AOPA, D-Day Squadron team up

In the spring, the D-Day Squadron will lead a flight of restored Douglas C–47 Skytrains and Douglas DC–3s across the North Atlantic “in a historic tribute to the veterans that took part in the invasion of Europe,” the nonprofit group announced.

"AOPA and the D-Day Squadron are working together to educate the public about the amazing seventy-fifth anniversary of D-Day and the reason it’s worth celebrating,” stated Tom Haines, AOPA senior vice president of media, communications, and outreach. “AOPA was formed 80 years ago to protect against undue restrictions on private flying as the war began in Europe and to give general aviation pilots a unified voice. Five years later the D-Day invasion commenced in an effort to assure those sorts of freedom to people across Europe.”

The Tunison Foundation’s Placid Lassie, Museum of Mountain Flying’s Miss Montana, and the Commemorative Air Force’s That’s All, Brother are all part of the D-Day Squadron. As of Dec. 11, commitments for 19 aircraft have been secured to fly the original route across the North Atlantic and join up with its European counterpart, Daks over Normandy. On June 5, the D-Day Squadron and Daks over Normandy will create an aerial fleet over Normandy and “participate in multiple events on both sides of the English Channel.” Spectators can take part in events scheduled for June 2 to 5 at the United Kingdom’s Duxford Airfield and June 5 to 9 at Normandy’s Caen-Carpiquet Airport.

“We will be cooperating on events and other activities to help the D-Day Squadron raise awareness of their mission to get these aircraft into England and ultimately over Normandy to honor the sacrifices of so many 75 years ago,” Haines said.

"We are extremely pleased and grateful to work with AOPA,” said D-Day Squadron Executive Director Moreno Aguiari. “This organization does an exceptional job serving the interests of its members as aircraft owners and pilots, and to promote the economy, safety, utility and popularity of flight in general aviation aircraft. Together we will honor aviation heritage and the sacrifice made by the men and women of the Greatest Generation."