![]() ![]() There are larger planes out there, but they’re not tail-draggers - or they’re no longer flying.” “She’s a tail-dragger, and she has the largest footprint of any tail-dragging aircraft flying today, meaning she’s really special. “Tinker Belle is a very unique airplane to fly,” Lee says. Lee Myers had the privilege of flying Tinker Belle himself, allowing him the rare chance to step back through time to a golden era of aviation history. Tinker Belle’s name is a wink-and-nudge play on its size: at the time of its production, the C-46 was the biggest twin-engine aircraft in the world, and it was also the largest and heaviest twin-engine plane to see service in World War II. In 2012, Warriors and Warbirds took on a new dimension when the group, with Lee now serving on its board of directors, acquired a one-of-a-kind piece of aviation history: a 1944 Curtiss C-46 Commando transport aircraft, which acquired the affectionate nickname “Tinker Belle.” Previously, the aircraft had spent nearly a decade sitting neglected and exposed to the elements in Texas, but the group set about restoring her and getting her ready to fly again. He started volunteering with Warriors and Warbirds on a regular basis, helping the group to put on its annual airshow at the Monroe Airport and occasionally drawing on his legal and political experience to offer advice. A longtime pilot himself, Lee discovered the group by word of mouth and, after meeting them, felt drawn to the aviation expertise and respect for history he saw. They have a Facebook group, Headquarters, to organize their outings.Attorney Lee Myers began working with Warriors and Warbirds in 2010 after concluding his tenure as mayor of the town of Matthews. (LtR) Claire, Joseph, Erika, Jason (all with the 2nd SS from SE NC), and Calvin with the 116 Panzer Division pose in costume at Warbirds Over Monroe. Several planes fly in formation over Warbirds Over Monroe 2018 Air Show. Many historic planes were open to the public to view and educate about their service at Warbirds Over Monroe. A large American flag was on display at Warbirds Over Monroe 2018 Air Show. They said, “We come every year to support the Veterans and see the C46 “The Tinker Belle”.” A pilot walks past several planes at Warbirds Over Monroe 2018 Air Show, on Nov. Lee and Spencer, from Monroe, examine a miniature plane with members of Air Force JROTC standing by. ![]() There were many games and educational exhibits including the pedal carts provided by the National Guard at Warbirds Over Monroe. Their grandfather used to work on the cockpit instruments and explains them to his grandchildren. Durant and Elorie Elms, from Charlotte, visited Warbirds Over Monroe with their grandparents. A paratrooper jumps over the airstrip at Warbirds Over Monroe 2018 Air Show, on Nov. Appleby has a friend with a plane and is meeting him at the event. John Appleby, from Lake Wylie, and his daughter Katie Schuhow, from South Salem NY, look at one of the planes on display at Warbirds Over Monroe. Many planes were on display before taking off for various performances during Warbirds Over Monroe 2018 Air Show, on Nov. A plane takes off as spectators watch during the Warbirds Over Monroe air show. One of the planes on display at Warbirds Over Monroe 2018 Air Show, held Nov. This was a fun filled and thrilling day for all who enjoy aeronautics and some military history. This 13th annual event included WWII Airborne Demonstrations, aerial aerobatics, a wall of fire, re-enactments, paratroopers, and a Hangar Dance. Featuring planes from the 1940’s and WWII to more recent war planes as well as plenty of educational exhibits, food trucks, and games, Warbirds Over Monroe drew large crowds eager to watch the planes buzz by at fast speeds. ![]() The Warbirds Over Monroe 2018 Air Show was held on November 10 & 11, 2018 at the Charlotte Monroe Executive Airport by the City of Monroe, the Veterans Council of Union County, many local businesses, and plenty of volunteers. ![]()
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