“Cradle of American Air Power”
– – – Put your cursor over this painting and click to obtain a higher resolution view – – –
By internationally acclaimed British aviation artist and FASF Advisor, Peter R. Westacott
Above is a slide show of Jennys and their brave pilots – from 1916 to the present
Put the cursor over an image to manually control, pause or change the direction of slideshow
Replica WWI and II Planes Built From Recycled Materials
Col. Campos, Addresses the U.S. Military Recruiting Crisis
Award Winning AF JROTC Unit From El Paso at Daedalians
One of America’s Most Lethal Weapons – Is Using Highways!
314th Fighter Squadron Graduates Dozen New Viper Pilots
Flight 24 learns the history of the 24th Regiment 1916-1922
311th Fighter Squadron Graduates New F16 Fighter Pilots
Have the Swedish-French Outclassed the indomitable F-16?
107TH RAID DAY MEMORIAL SERVICE HELD IN COLUMBUS
Bill Provance, local Daedalian, Describes Int’l Jetport Plans
CHS HEARS REPORT DIRECTLY FROM CHIRICAHUA APACHES
RUBBER IS A BIG PROBLEM – A VERY BIG ONE FOR AIRPORTS
Daedalians Hear From F-16 Fighter Pilot About AF Careers
Will This Radical New Petro Engine Impact Global Aviation?
Dr. Hernandez Lectures CHS About The Mexican Revolution
DAEDALIAN FLIGHT 24, ALL FASFers, TEST NEW LOCATION
Wouldn’t this be a neat Christmas treat for aviation lovers?
FASF/Daedalians, Cite Top Leader of New 8th Fighter Class
Colonel Steve Watson Shows the B-24 Liberator’s WWII Role
This Fully Restored WWII XP-82, the “Twin Mustang,” Flies
See a Highly Modified 70-Year-Old Cessna’s Amazing Feats
The Columbus Historical Society Elects New Officers for ’23
First Aero Daedalians Hear About USAF Handheld Weapons
FLY LIKE A GIRL! AF Academy Magazine Story about ‘FIRST’
Only a few of them, but our female fighter pilots are tops
B-21: Why Northrup-Grumman’s Announcement is Big Deal
WWII and the B-17, The Rose of York – A Time to Remember
How accurate was our Top Secret WWII Norden Bombsight?
The odds this could happen? Almost zilch, but it happened!
NATO & USAF TESTING THEIR NEW 6TH GEN JET FIGHTERS
The American Family’s Vital Role Among Aviation Pioneers
Story of World’s Largest Aircraft Comes to a Violent End
Loree Draude, Ex-Navy Fighter Pilot, Talks With Ward Caroll
Former Trustee, Ken W. Emery Dies at 87 in Columbus Feb 9
Early Member of FASF Flies Into the Sunset February 3, 2022
Importance of Philosophy & Logic in WWII Warplane Design
Like Amelia: But Only 19, She Successfully Circled the Globe
Boeing’s Plan to Remake the F-15 Into a ‘Stealth’ Fighter
USAF MC-130J Amphib Aircraft Is Coming . . . Later This Year
Boeing: McDonnell Douglas X-36 – Tailless Stealth Fighter
1910: The Beginnings of a Pioneering Airshow in California
Ft Worth Aviation Museum – Anniversary of a FAS Stopover
It took them 104 years, but the Army Just flew back home !
SOME OF THE “GREAT WAR’S” AVIATION TAKES – ON VIDEO!
RONALD REAGAN NARRATES 1945 ‘THE FIGHT FOR THE SKY’
HOW TO LAND A STEARMAN BY THE SEAT OF YOUR PANTS
Daedalian-FASF Members Get Scoop From New WEAM CEO
WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BOEING 747 MISSILE LAUNCHER?
FASF VOLUNTEER, GORDON TAYLOR, HITS THE 80 MARK
FASF’s Home Town Celebrated Founding Day Over Weekend
FLYING KLM FROM AMSTERDAM TO PARIS – – – IN 1929 +
El Paso Daedalians Have NMSU AFROTC Cadets to Lunch
Jim Davis has a new Grave Stone – Photo by Dave Clemmer
Member, John “Cabi” Cabigas, Pilots James May Into Space
Tribute to WWII Triple Ace – Bud Anderson – and the P-51
Visit MAKS-2021 – Russia’s Annual International Air Show
THE 1949 FARNBOROUGH AIR SHOW IN UNITED KINGDOM
Famous WWII Fighter/Bomber Made From Forest Materials
Hitler’s Flying Saucers – A Video Study – Fact or Fantasy?
FINALLY: Are These Our New 6th Generation Fighter Jets?
NATO Fighter Pilots, Superb Aviator Boots & The Cold War
A Weekend on Which We Remember Our American Heroes
“Think outside the box” – and come up with a boxed wing?
A Texas WWII Gasoline Story You Probably Never Heard
31 years ago, today, the FAS Set Another World-Record
Former Army Aviator Addresses Daedalians in El Paso, TX
Yesterday’s UAL Flt. 328 Engine Out and Fire Over Denver
Spitfire Pilot Captured, Then Returns with His Nazi Captors
“Mover,” Navy/AF Pilot Interviews a FAS U-2 Pilot, “Splint”
The First Aero’s Still at Work – – – Doing What it Did in 1916
Aviator-Historian Portrays the Birth of American Airpower
THE F-22 “RAPTOR” – – – WATCH IT DO THE UNIMAGINABLE!
