Summer of Flight – FG-1D Corsair

The Museum’s Corsair honors a hometown hero, Norfolk-born Shelton “Ray” Beacham, who flew with VF-17 in the Pacific and was sometimes known as the Kittyhawk Kid. Beacham, a local Northside Junior High School teacher, had joined the US Navy in 1939, earning his wings the following year. In 1943, Lt. Beacham was assigned to the VF-17 fighter squadron. The Skull and Crossbones adorned the nose of the Corsairs in this squadron and can be seen on the museum’s FG-1D as well. During his time in the Pacific, Beacham would have two aerial victories which are also marked on the Museum’s Corsair.

Saturdays at 1pm from May to September, the Military Aviation Museum will be showcasing historical aircraft and commemorating important wartime events through narrated flying demonstrations.

Experience the rumble from the engine up close as you hear from the pilots about what it is like to fly these incredible aircraft, learn about the battles they participated in, and about the men and women who built, flew and maintained them during the war!

Summer of Flight is included in your general museum admission and free for museum members. Each event starts at 1:00 pm unless otherwise noted.

Flights, Aircraft and Topics subject to change. Due to inclement weather, dates may be rescheduled to a later date or canceled. All flights are weather and maintenance permitting.