The rumble of radial engines, the thrill and excitement of seeing WWII-era airplanes in flight, and hands-on experiences to inspire the next generation of aviators … these are just a few of the things that attract visitors to the CAF Wings Over Dallas Airshow each year. This year, Rising Aviation High School is proud to sponsor and be a part of this exhilarating and educational event.
What Is Wings Over Dallas All About?
Organized and put on by the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) at Dallas Executive Airport in Dallas, TX, Wings Over Dallas is an impressive airshow that has been thrilling visitors since 2016. All of the exhibits and attractions within the airshow are built around the CAF’s mission to educate, inspire, and honor.
Educate
At the heart of the Commemorative Air Force’s mission to educate people of all ages about aviation lies the Henry B. Tippie National Aviation Education Center (NAEC). This 47,000 square foot educational facility is located within the CAF’s campus at the Dallas Executive Airport. Here, students have access to a wide variety of hands-on experiential learning opportunities that are based in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). In addition, the NAEC houses multiple WWII exhibits that educate visitors about Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), the Tuskegee Airmen, the Aztec Eagles, and more.
During the Wings Over Dallas Airshow, the educational center functions as the home of Aviation Discovery Day. This is an educational program specifically designed to expose children to hands-on STEM-related activities while also teaching them the history of aviation during World War II.
Both students and adults can continue to learn more about WWII with the event’s focus on Living History. On-site reenactments, demonstrations, and WWII-era camps that feature World War II vehicles and period clothing create an immersive living history experience that portrays life for servicemen during the 1940s.
Inspire
While on-the-ground activities like Living History and Aviation Discovery Day educate about the past, present, and future of aviation, there’s nothing quite as exciting as seeing airplanes in action. Wings Over Dallas is the largest military-themed airshow in Texas and attendees can watch as WWII aircraft take to the skies. Those seeking a little more adventure or a taste of history can even register for aircraft rides.
Simply put, Wings Over Dallas engages the senses and exposes visitors to the sights, sounds, and feelings of aviation – the perfect combination to inspire today’s youth to become tomorrow’s next generation of aviators!
Honor
While the Commemorative Air Force holds events across the country and throughout the year, the Wings Over Dallas Airshow is held annually over Veterans Day weekend. This is the perfect time to remember that the freedoms we enjoy today, including the ability to take to the skies in personal or commercial aircraft, are the result of sacrifices made by brave men and women in all branches of the U.S. military. The CAF honors veterans by keeping WWII-era planes in flight and also providing veterans with free admission to the Wings Over Dallas event.
Rising Aviation High School and Wings Over Dallas – The Perfect Partnership
At Rising Aviation High School, we fully support the Commemorative Air Force’s mission to educate, inspire, and honor. Thrilling and educational events such as Wings Over Dallas can be the impetus for inspiring today’s youth to become pilots or pursue other aviation careers. People of all ages can experience the excitement of aviation while reveling in its past. And, students get to learn, explore, and try out hands-on STEM activities regardless of whether they’re interested in aviation or not.
If you’re one of this year’s visitors to Wings Over Dallas, stop by our booth to say ‘hello’ and to learn more about our aviation education for high school students. We’re honored to be a part of such an outstanding event that promotes the aviation industry … past, present, and future!