DAEDALIAN FLIGHT ELECTS FASF MEMBER ITS NEW CAPTAIN
Exactly 117 years ago, a rickety machine 1st flew in NC
NEW JUST-RELEASED TRIBUTE TO FASF FOUNDER, JIM DAVIS
Our Jim Davis Left on his final flight this morning, 11/22/20
USAF Women – At Work Piloting the World’s Newest Fighter
The F-15E “Strike Eagle” – Watch Their Crews’ Daily Routines
The FIRST AERO & NASA U-2 “Dragon Lady” View at 70,000′
BARNSTORMING IN A FIRST AERO DESIGNED JENNY – 1925
HOW STRONG IS THE WIND? The history of flight – 1983 Film
Why Your Daughter Should Learn How to Fly an Airplane
FASF Loses Early Organizer and Key Advisor, Bud Canfield
The USAF Raptor – Demo Team Video of Maneuver Array
Steve Watson Tells Father’s Role as Liberator Pilot in WWII
The VIPER – How much do you know about its versatility?
FASF Members Attend FAA Seminar on Pilot Vision at KDMN
NEW PRESIDENT TAKES HELM OF NM’s EAA CHAPTER 1570
What Do You Know About The World’s First Operational Jet?
Off to an Aircraft Carrier Landing Competition in a TBM850
Dr. Mike McGee Describes UTEP’s New Aero Space Program
1st Private Pilot 5 Place Jet Lands on Australia’s Gold Coast
FASF Members Take Part in F-16 Fighter Pilot Graduation
The B-47: Pilot Familiarization Training Film from 1952
Trustee Bill Wallace at His New Livestock Auction House
2nd Largest Air Force – – – In Arizona’s Famous Boneyard
A NEW VISION – USMC RELEASES NEW RECRUITING VIDEO
Local EAA 1570 Chapter Elects New Officers for 2020 + More
FASF/Daedalians Award Top Leadership Trophy to Lt. “Fogs”
Rio Grande Aviation Council Holds Quarterly Fall Meeting
NASA’s All-Electric Experimental X-Plane Ready for Testing
Long Time FASF Member, Col. Bob Pitt, Shares ‘Nam Story
Fascinating History of Lockheed’s Famous “Skunk Works”
What the Jenny Started Here – Some Peeks at Life in Space
From Virg – Take a Unique Ride Along with the Blue Angels
FASF Member, Lt. Col. Wendy Woodard, Briefs Daedalians
First All Female Pilot Flight Crew Fly Into Hurricane Dorian
FASF’s Initial Business Sponsor Has Flown into the Sunset
Four FASF Member Share Ideas with the AMERICORPS Team
MOVIE NEWS OF SOME UNUSUAL AIRCRAFT FROM THE PAST
The Amazing History of Lockheed’s Famous “Skunk Works”
Let’s Take a Visit to the Great 2019 Paris Air Show – 6/17/19
Zepplin Also Made Bombers – His Giant Ships Over London
A Century Since We 1st Flew – – – Are We Back to the Birds?
75 YEARS AGO TODAY – D-DAY – JUNE 6, 1944 – A MEMORIAL
URBAN AIRCRAFT – A BRIEF VIDEO VISIT TO NASA’S LANGLEY
Holloman Air Force Base Wing Meets the FASF & its History
HAVE YOU FLOWN INTO THE WORLD’S “BEST AIRPORT” YET?
HOW GAME OF MONOPOLY HELPED ALLIED POWS ESCAPE
Life and Times of Triple Ace Robin Olds – By Christina Olds
Black Sheep Squadron Graduates 8 Viper Pilots From HAFB
It Took 2 Years – But The FASF Has its NM Historical Marker!
Evolution of US Army Uniforms, Including the FAS’ in 1916
FASF-Daedalians, Bid Adieu to Flight Captain Roger Nichols
EAA Young Eagles Again Fly High From Sta. Teresa’s WEAM
FASF Daedalians at HAFB Fighter Squadron 314 Graduation
Last Pilot From Doolittle Raiders Flew Into the West Today
Rio Grande Aviation Council – Kickoff Organization Meeting
Roger Nichols Briefs Daedalians on ‘Nam’s “Linebacker II”
FASF Advisor John Orton Joins CAP Composite Squadron 024
Wright Brother’s 1st U.S. Military Flyer Replica – Engine Test
A TV Oldie – Dean Martin & Foster Brooks: The Airline Pilot
Dockendorf Briefs the El Paso Daedalians About the WEAM
RAID DAY COMMITTEE MEETS TO PLAN FOR MARCH 9, 2019
Like to Hear Captain Roger Victor’s Aviation Acronym Song?
Put The Good Counsel to Music: You Can Always Go Around!
Jimmy Stewart Wants You to Join the U. S. Army Air Corps!
Time to Celebrate Founder’s Day – The EAA’s 66th Birthday!
First Aero’s John Read Retires from NM State Parks Dept.
CHUCK YEAGER – 1st MAN TO BREAK THE SOUND BARRIER
Lambart Briefs Daedalians on U.S.’s new Joint Strike Fighter
MEMBERS PHOTOGRAPHED AT VARIOUS HOLIDAY EVENTS
Laguardia Airport Photo Album from 1920’s Thru 1950’s
1st it Was Adieu to its 747 – – – Now it’s Welcome to the 787
U.S. Naval Carrier Forces in Action – Brilliant Videography
20th Century had B-1s and B-2s, but the B-21 is 21st Century
A TRIP BACK IN TIME – THE AIRLINER THAT SHRUNK THE U.S.
