Catching Up with Kermit Weeks: Inside the Groundbreaking of Fantasy of Flight’s Act III - Vintage Aviation News
Catching Up with Kermit Weeks: Inside the Groundbreaking of Fantasy of Flight’s Act III - Vintage Aviation News
6 months ago
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OK, Gang, while at Chino recently, checking on the A-26 Invader, I learned there was some cockpit GoPro footage of the first test flight! So, combined with some inclusion of someone else's phone footage from the outside, Phil(mer) and I put this clip together to put you RIGHT THERE with Steve Hinton and Mark Moodie for this somewhat short, exciting, and successful first flight! Many thanks to Steve, Mark, and Aero Trader, and I hope you all enjoy everyone’s efforts! | Kermit Weeks
11:59
OK, Gang, while at Chino recently, checking on the A-26 Invader, I learned there was some cockpit GoPro footage of the first test flight! So, combined with some inclusion of someone else's phone footage from the outside, Phil(mer) and I put this clip together to put you RIGHT THERE with Steve Hinton and Mark Moodie for this somewhat short, exciting, and successful first flight! Many thanks to Steve, Mark, and Aero Trader, and I hope you all enjoy everyone’s efforts! | Kermit Weeks
142.1K viewsFeb 2, 2023
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Kermit Weeks - Fantasy of Flight / Dream Shop Tour - Part 1 Come along as Kermit Weeks gives his aircraft department a vision tour of the ideal aircraft restoration and maintenance Dream Shop he envisioned for his Fantasy of Flight facility. The initial plans, first conceived 20 years ago, are now being implemented as the start of the first phase of Act III. Light That Spark Within! Kermit Weeks | Kermit Weeks
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Kermit Weeks - Fantasy of Flight / Dream Shop Tour - Part 1 Come along as Kermit Weeks gives his aircraft department a vision tour of the ideal aircraft restoration and maintenance Dream Shop he envisioned for his Fantasy of Flight facility. The initial plans, first conceived 20 years ago, are now being implemented as the start of the first phase of Act III. Light That Spark Within! Kermit Weeks | Kermit Weeks
6K viewsOct 22, 2023
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On a beautiful Florida afternoon at Fantasy of Flight, Kermit Weeks takes the Curtiss Wright CW-19R out for its first test flight after acquiring and assembling it in California. Kermit takes her around the circuit several times, a couple of landings and take-offs, and then wows the ground crew with a few low passes. | Kermit Weeks
10:17
On a beautiful Florida afternoon at Fantasy of Flight, Kermit Weeks takes the Curtiss Wright CW-19R out for its first test flight after acquiring and assembling it in California. Kermit takes her around the circuit several times, a couple of landings and take-offs, and then wows the ground crew with a few low passes. | Kermit Weeks
13.5K viewsJun 17, 2023
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On one of the last test flights before Oshkosh 2018, Kermit takes the Sopwith Snipe up with three GoPro cameras attached to the tail, right-wing, and next to the cockpit. It makes for some exciting footage as he makes a circuit around the Fantasy of Flight property and the surrounding area. Watch on a large wide-screen monitor and you'll feel like you're onboard yourself. Turn a fan on for the wind-in-your-face effect! 😀 | Kermit Weeks
12:27
On one of the last test flights before Oshkosh 2018, Kermit takes the Sopwith Snipe up with three GoPro cameras attached to the tail, right-wing, and next to the cockpit. It makes for some exciting footage as he makes a circuit around the Fantasy of Flight property and the surrounding area. Watch on a large wide-screen monitor and you'll feel like you're onboard yourself. Turn a fan on for the wind-in-your-face effect! 😀 | Kermit Weeks
8.9K viewsJul 9, 2023
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A short video bio of Kermit Weeks and his life in aviation and beyond. | Kermit Weeks
10:38
A short video bio of Kermit Weeks and his life in aviation and beyond. | Kermit Weeks
4.2K viewsAug 3, 2024
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Here’s a great short video we did during ACT II that shows a little glimpse of where Fantasy of Flight is headed! It will not be about teaching history; it will be about using history to teach people about themselves! I learned the hard way that the aviation museum industry will never pay the light bill, so I am being led to go after the rest of the planet! One day, I hope to create a win-win situation and build something NO ONE in the aviation industry will ever attempt, which will blow away th
