Monthly Traditions
The Planes of Fame Museum in Chino, California, is well-known for its monthly “Hangar Talk” and “Flying Demo” events. These gatherings draw aviation enthusiasts and aviation history buffs from far and wide. Typically for the demo portion of the event, one of the museum’s historic aircraft takes flight, offering the crowd a rare chance to see aviation history come alive in the sky.
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A Rare Warbird Takes Flight
On Saturday, February 1st, 2025, visitors were in for a special treat. The event featured the de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito, a rare warbird with only five airworthy examples remaining in the world. Dubbed the “Wooden Wonder,” this World War II aircraft was renowned for its speed and versatility. Made primarily of wood and built without the thousands of rivets that added weight and drag to most metal aircraft, it achieved remarkable performance in many roles, including bomber, fighter-bomber, reconnaissance, and night fighter missions. Over 7,750 Mosquitos were built during its service life.
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
Saving the Mosquito
The visiting Mosquito was constructed in 1947 at the de Havilland Hatfield plant as a DH.98 FB Mk.VI bomber. Initially serving with the Royal New Zealand Air Force, it eventually passed into private ownership and fell into disrepair. In 2017, Rod Lewis acquired the remains, and Avspecs in New Zealand meticulously restored it. Now registered as N474PZ, the aircraft is privately owned by Charles Somers and based at McClellan Airport in Sacramento, CA, when not flying at airshows or other events. Somers is also the owner of the Charles Somers Warbird Collection, which includes several other historic warbirds in addition to the Mosquito.
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
Battle of Iwo Jima Commemoration
This month’s Hangar Talk marked the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, one of the most brutal and hard-fought battles of World War II. The battle is immortalized by the iconic photograph of the flag-raising, taken by Associated Press photographer Joe Rosenthal, who later won a Pulitzer Prize for this image. Attendees had the chance to witness a reenactment of this historic moment, courtesy of a local reenactment group.
Hangar Talk and Flying Demo, Planes of Fame, Chino, CA
Aviation Demonstration
Shortly after noon, museum president and pilot Steve Hinton entered the Mosquito’s cockpit, starting its two 1,700 horsepower Merlin inline engines. The aircraft then performed a short flight demonstration, showcasing its impressive capabilities. Upon landing, Steve answered numerous questions from the audience, one of which delved into the differences between flying American and British World War II planes.
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
Riveting Demonstration
An additional highlight of the event was a riveting demonstration in one of the museum’s hangars. Rivets played a crucial role in maintaining an aircraft’s structural integrity, with skilled workers able to install hundreds per hour using pneumatic rivet guns. This demonstration honored the contributions of “Rosie the Riveter” and other women who significantly supported the war effort and changed societal perceptions of women’s roles.
Hangar Talk – Riveting demo
Don’t Miss the Fun!
To stay informed about future Flying Demos and Hangar Talks, consider signing up for the museum’s newsletter. Better yet, become a member to support the preservation of iconic aircraft for future generations. The Planes of Fame Museum offers aviation enthusiasts and history buffs a unique opportunity to connect with aviation history and witness historic aircraft in action.
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
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de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
de Havilland DH.98 FB Mk. VI Mosquito
Hangar Talk – Riveting demo
Hangar Talk – Riveting demo
Hangar Talk and Flying Demo, Planes of Fame, Chino, CA
Hangar Talk and Flying Demo, Planes of Fame, Chino, CA
Hangar Talk and Flying Demo, Planes of Fame, Chino, CA
Hangar Talk and Flying Demo, Planes of Fame, Chino, CA
Hangar Talk and Flying Demo, Planes of Fame, Chino, CA
Hangar Talk and Flying Demo, Planes of Fame, Chino, CA
Hangar Talk and Flying Demo, Planes of Fame, Chino, CA
Hangar Talk and Flying Demo, Planes of Fame, Chino, CA
Hangar Talk and Flying Demo, Planes of Fame, Chino, CA
Hangar Talk and Flying Demo, Planes of Fame, Chino, CA
Hangar Talk and Flying Demo, Planes of Fame, Chino, CA
Hangar Talk and Flying Demo, Planes of Fame, Chino, CA
Steve Hinton, President of the Planes of Fame museum, answering
Steve Hinton, President of the Planes of Fame museum, answering questions