10 Radical New Aircraft Designs You Might Want To Follow
What Happened to the Dyna-Cam (Revolver-Cam) Engine?
Short Video Up-Date On The Chinese Navy’s War Readiness
Mayor Martha Skinner, one of FASF Founders, Goes West
EAA & FASF’s Bob Dockendorf Inducted into Hall of Fame
Watch the One-And-Only Svetlana Showing Off Over Russia
ELP CAP Squadron CO, Maj. Natalie Franc, Briefs Daedalians
Another Special Saturday Stunned Crowds at Oshkosh 2018
Irene’s awesome Russian Yak-52 Flight in sky over Australia
FASF PILOT MEMBERS VOLUNTEER FOR EAA YOUNG EAGLES
Why Are The Coveted Navy Pilot’s Shoes Brown, Not Black?
FASF’s John Read Schools Daedalians on Punitive Expedition
What Some of Your FASF Members do in Their Spare Time
Col. Lee Retires From the Army – and Joins AMAZON.COM!
The U.S. and Its Aviation Culture – The Great Air Race Days
Air Force One – – – Columbine II Project – Finally Underway!
AIRBUS 380-DOUBLE DECKS WITH LUXURIOUS POSSIBILITIES
FASF’s Villezcas, Takes First CAP Training Flight Successfully
FASF/Daedalian Officers Give Awards to New Fighter Pilots
Hard, Exciting – Dangerous: USN Carrier Pilot Pilots at Work
Mary Ellis, One of Britain’s WWII Ferry Pilots, Flies West
Moving Video Tribute: How You Say “Au Revoir” To An Icon
MAKING OF TIME’S HISTORIC 1000 DRONE COVER PHOTO +
1st AF Female Hispanic Pilot to Emcee at AirVenture 2018
MORE ON AMERICA’S NEW FRONT LINE FIGHTER – THE F-35
MEMORIAL: If You’re at Chicago’s O’Hare – Remember This:
Can You Take a Little Over Five Minutes to Remember?
Hilarious Talk by AF Maj. B. Shul (Ret.) – “LA Speed Check”
Our F-35 Stealth Fighter vs. the Russian’s S-400 SAM System
USN Mark VI Patrol Boats Now Launch Platforms for UAV’s
The USAF Will Soon Switch to the U.S. Army’s OCP Uniform
Watch the F-35 Show Off its Versatility at the Paris Air Show
See new Air Force pilot take his 92 YO WWII grandpa flying
VIDEOS: Basic Training in the new T6A USAF Jet Prop Trainer
Capt. Nancy Visits FASF Columbus – Dines at the Pink Store
Editor, July McClure, Gets CVFD & FASF Awards for Service
NEW MEXICO DECREES FAS AIRFIELD A STATE HISTORIC SITE
FASF Airfield Site Chairman, Madden, Speaks to Daedalians
Concealed Cabins in New Dreamliners – And Extra Engines?
Experience the Thrill of Modern Day Barnstorming in Action
FAS Pilot Memorialized in April 2018 Daedalian Magazine
The Day a Japanese Sub-Launched Aircraft Bombed Oregon
Emergency Radio Communications of SW Captain with ATC
New Peek into the Record Setting 1st Aero SR-71 Blackbird
Wild Croatian Air Force Pilot Puts His Pilatus to the Test
Navy and Marine Pilots Qualify for 1st Carrier Landings
Contrast: An AF Pilot’s Day – & Their Navy Counterpart’s
AF & USN Demonstration Teams Fly Together at Pensacola
JN OX-5 Engines to Huge Double Wasps, Jets, Ram Jets and –
More Unidentified Flying Objects Being Currently Reported
More of Jenny’s Barnstorming Antics by Popular Demand!
YANKS SMASH TRUK WW II NEWSREEL, Operation Hailstone
Visually Step Back into the Chaotic Skies Over WWI Europe
FAS’s Jenny Used to Reignite America’s Romance with Flying
General Electric Aviation’s Big Bet on its Goliath Engines
Latest Navy Blue Angels’ Video – Inside and Outside Action
Coast to Coast Bicyclists Stop Again to Learn About the FAS
GB’s Forgotten “Amelia Earhart” – A New Movie to Come
Why Did WWI Era Planes Usually Have Two or More Wings?
Trustees Meet with Army Sergeants Major Academy Staff
Dr. Bouilly Discovers Rare Photo Of Twin Jenny at Columbus
1913 Menu Photo Found of FAS Celebratory July 4th Dinner
WONDERED WHY THE BOEING 737NG ENGINES ARE FLAT?
Trustee Jimmy Lee Addresses Daedalian Flight 24 in El Paso
Why do we Fly? These Videos Will Help you understand Why
The B-1, B-2, B-52 – – – What Will Be the Next U.S. Bomber?
NEW MEMBER FROM MINNESOTA VISITS FAS 1916 AIRFIELD
How the Spectacular Filming of SpaceX Launches is Done
Do You Know the Real Reason Amelia Earhart is so Famous?