5:10
Here’s a great short video we did during ACT II that shows a little glimpse of where Fantasy of Flight is headed! It will not be about teaching history; it will be about using history to teach people about themselves! I learned the hard way that the aviation museum industry will never pay the light bill, so I am being led to go after the rest of the planet! One day, I hope to create a win-win situation and build something NO ONE in the aviation industry will ever attempt, which will blow away th
4.2K views9 months ago
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6:16
Travel Air flies at Fantasy of Flight Kermit Weeks talks about his Travel Air and then takes her out for a flight. | Kermit Weeks
43.7K viewsSep 27, 2023
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16:31
From the video vault... You Are There! Come fly another Grumman airplane with me today. This time its the Duck. Part one is pre-flight inspection and a cockpit tour. Part two we start her up... take a deep breath, cause there's going to be some smoke. Part three, we take off. We'll do some flying and maybe even take her down on the nearby lake. Pretty cool. - Kermit Weeks | Kermit Weeks
31.9K viewsDec 13, 2023
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6:58
The celebration continues! We started last week with the P-51’s first flight anniversary, and now we’re wrapping it up with Part 2 of 2 of our Kermie Cam as our Video from the Vault. More history, more horsepower, and one unforgettable machine! | Kermit Weeks
315.5K views6 months ago
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0:34
OK, Gang, here’s a short video of the A-26B landing on its first test flight last week! I was not there and these video clips were the only thing recording the event, so enjoy what we’ve got! Yes, the left engine appears to be running a bit rich, but it takes time for the rings and everything else to get tweaked and settle in. Unfortunately, once the airplane leveled off and picked up speed, BOTH canopies blew open! The landing gear was dropped followed by an immediate landing for a total first
4.5M viewsMay 10, 2022
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33:43
Since today is the 85th anniversary of the first flight of the de Havilland Mosquito it seems only fitting that this Video from the Vault is of my first flights in a Mossie! | Kermit Weeks
172.4K views5 months ago
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19:02
Fantasy of Flight ACT III Preview - View from the Control Tower Jump on board a Telescopic Boom Lift with Kermit Weeks, as he takes us 80 feet above his Fantasy of Flight property to give everyone a birds-eye view of his land, and explain in detail what he envisions to develop there for ACT III. It's a grand plan, and something we think you'll be excited to hear about! Jump on board a Telescopic Boom Lift with Kermit Weeks, as he takes us 80 feet above his Fantasy of Flight property to give ever
33.8K viewsJul 23, 2022
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12:52
This Video from the Vault is celebrating the first flight of the F4F! It was way back in 1937 that the Wildcat first took flight! Check out this short clip of one of our flight of the days! | Kermit Weeks
9.5K views8 months ago
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40:19
How'd you like to fly the Martin Mars? Come on along and give it a try! Here's a video of my flight training on the Martin "Hawaii" Mars seaplane, with live cockpit audio. This clip will give you a great overview of the procedures for prepping and flying this awesome craft. You'll see the check lists for pre-start, engine start, take-off, water pick-up, water drop and landing. Check it out! I'm sure you're going to enjoy it. Kermit Weeks | Kermit Weeks
20.3K viewsJul 23, 2024
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24:24
Wrapping up our recognition of the B-24 Liberator’s first flight on December 29, 1939, it’s worth remembering just how far this airplane went after that first takeoff. The Liberator became the backbone of long-range bombing, maritime patrol, and supply missions across the globe. From Europe to the Pacific, it was a rugged, dependable workhorse that showed what American aviation could do when pushed to the limit. This is another great moment from the vault as we honor the B-24’s remarkable story.
