“They remind me of my flying days — and of my dreams.”

Several years ago I moved to Florida’s Space Coast and discovered the
Warbird Air Museum operated by Valiant Air Command, Inc., in Titusville, Florida. When I first visited I was surprised and impressed by the extent of their collection, 50+ warbirds including a dozen aircraft from World Wars I and II – Avenger, B-25, a flying C-47 known as “Tico Bell,” and many more. A bigger surprise for me was the extensive jet collection: Korean War fighters, several MiGs, and beautifully restored Vietnam veterans like the F-8, F-4, and F-105. The recently restored F-14 Tomcat – like the jets I flew in – is joined by other modern fighters, while additional restorations are always ongoing. Visitors can walk among the aircraft and get close to them, and many have open panels to show distinctive features.

Most of the aircraft are in three large hangar spaces, while military-related
memorabilia residing in air conditioned spaces add atmosphere and context. And of course there is a nice gift shop.

I enjoy wandering among the aircraft whenever I visit. They remind me of
my flying experiences and my dreams.

Dave “Bio” Baranek, former F-14 Tomcat Radar Intercept Officer (RIO) and
Topgun instructor, author of Tomcat RIO, Topgun Days, and Before Topgun Days. Dave’s website is www.topgunbio.com .