By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
AIR SUPPORT
Fly-over enhances Kilby dedication, sets stage for September visit
new deh kilby flyover briefing pic
Before the fly-over the pilots gathered at the Great Bend Municipal Airport for their pre-flight briefing. Pictured are C-45 pilots Gregg Downing and Scott Davis, seated left, P-51 pilot Larry Lumpkins, seated right, airport Manager Martin Miller, standing, and Bob Mead, center. - photo by DALE HOGG Great Bend Tribune
The pilots huddled around the tabled in a cramped break room at the Great Bend Municipal airport Saturday evening. As if preparing for a military operation, they planned how the two World War II war birds would coordinate their passes over downtown Great Bend as part of the dedication of the Jack Kilby statues.Rolled out between them was a satellite photo of the area and an aerial shot of the Barton County Courthouse Square, the scene of the celebration and their target. They calculated distances and times involved, deciding to wait for a call from Great Bend Municipal Airport Manager Martin Miller before leaving.Miller would be at the dedication and notify them when the opening prayer started.