This Plane Could Fly Across the Atlantic in Only 3.5 Hours
How to Fly The Fabled WWII Fighter – – – the P-40 Warhawk
Collings War Bird Tour Coming to Our FASF Area April 2018
Watch Test Launch of the SpaceX FALCON HEAVY Rocket
FASF Members Learn of El Paso’s Veterans Court Program
Two Motorcycle Racing Fanatics Go Ballistic in an F-16 Viper
Go Back in Time – Watch Early Aviation at SHUTTLEWORTH
First Female US Air Force Thunderbird Aerobatic Pilot-Video
The Lost and Found Saga of Spitfire 944 – & its WWII US Pilot
No, They Had No Parachutes in Columbus in 1916, but . . .
76 YEARS AGO, B-25 Number 13 LEFT A PITCHING DECK . . .
HISTORY BEHIND ONE OF WW II’s MOST FAMOUS PHOTOS
Trustee, Colonel Jimmy Lee, Finds Short History of the USAF
Col. Alan Fisher Recalls His USAF Career for Daedalian Flight
“Last Fighter Pilot” Has Gone West – Flew Last WWII Mission
EAA & FASF Members Fly over to Visit FAS’ 1916-17 Airfield
The Lockheed Martin C-130: 63 Years of the Mighty Hercules
Volunteers Finish Work on 1st Aero’s U.S. Airway Marker
FASF/EAA Members Fly Army Chinook Helicopter Simulator
Holiday Celebration for the FASF . . . 5+ Years in the Making
F-15 Eagle Superiority Fighter Takes Some 1st Time Riders
FASF Members Attend 314th Fighter Squadron Graduation
War Eagles Supporters Gather to Celebrate the Holidays
An Unabashed Pitch for a Great Aviation History Project
Lockheed’s “Skunk Works” to Produce Blackbird Successor!
FASF Daedalian Members Welcome El Paso’s New Mayor
Legendary Northrup Flying Wing is Restored to Fly Again!
THE ROMANCE OF FLYING THE OCEANS DURING THE 1930’s
FASF Daedalians Attend HAFB Fighter Squadron Graduation
U.S. Border Patrol HQ in Deming Helps FASF Clean Runway
FASF Members in Action at Your Local Civil Air Patrol Office
Paradigm Aerobatic Team Videos at EAA’s AirVenture 2017
Doug Boothe Shoots Jenny’s From Fairbanks to Denver
Colonel Alan Fisher Inducted into the Society of Daedalians
Wright’s Drone Emulates Pilot’s Take-Off View From Airfield
INT’L. CESSNA 170 ASSOCIATION MEMBERS VISIT AIRFIELD!
CAP’s Colonel Alan Fisher Recruits Villezcas and Lambart
A 1st! Top Leadership Award Goes to Female Fighter Pilot
FASF Members Help Celebrate Pearl Harbor Memorial Event
Another CO of the First Aero Squadron on Advisory Board!
WHEN GENERAL HALLORAN MET GENERAL BEN FOULOIS . . .
(Check Right Side Upper Bar Menu – Under”MORE TO SEE” – for Complete Archived FASF News Stories)
Modified WWII F-51 Mustang Sets New World Speed Record!
Oops – – – Did the FASF Site Get Caught With Fake News?
Fastest FASF Member and Advisor Just Slowed Way Down
Amelia – Does Just Uncovered Photo Solve 80 Year Mystery?
16 Year Old Girl Makes Solo Flight in Century Old Jenny!
PARIS: F-35 to Destroy Untrue Myths About its Performance
FAS Airfield Security Chief, Bob Wright, Tests New Drone
MYSTERY FIGHTER CRASH AT COLUMBUS – HELP SOLVE IT!
See the Two New Boeings Show Off at the Paris Air Show!
U-2 “DRAGON LADY” SPY PILOT RECALLS HIS CLOSE CALLS
FIRST AERO’S “DRAGON LADY” RETIREMENT IS CANCELLED!
DOOLITTLE’S LONE SURVIVOR TO BE GUEST AT AIRVENTURE
WHY WOULD YOU WANT TO FLY FOR THE U.S. AIR FORCE?
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE AND JENNY CELEBRATE CENTENNIAL
WORLD’S WIDEST NEW AIRPLANE EXHIBITED IN CALIFORNIA
Navy Accepts Delivery of USS Gerald R. Ford Super Carrier
WHY RAF IS CONCERNED ABOUT A NEW RUSSIAN BOMBER
New Russian Airliner Takes on Boeing and Airbus – Video
Former NM Cabinet Member Takes Over Helm of the USAF
1st Group of Enlisted Airmen Complete USAF RPA Training
Alamo Station Keepers of San Antonio Tour 1st Aero’s Field
Colonel Bob Pitt, FASF, Awards Leadership Trophy at HAFB
Newest USAF Fighter’s Navy Version Needs No Carrier!
EAA and WEAM HELP KEEP U. S. BARNSTORMING ALIVE!
ONLY ONE DAY LEFT TO FLY THE HISTORIC FORD TRIMOTOR!
FORD TRIMOTOR VISITS STA. TERESA’s WEAM THIS WEEKEND
RAID DAY 2017 – – – Rebirth of U.S. Civil Aviation Celebrated
Challenging Approach to Landing at London City Airport
Take a Guided Flight Aboard Donald Trump’s Corporate Jet
A pilot’s Joke with a few late arriving photos and video clips
Sooo – You Thought You Knew All About the P-51 Mustang?
