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The Tampa Bay Wing takes pride in its partnerships with Trig Avionics, Lakeland Linder Airport, Sun-N-Fun Aerospace Expo, SheltAir Aviation, and Double M Aviation. The support from our partners enabled the Tampa Bay Wing to manage two aircraft assignments within a year. Precious, a Fairchild PT-19, and Ike's Bird, an L-26B Aero Commander, are now housed in our hangar at Sun-N-Fun.

The Tampa Bay Wing is home to Ike's Bird, the 1955 Aero Commander L-26B, a former Air Force One for President Eisenhower.



At the Tampa Bay Wing,

The Sky is not our limit,

It is our Destination!





https://www.facebook.com/CAFTampaBay

The Tampa Bay Wing received official Wing status in January 2023. In May of 2024, we received our first aircraft assignment, a 1942 Fairchild PT-19 Primary Trainer. This is the aircraft that all WWII pilots trained in, including the Women's Airforce Service Pilots, WASP. Our PT-19, Precious, was stationed at Avenger Field, the WASP training base. In February 2025, we accepted our second aircraft assignment, Ike's Bird, a 1955 Aero Commander L26-B. This aircraft has had the call sign Air Force One. Two aircraft assignments in less than two years is quite the accomplishment. In 2024, the Tampa Bay Wing was the fastest-growing Unit in the CAF, 49%. Come join us and preserve aviation history.

General Discussion

Ground and Air Crew Support for a Rides Tour over ...
Author Last Post
5/19/2025 10:15 AM

Greeting Tampa Wing! My name is Tom Malone, a New member of your wing. I live in Pompano Beach and own and fly a T-6

I am also rated in several Other CAF aircraft , belonging to the Capital Wing of Virginia. Which brings me to the topic of this post! Over the winter, we have decided to possibly Expand our Tour season into Florida with the intention of getting our Winter maintenance done at American Aero, and continue a rides tour at various airports in Florida. We have 2 Pilots (including myself) who currently live in Florida, and one who lives here during the winter. (He is a Senior CAF Check Pilot). While pilots would be available, we would need Crew to help out with the tour. I was thinking/hoping that this wing might be interested in helping out? No details at this time, as we are well underway of our flying season! While I would really like to propose this idea in person, incredibly, your meeting dates fall on airshow days I am away with our tour till September! (not to mention Oshkosh). So I would just like to start this discussion amongst the group, and am willing to fly up on open weekends or weekdays to continue the discussion.

By the way, did I mention that the rides plane is a TBM Avenger? N40402
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