This Saturday, March 1, 2025, the Planes of Fame Air Museum will host another special Flying Day, featuring a “Flying Demo” of the rare Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-15bis—one of the most significant aircraft of the Korean War era. In addition to the flight demonstration, visitors can enjoy an exciting lineup of presentations as part of “Hangar Talk.” The museum will open its doors at 9:00 AM, with regular admission prices in effect. Museum members receive free entry. “Hangar Talk” will begin at 10:30 AM, offering a diverse range of topics spanning from some of the smallest aircraft to one of the fastest, as well as high-altitude flight and a thrilling tale of deception and espionage. Tickets are available HERE.
This month’s lineup includes:
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The True Story of “Leo the Lucky” – Museum historian Brian Finnegan will explore one of the most iconic symbols of the Golden Age of filmmaking—the MGM Lion. This presentation will recount the story of Jackie, a lion who embarked on a cross-country tour that turned into an incredible fight for survival.
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The “Joy of Aeromodeling” – A Look at the Pomona Valley Model Airplane Club – Representatives from the Pomona Valley Model Airplane Club, a non-profit organization based near the museum at Prado Airpark, will share insights into their efforts to promote remote-control aviation through public outreach and community engagement. They will discuss how they create an inclusive environment for enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.
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TECH TALK – The High-Altitude Flight Suit – Museum expert Ken Saltgaver will present another installment of “Tech Notes,” focusing on the evolution of high-altitude flight suits. He will examine how early aviation pioneers paved the way for sophisticated advancements in aviation technology.
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Exploring the Limits of Speed – The X-15 Hypersonic Research Aircraft – Museum presenter Jim Llano will delve into the history of the North American X-15, a groundbreaking aircraft that helped bridge the gap between atmospheric flight and space exploration. He will discuss the design challenges involved in creating an aircraft capable of flying at more than six times the speed of sound and highlight the historic flights of the three X-15s, which played a pivotal role in advancing America’s space program.
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Ted TALK – From Double-Cross to Iron Cross: The Story of Agent ZigZag – Museum storyteller Ted Mount will recount the remarkable true story of Eddie Chapman, a British criminal who was imprisoned on the Isle of Jersey when it was captured by the Nazis in 1942. Seizing an opportunity, Chapman volunteered to become a German spy—only to be turned into a double agent by British intelligence. This gripping tale of deception and espionage will be the focus of this month’s “Ted TALK.”
Flying Demo of the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15bis
At 12:15 PM, the Planes of Fame Air Museum will present the “Flying Demo” of the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15, a Soviet jet flown by North Korea during the Korean War. The presentation will include a brief discussion on the development and operational history of the MiG-15, along with the unique story of the museum’s aircraft. The museum’s MiG-15bis is an early production model, with all components, including the engine, manufactured at State Aircraft Factory 1 at Frunze Airfield (Moscow) in the Soviet Union. The aircraft was delivered in 1951, with its parts shipped to the People’s Republic of China for final assembly at the Shenyang facility. During its service with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force (designated as a J-2), the aircraft underwent several modifications and may have participated in the Korean Conflict. In the 1980s, it was exported to the United States and later acquired by the Friedkin family, who generously donated it to the museum. Today, it remains one of the few airworthy MiG-15s still flying. The museum owns three MiG-15s in total—one operational and two on static display.
Following this introduction, pilot Chris Fahey will start the Klimov VK-1 turbojet engine in front of the crowd before taxiing the aircraft away. Immediately afterward, the museum will hold an exclusive Members-Only Raffle Drawing, offering exciting prizes, including a flight in one of the museum’s training aircraft. Chris will then take to the skies for a thrilling 20-minute aerial demonstration of the MiG-15 over the museum. Upon landing, guests will have the opportunity to meet him, ask questions, and gain first-hand insights into the experience of flying this historic jet.
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Emma Quedzuweit is a historial researcher and graduate school student originally from California, but travels extensively for work and study. She is the former Assitant Editor at AOPA Pilot magazine and currently freelance writes along with personal projects invovled in the search for missing in action aviators from World War I and II. She is a Private Pilot with Single Engine Land and Sea ratings and tailwheel endorsement and is part-owner of a 1946 Piper J-3 Cub. Her favorite aviation experience was earning a checkout in a Fairchild PT-19.