This Year Marks the 25th Anniversary of EAA’s Young Eagles
SAGA OF THE ONCE LOST B-17 TAGGED THE “SWAMP GHOST”
THE FAMOUS WWII FLYING FORTRESS VISITS SANTA TERESA
♥ See the New Column About Our Fascinating Members ♥
75 YEARS AGO THE UNITED STATES STRUCK BACK AT JAPAN
25,000′ fall – without a chute – Think it’s an aviation event?
UK Vintage Rally’s Aviators Freed by Ethiopian Authorities
Ron Alexander & FAA Official Killed in JN-4D N1662 Crash
Soviets Stole our Famed Super Fortress: Called it the TU-4
Former British Colony Gifted Spitfire Replica as Memorial
“Golden Peacock” Killed in Chinese Air Force Jet Team Crash
One of Aviation’s Greatest Just Flew into the Sunset . . .
Memoir of a Vietnam Mission with Triple Ace Robin Olds
BLUE ORIGIN: Achieves Safe Rocket + Crew Cap Recovery!
Lest We Forget: Vow of Frederic Arnold, WWII Fighter Pilot
Villezcas Find of old Mexican Jenny Photo Triggers FAS Story
US Flies Bombers Over South Korea Again in Show of Force
Fatal FAS Dragon Lady Crash Yesterday Near Beale AFB CA
Unique 4:52 Video & Sounds of WWII Airplanes Cranking Up
34 Homebuilt RV-6 Airplanes in Formation Over Oshkosh
“Mr. 747” – Joe Sutter Takes His Last Flight West at 95
1st U.S. Fighter to Exceed 400 MPH – The Indomitable P-38
Texan Air Show Ballet at Saturday’s EAA AirVenture 2016
Honestly – – – How much do you REALLY LOVE YOUR JOB?
World’s Largest Airshow at Oshkosh, WI, a Great Success!
Video Trailer of This Year’s UK FLYING LEGENDS AIRSHOW
Not Superman – Not an F-22 Doing Vertical Takeoff, but – ?
Trustee Brings Daughter on History Venture to Columbus
Former AF Pilot Members of the FASF Attend AF Graduation
Mind-Bending Video of How the Boeing 787 is Assembled
Air Force (FINALLY!) Declares F-35A Ready for Combat!
Military Discipline – Gunnery Sergeant as New Teacher
An Inexperienced Girl Attempts to Land the Giant A320
20 Years of Hard Work and the Super Fortress “Doc” Flies!
Centennial Event Success Breaks FASF Attendance Records!
Dr. Bouilly Finds Photo of JN4 with Member’s Kin in Cockpit!
AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL – An Animated View from the Air
IWO JIMA – What Happened AFTER That Flag Was Raised?
The Hottest Blue Angels with WWII Prop Fighters – Not Jets!
HELP! Know What This Remarkable Jet Is? Tell Us, If You Do
Witness a New Kind of Aerobatics at This Year’s AirVenture!
Ric Lambart & Alma Villezcas Pose by New FASF Office HQ
European Air Power Developed Before the Columbus Birth
Blue Angels & Thunderbirds Lose Their # 6 on Same Day
3 Jennies In Flight – Not Replicas, but Restored Aeroplanes!
It Took 9 Years – But FASF Now Holds All 1916 Airfield Titles!
1916 Airfield Survey Team Back at Work for Centennial
Congressman Pearce Helps Plan for Air Power Centennial
A Few Photos From FASF Advisor Gen. Cardenas’ Collection
Click Here to See Your Saturday Centennial Event Schedule
SEE WORLD’S LARGEST AIRPLANE GRAVEYARD – IN MOTION!
FASF OPENS FIRST HQ OFFICE IN DOWNTOWN COLUMBUS!
SHORT VIDEO OF SENSATIONAL SEAPLANE CRASH – OR IS IT?
Curtis-Taylor Lands in Australia After 3 Months in PT-17
WWII’S LAST MISSION PILOT SPEAKS OUT – 70 YEARS LATER
Mideast Conflict Changes FASF 2016 Centennial Planning
WWII GHOSTS AT NEARBY LUNA COUNTY DEMING AIRPORT
Bill Wallace & Maria Rangel Try Out New FASF T-Shirts
Brilliant New Movie – Cold War Story About the FAS’ U2
THE MIRACULOUSLY UNBELIEVABLE SR-71 BLACKBIRD
F-16 Crashes on Training Mission in N.M – Pilot Safely Ejects
Pakistani Female Fighter Pilot, Marium Mukhtiar, Killed
Your FASF Recruiters Do it Again at Local Antique Car Show
FASF RECRUITS MEMBERS AT SW NEW MEXICO STATE FAIR
COCKPIT EVOLUTION – FROM THE BEGINNING TO PRESENT
Will Rash of Exhibition Fatalities Bring an End to Air Shows?
VALIANT P-40 FIGHTER PILOTS OF PEARL HARBOR ATTACK
The Powerful, Nostalgic – – – and Inspiring – P-51 Mustang
VINTAGE U. S. MILITARY VEHICLE CONVOY RESTS IN DEMING
FASF Recruits New Members at Great American Duck Races
NEW FASF ARCHIVAL COMMITTEE, Mantei & Orona, at work
SPECTACULAR RED BULL SHOW OVER BUDAPEST HUNGARY
Near Century Old Film of Famous WWI Ace – The Red Baron
INSIDE (the cockpit) with Aerobatic Star Svetlana Kapanina
Almost Unbelievable Extreme Russian Fighter Aerobatics!