10.8K views4 months ago
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5:49
From the library... The Military Channel's show Air Aces came to Fantasy of Flight to film episode segments on the Tuskegee Airmen. The shoot consisted of one day of scenes with actors, and one day of filming Kermit Weeks flying his P-51C Mustang. Kermit flew on one of the hottest days of the summer, in full jacket and gear, for over an hour. Heat, Plane, and Action... it was a hot shoot all around. | Kermit Weeks
9.2K viewsApr 10, 2024
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22:41
Did you know that the Bf-109 took its first flight a couple of days ago, back in 1935? I figured we should take a look at my Bf-109 when I unboxed it as our Video from the Vault! What engines were in the early 109s? It is still a work in progress, but check out where it started here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mwrqkpn4L60 | Kermit Weeks
11.8K views11 months ago
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7:01
Here's a great clip we used to show at Fantasy of Flight featuring the WASPS. It's a great way to wrap up Women's History Month. | Kermit Weeks
12.8K viewsMar 26, 2024
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23:47
In this Video from the Vault, we are jumping back into Part 2 of my conversation I had with Aerobility. See more about their mission to bring the availability, opportunity, and access of the wonders of flight to the disabled community, and my own dreams for Fantasy of Flight! You can also check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d48nl5ff5Ro&t | Kermit Weeks
7.5K views10 months ago
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14:27
From 2020... Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures! I'm hunkered down in self-imposed isolation for a couple of weeks and found that I ran out of one desperately needed supply. Thankfully, I have some great employees here at Fantasy of Flight. I called on my Aircraft Maintenance lead, Jack McCloy, to see if he could help me out. The following is what transpired. It's all in good humor to hopefully lighten the mood. | Kermit Weeks
16K viewsJun 18, 2022
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32:21
OK, Gang, we just had the coolest airplane recently delivered to Fantasy of Flight, so pour yourself a beverage, sit back, and help us unload what could be the COOLEST future Art Deco potential ride airplane! | Kermit Weeks
315K views8 months ago
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1:05
OK, Gang, the Museum Lite will be opening soon for our Summer Season! Make sure you Like and Follow Fantasy of Flight to stay up to date! | Kermit Weeks
19.5K views11 months ago
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14:18
North American AT-6 Part 2 of 3 You Are There! Come along as I fly my North American AT-6D. I'll give you a little introduction to the plane, as we do a pre-flight inspection and cockpit tour. Then we'll take her up for a spin. Might even do a snap roll. It's going to be a lot of fun, so come aboard. - Kermit Weeks | Kermit Weeks
34.7K viewsAug 9, 2022
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1:49
OK, Gang, the Museum Lite is now open for our Summer Season! Make sure you are following Fantasy of Flight to stay up to date! | Kermit Weeks
71.3K views11 months ago
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19:42
In this Video from the Vault, I'm looking back at some of the many interviews that took place at SUN 'n FUN. In this particular video, we are looking back at my conversation with Mach Test Pilot Scott Crossfield. Are you stopping by Fantasy of Flight? You can also check it out here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-op527i0IQg&t | Kermit Weeks
5.2K viewsMar 29, 2025
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25:55
I know the B-24 Liberator first flew on December 29, 1939, but I couldn’t wait that long to start the celebration. This airplane went on to become one of the most produced aircraft in history and played a massive role in World War II. Check out this video from the vault as we kick off our B-24 first flight recognition a little early! | Kermit Weeks
27.9K views4 months ago
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15:00
You know I love flying boats and seaplanes! It was #OTD back in 1919 that the U.S. Navy completed the first transatlantic flight. This historic journey was accomplished using a Curtiss NC-4 and a crew led by Commander Albert Cushing Read and Lt. Elmer Stone. The flight originally departed on May 8 and arrived on May 27, spending 54 hours airborne over 19 days. In this Video from the Vault, I’m looking back at when I acquired my Savoia-Marchetti S.56—one of just three aircraft used by the NYPD du
11K views1 year ago
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25:44
Boeing B-17 - Suzie Q - Part 1 OK, Gang, here’s a GREAT flash from the past video we put together from some very old early VHS tapes. In Part 1 of 3 here, we began the process of preparing to fly our Boeing B-17 home from the Flying Tigers Museum in Paris, Texas, which I purchased from Jr. Burchinal back in 1985! The Weeks Air Museum wasn’t even open yet, and in this video, I was only 32 years old at the time. The airplane hadn’t flown in years, and in Part 1, we arrive to check everything out i
26.2K viewsJul 20, 2022
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30:21
Lockheed Vega - 2024 Progress Report OK, Gang, here’s a great update on the progress of the Lockheed Vega! Enjoy! Kermit Weeks | Kermit Weeks
6.9K viewsMay 29, 2024
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