructing a 2nd level educational center for the museum, working on displays of various WWII memorabilia, upgrading our current workshop, and contemplating acquiring another warbird.

The Heart of America Wing is currently assigned a Fairchild PT-19 Cornell; during the winter of 2000/2001 we successfully rebuilt the engine and restored the airframe. Other aircraft that are owned by members of the wing include 2 more PT-19's, a T-6 Texan, 3 BT-13 Vultee Valiants, 2 Taylorcraft L-2's, a Stearman PT-17.

For historical importance our long-range plan is to acquire a B-25 Mitchell twin-engine bomber since many were built under contract at North American right here in Kansas City. We have other projects planned for the future including continuing construction of the museum and educational center. These include booking our aircraft at various air shows and events, putting on our annual Open House, and improving our hangar. The only limitation we have is what we can think up; help of every type is needed, not just pilots.

We are not only about work. Some of our fun times and social events are listed below. Sometimes we just sit around the hangar and listen to personal accounts from our members who are veterans covering various military branches, conflicts and wars. We also brainstorm new ideas and events for the upcoming year. Our list of new and exciting things to do keeps growing. Hopefully, we will have another project aircraft to restore into flying condition.

Heart of America Wing Events/Activities:

• Participation in various airshows and memorials (Poplar Buff, Joplin, Forbes, Kansas City Aviation Expo, Fly-Over of the KCPL Lineman's Rodeo, Ft. Scott, Wing's Over Whiteman, and AIRSHO)
• Annual Open House/Air Show
• Re-creation of an authentic USO HANGAR DANCE
• Hangar cookouts
• Holiday Party
• Fly-Days
• 2000/01 the wing successfully rebuilt the engine on our PT-19
• mproving the museum, workshop, and constructing an educational center.
• Collecting artifacts for our museum
• Guided tours of our facility and the Navy Museum
• Pancake Fly-in