Blackbird’s Most Spectacular Flyover Was Also Its Slowest
Witness the Evolution of Britain’s Famed Heathrow Airport
Anne Marie Beck – CHS Founder Joins Board of Advisors
Fastest Ever Space Probe Blazes Past Pluto in Historic Flyby!
Jim Bede, famed Aircraft Designer Goes West on Last Flight
P-51C “Mustang” Cockpit View – From Take Off to Landing
FASF Photographer and Consultant Makes His Final Flight
ASF Member & Former First Aero CO Describes Its History
Trustees Have Lunch Meeting at FASF Member’s Pink Store
The Birth of American Air Power in Columbus: New Video
FASF Member, Brett Hahn, Now at EAA Headquarters in WI
FASF Officers Meet at EAA Chapter Hangar on Father’s Day
First Aero Squadron Presentation Made to Military Officers
Board Members Work with EAA to Plan Centennial Event
Long Planning Session to Prepare for FAS Centennial!
FASF VP Martín finds sign about FAS at Biggs Army Airfield!
Our Tribute to Bill Wehner – – – the Co-Founder of the FASF
Our Latest Newsletter, The Aerodrome, is now Posted
Back in Time: “The Giants” – Flying Boats – Then and Now
World’s First Air Show – – – 2015 Paris Air Show Opens
Bill Wehner, FASF Founder, Goes West
Watch this Rip-Snorting Air Show on Steroids – by Slocum
IN MEMORIAM – The Path of the American Warrior – Video
See New Video of Amazing Bomber Mission during WWII
1st Female F-35 Fighter Pilot Climbs into the Wild Blue!
Hi-Tech F-35 “Lightning II” Stealth Fighter Has Engine Issues
Warbirds Fly Over Capitol on 70th Anniversary of VE Day!
End of WWII Memorial at Capitol Features Warbird Flyover
Scott Slocum Capture’s Mustang’s Beauty – Head on!
FASF’s Col. Cline & 113th NMSU Presidential Pass-in-Review
Out of WWII Aviation History Comes the Reborn Mosquito
Deming High School Faculty Meet with FASF Trustees
FASF Trustee Gives Presentation to Aviator Fraternity
Raid Day Memorial Number 99 is Held in Columbus
Camp Furlong Day Declared a Resounding Success
First Aero Squadron’s Record Setting SR-71 in Flight
Ric Visits Tom Wathen Center at Renowned California Flabob Airport
OUR NEW AERODROME PILOT AT THE COCKPIT’S CONTROLS
TWO WOMEN LEADERS DISCUSS AIR-POWER CENTENNIAL
EAA Chapter 555 & War Eagles Museum Set Flight Record
♦ ♦ ♦ ♦
ABOUT the FASF
The Pancho Villa Raid—The First Aero Squadron Responds
By Founding President of the FASF – Gene Valdes
On March 9, 1916, the United States was invaded by forces under the command of the Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa. Villa and his troops attacked both civilians and the military outpost in the small border town of Columbus, New Mexico. Eighteen Americans were killed before the Villa rebels were turned back.
In response, President Woodrow Wilson ordered the American military, the so-called “Punitive Expedition,” to cross into Mexico to locate and destroy Villa and his fighting forces. Accompanying the US ground forces, which grew to almost 10,000 men, was a small detachment of US Army airplanes which were based at a landing field outside of Columbus. This deployment of the First Aero Squadron, flying Curtiss “Jenny” biplanes, was the first use of US Army (now Air Force) airplanes in a U.S. military campaign. Their Columbus-based operation was, in effect, the birth of what later became the United States Air Force – and, later with the development of rotary wing aircraft (helicopters), what is now known as the Army’s Aviation Branch.
Who We Are
In 2007, a group of aviation enthusiasts and other interested citizens met to discuss what might be done to protect the site of the original landing field and flight line where the First Aero Squadron was based in 1916/17. While the site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, it was threatened by ever expanding residential and commercial development. It was even listed as one of most endangered historic sites in New Mexico.
By 2008 the group had formed the First Aero Squadron Foundation (FASF) with the mission of securing, preserving and restoring the historic Aerodrome. We are a New Mexico non-profit, tax-exempt 501(c)(3) corporation: Donations are tax deductible. We have a 9-member governing Board of Trustees, and an Advisory Board of national experts in military, history, civilian aviation and the arts. We have well over 200 members nationwide – and are growing by leaps and bounds. All our Trustees and Advisors are volunteers.
What We Have Done So Far
In 2009, the FASF purchased 60 acres of the historic site, comprising part of the original 1916 Aerodrome as well as the old Columbus Municipal Airport, itself steeped in history. Thanks to the dedication of the Board and our Friends, we own this land free and clear. In 2012 we graded a 2,600 runway on the site of the original Columbus Municipal Airport east-west runway which had become overgrown with mesquite, cacti and other desert plants, making the field unusable by aircraft. In 2014, we acquired access to and an option to buy the 160 acre parcel to the east of the first 60-acre parcel, which we are now engaged in paying off – and we are already, thanks to our “Buy an Acre” campaign, well over half-way there. With both parcels now under FASF control, the entire original land-marked historic site is now protected for future generations. We are no longer on anyone’s endangered list!
