VAA Chapter 16
Mission Statement
"To preserve and showcase the rich heritage of aviation in the Midwest, and to foster interest therein for the education of current and future generations.
To be a community resource relating to the local aviation history of Kansas City in particular, and the Midwest in general.
To acquire and maintain in flying condition, various models of aircraft produced in, or significant to, the Midwest, for public display through an aviation museum."
As most aviation people know, the Kansas City area has a very rich aviation heritage. Aircraft such as American Eagle, Rearwin, Porterfield, the Luscombe Phantom, Inland Sport, the Butler Blackhawk, the Howard racers, and many others were built in Kansas City in the 1920's and 1930's. During World War II, B-25 bombers rolled out of the North American factory where the GM Fairfax Assembly plant now resides. Many WACO troop-carrying gliders were also produced in Kansas City. Unfortunately there are no local museums dedicated to preserving this legacy.
One of our loftiest goals is to construct a hangar to house not only our chapter facilities, but a museum dedicated to the area aviation legacy. This museum is proposed to be located at Gardner Municipal Airport (K34), and will house aircraft, reference materials and chapter meeting rooms. This goal will require numerous fundraising efforts, and help from our membership, as well from the aviation public at large, but we believe the goal is worth the effort.
The Chapter has already received a donated 1946 Ercoupe 415-C project, a Pientenpol, and a 1946 Funk.
In 2012, we completed the first of two hangar sections that will be followed by the museum area over the next several years. Once complete, we will set out to find flying examples of aircraft built during Kansas City's golden aviation period. If you would like to join our group, or if you can help out in any way, please contact us.
