While Memorial Day is typically observed by tending and placing flags or flowers on the graves of loved ones, some Mesa pilots paid their respects from the sky.
Members of the Falcon Warbirds formation flying group based at Mesa's Falcon Field Airport performed "missing man" flyovers at eight Valley cemeteries May 25 to honor U.S. military veterans.
The flyovers, including eight vintage aircraft with dramatic smoke trails, were performed consecutively on Memorial Day. The group provided similar performances on Memorial Day 2014.
The planes were in the air for about an hour and head from one cemetery to the next, said Dick Stich and Scott Andrews, Falcon Warbirds founding members.
"Our former military aircraft continue to represent the traditions and honor of veterans' service, and we're always glad to help recognize them," Stich said.
The Falcon Warbirds is comprised of nine pilots who occupy one of the original aircraft hangars at Falcon Field that previously housed trainers for U.S. Army Air Corps, British Royal Air Force and Chinese pilots during World War II.In addition to Stich and Andrews, the groupincludes Andrews' father Donald Andrews, Dr.Warren Hill, Cecil Loter, Francisco Mendes and Santiago Montez.
"Flying is our passion, and some of us are in the hangar every day," ScottAndrews said. "We enjoy serving as ambassadors for the aviation and veterans communities," he said.
The warbirds' fly restored military aircraft dating from the 1950's and 1960's. Some pilots are still receiving formation flying training before they'll be ready for public exhibitions. Stich and Donald and Scott Andrews are the primary instructors for the formation flying team, which includes current and former airline and military pilots as well as long-time recreational pilots.
The missing man formations never fail to tug at the heart. "At a recent service that we flew over, one of the family members told us later that when that plane pulled out of formation, everyone in attendance started crying," said Stich, a retired fighter pilot and brigadier general in the U.S. Air Force. "It's the last goodbye. It's very emotional for us pilots who are performing too. I get goose bumps every time. That's why I love what I do. It's an honor for us."
In addition to formation flying at events and air shows throughout Arizona, the Falcon Warbirds talk and display their special aircraft to airport tour groups. The group is frequently asked to perform for funerals and cremation ash dispersals. To help defray fuel costs, it hosts monthly pancake breakfasts at Falcon Field Airport from October through May.
To meet the pilots and see their aircraft up close, call Scott Andrews at (602) 705-4413 or Dick Stich at (602) 549-8892, or visit www.falconwarbirds.com
See the Fox 10 News coverage of the Falcon Warbirdsat http://www.myfoxaustin.com/story/29118426/2015/05/20/honoring-veterans-falcon-war-birds-prepare-for-memorial-day-flights
Falcon Field Airport
Contact: Dee Anne Thomas
Tel. 480-644-4233
Dee.Anne.Thomas@mesaaz.gov