Future Plans
With the historic site secured, our next step is to build a Commemorative Monument to honor all the intrepid early airmen and their crews who pioneered the beginnings of American air power – and its lead in world civil aviation development. We will reconstruct the original 1916 Aerodrome and build a museum to house a representative selection of early World War I and pre-World War II aircraft.
Part of our mission is education. We hold presentations to inform the public—including future pilots and historians—of our early aviation beginnings in which the Columbus Aerodrome figured so prominently. We believe that it is important for everyone to know the important history of our nation’s Air Force – and of the rebirth of American Civil Aviation that all took place in a tiny town in Southwestern New Mexico.
How You Can Become Involved
First, if you have never been to Columbus, please come visit. Anyone of our locally-based Board Members would be happy to give you a tour of the area and the property. Second, please consider joining FASF. We are a small but enthusiastic group and we would welcome your participation in our efforts to preserve an important piece of this country’s proud heritage. Please browse the rest of our website and click right here to see how you can join in our efforts.
Copyright 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, & 2022 © First Aero Squadron Foundation – – – All International Rights Reserved. This website’s unique contents (except those already copyrighted by other cited sources), are usable only with permission of the FASF and the FASF must be clearly referenced as the used content’s source. Contact Webmaster Ric Lambart at either: Ric@FirstAeroSquadron.com or by calling the FASF Office at: 575.519.1100. Thank you!
The site is much improved over what I originally published, hats off to Eric and Ric Lambart for
all the work in putting this new site up. I would suggest the Jenny picture be used as a water
mark or back ground for all the pages with a light blue to match the clouds in the theme. Kris
I think your new website is outstanding – easy to fly low and slow thru it – enjoyable visit!
Hello!
I’m Rebecca Reed, and I just wanted to thank you for the really educational page you’ve created,http://firstaerosquadron.com/links.
My daughter, Sally, is becoming very interested in airplanes: first, it was her grandpa’s pictures from WW2 (he was a bomber pilot),
then it was flight simulation games, and now it’s RC planes! She is getting kind of obsessed!
Naturally, as a mom and teacher, I try to turn every thing into a ‘teachable moment.’
Planes are actually really great for this, from history to science: there is so much to learn.
I really liked teaching her about the ninety-nines! Its great for her to know that it’s not just a man’s world!
One other thing, I thought I would show you a page I also really liked for educational purposes:
(http://midatlanticairconditioning.com/info/article/firsts-in-air-travel).
It’s a brief timeline about the history of flight, looking at a series of ‘firsts’.
Sally loved it, and I thought your other readers might like it to, so it would fit right in on your page!
Let me know if you get a chance to link to that page, I would love to know I had a little impact on your site!
And once again, thanks for the help!
Rebecca Reed
Interesting and informative website. I’d suggest that you include pictures of FASF Advisory Board members similar to the way you presented photos of the Trustees. Site is very easy to navigate.
Good suggestion. We’ll get to work on implementing it.
This new site is considerably better than the old site. Like the full background and easier to get around the site, to go from one section to another. Like the way the visitor is able to easily comment. I’d rate this new site 4.5 out of 5.0.
Your site is very user friendly and a great aviation resource. Keep up the good work and we will continue to follow your site over here at the Banyan Pilot Shop!!!!
How do I become a member? EG where do I send a check?
Charles,
Thanks for the query. Would love to have you aboard!
Just click on the PDF linked Membership Application under
the menu title “Membership” and you’ll be able to print out
the appliation and send it on in. The address if right on
the application, itself. $20 is the normal membership,
and for anyone interested in doing some memorial giving, there’s
always our “Buy and Acre” campaign to help us get the remaining
acreage of the 1916 original airfield of the First Aero Squadron.
Can you imgaine in this day and age buying an entire acre close
to a town for only $250? We’ve already received over half the
160 acres in memorial cash donations in just a few short months
(see the lastest “Aerodrome” newsletter).
Thanks again for getting in touch – and for visiting our site.
ric lambart, Webmaster and president
Bless you fог your fսnctional information. It really shows you are competent, educated and
expert in this field, which is tricky to come bү in this dɑy and age.
The website looks great and is easy to navigate. Thanks for posting my article and a link to 2othcenturyaviationmagazine.com. I am happy to be a new member of the organization. I live too far away to make meetings, but enjoy communicating with other members, and perusing the website!
Thanks for the compliments, Nancy. Enjoyed your article – – – and welcome aboard the FASF!
My grandfather, Arthur j coyle was a captain in the squadron. He is credited with being the first American to participate in aerial combat in an American squadron (first aero squadron). He had three confirmed kills and was shot down three times. He never thought much of Curtis le May and blamed him for not giving the American squadrons parachutes.
Mike,
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and comments with us. Can you give us more information about your Grandfather? We’d love to possibly do a story on him, or you might write one up yourself. Am sure our FASF followers would find his more detailed history of great intrerest! Ric Lambart
In regard to Coyle and 1st Aero Squadron
https://www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/13472036425/in/photolist-mwtH56-dCXpNV-8MR76k-ee9oGw-aEsfPg-p11MxM-6Aqxn-crL9PE-5K1TVS-89jdhW-dQX1WK-8bjGTG-64NrFz-cQc3vq-drEH4M-89fVyR-ajCZbi-aFBXCH-ec3VWW-ebu5Se-cWqMKo-7T1GcA-ec14Uq-aKzi9z-bAiYyx-bZLZ7y-8txdbg-ncSN9X-8ahxPD-8avN7x-jk5Dsz-5J4E6s-9Xo7EC-aJ3XUi-av3g4C-jhEKoy-4yNLHh-fwYhH5-cB3FU5-e1grr9-64NrZt-6Zw5fS-nvAqyv-oCa1W2-dnhSgP-d7g6yW-8bod9m-h6uvnu-9pBJQB-8sYk46/
Phillip. Where did you get this long URL? It has some great photos, but not sure what all of them are.
Do you know? Would like to use some of them if we know what they are. Thanks. Ric
please give credit at
https://www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/sets/72157643070233505
I lived in Columbus from 1952 to 1957 and the FAA emergency Airport was an important part of our town. It was manned 24/7 as an emergency field for the airliners continually flying high overhead. My Dad was section foreman for the Southern Pacific RR, and our house sat beside the Depot, which is of course now the Pancho Villa Museum. In 1954 Roosevelts former plane, the Sacred Cow, made an emergency landing there. All of the town folk got to tour her the week or so she spent there before they got her to flying again. I didn’t see her again until 2 years ago when I toured The Air Force Museum at Dayton Ohio. The only other noteworthy plane incident I remember is a Navy Panther Jet crashing about 5 miles west of town, killing the pilot who failed to eject. I am a member of the CAF, AZ Wing. I am a docent at our air Museum and a Loadmaster on the B-17, “Sentimental Journey”; and the B-25 “Made In The Shade”. I will definitely be joining and supporting the FASF, and I hope to see you all in person next summer.
Edward – Thanks for not just taking the time to send us your interesting remarks about you and your family while living in Columbus, but for shedding some more light on the otherwise far too obscure post WWII local history of the town – and its airfield – now being purchased by the FASF. We’re looking forward to having you as a member and in seeing you this coming Summer! ric lambart, Pres. FASF
I have a first aero squadron item and I can’t find out what it is or what it may be worth. Could you help me? I can email a picture if you gI’ve me an address.
Thanks for the inquiry, Mark. From the photo, which we can’t see here (but thanks to your email, now have seen), it would appear to be something fabricated sometime after the end of WWI and likely before WWII. It’s most probably something used during the thirties or maybe even during WWII. It employs the post WWI wing style (not that used during the first big war) with the propeller in the center that didn’t appear in use till after the end of WWI. This arrangement was used up through the end of WWII prior to the founding of the separate United States Air Force in 1947. The AMC, above the wing/propeller insignia has appeared in similar combinations of those same letters even in the USAF to designate the Air Material Command, but could also have had another meaning during WWII, but, unfortunately, none of us know the precise or correct answer to that question – – – at least not at this juncture. Maybe someone might come up with a good answer now that you’ve shared your photo with some of our Board members. Thanks again for your interest, and good luck!
I have a colt 1911 early holster. On the Flap is lightly stamped below the US is
1 AERO
B. SQD
23
would you know what all that means. I cannot find anything about a B SQD OR THE NUMBER 23
tHANKS
Where do I find a dvd of the Mexican punitive expedition, showing the planes of the 1st Aero Squadron in ops?
It’s an amazing piece of writing designed for all the web viewers; they will take advantage from it I am sure.
Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this web site before but after looking at
a few of the posts I realized it’s new to me. Nonetheless, I’m certainly pleased I came across it and I’ll be book-marking it and checking back regularly!
Who were the 1st Aero crew of Salmson 2a,plane 24?
Anthony, Sorry for the tardy reply, but somehow missed your inquiry when it came in so long ago. Have checked. and so far come up empty handed, but it does seem as though, while in Europe with the AEF, the 1st Aero Squadron did receive some of those Salmson 2A’s, but so far have not located the records of which of the 1st’s pilots actually flew the aircraft. Hopefully they are somewhere, possibly at the USAF National Museum in Ohio? The final version of the ship flown by the 1st was apparently the much improved craft, which could cruise at about 120 MPH at altitudes up to 7000′. It was also equipped with a Lewis machine gun atop the upper wing for the pilot, but this so badly effected the performance that they were all removed. Later a modified and improved Lewis was remounted and apparently worked OK. The Observer had a twin Lewis machine gun. If anyone knows which of the 1st’s pilots were checked out in the Salmson please let us know and we’ll either post the reply under comments or directly to Anthony. Thanks for the query, Anthony, just apologize for the late reply – – – and without a definitive answer . . .
I think your new website is outstanding – easy to fly low and slow thru it – enjoyable visit!!!
Thanks so much for the kind words, Silvie. Since no one around here gets paid to do this work (the FASF is an all volunteer group), it truly means a lot when we hear compliments about our efforts. Your “easy to fly low and slow thru it” managed to elicit a hearty chuckle from this old geezer, since I easily recall the days when every good pilot would tell her or his loving grandmother, who’d admonished them to be sure to fly “low and slow,” not to worry, that of course they would . . . 😉
Great website, how do you find all this information?I have read a few articles on your website and I love your writing style. Thanks a million, keep up the good work.
https://courseworkwriting459.blogspot.com
Is there a physical museum for the First Aero Squadron?
Wendy,
Thanks for the inquiry.
Sadly, the museum is still in our future plans, but none to visit at the moment.
We do have the original airfield in our possession, though. That’s our first step.
Are you a history buff, an aviator, or . . .?
Cheers,
ric lambart
FASF CEO