(ABOVE) A WWII B-25 Mitchell Medium Bomber brought from Ohio for Balloons Over Vermilion comes to rest after a Saturday morning tour flight.
While ballooning activity may have been limited over the weekend at Balloons Over Vermilion, the planned flights being offered on the WWII B-25 Mitchell Medium Bomber visiting from Ohio were certainly not.
After a flight that ended shortly after 12 Noon on Saturday, Jeff from Terre Haute said this was a new experience for him, and one he’ll never forget.
AUDIO: Pretty Awesome. I love World War Two stuff, I’m a big World War Two buff; and that tops all right there. That was very fun. (Steve) Have you ever had any rides in something like that before? (Jeff) No, lots of helicopters, but not a World War II plane, no.
WWII B-25 Mitchell Medium Bomber approaches and lands at Vermilion Regional Airport after Saturday flight at Balloons Over Vermilion; Passengers and Pilots pose afterwards.
Bill Weidenhammer was one of the pilots. It was windy out there as we spoke to him. He emphasized that after years of families bringing their World War II Veteran fathers or grandfathers out for a ride on this B-25, the interest continues to be strong. And it never gets o
AUDIO: It’s a blessing to have the people come out and take a ride. Now it’s mostly families, military families or others. And it’s worth the effort.
Father and son Justin and Paxton Taylor from Covington, IN were on the flight as well.
AUDIO: (Justin) Unbelievable, it was just an experience we’ll never forget. (Paxton) It was awesome. (Steve) Ever been on an airplane like that before? (Paxton) No. (Steve) When you took off, were you thinking: were you scared at all or what were you thinking when you got up there? (Paxton) I wasn’t scared, but it was very fun. (Steve) As you came back in, how did it feel? (Paxton) It felt very bumpy.
Balloons Over Vermilion took place Friday and Saturday at Vermilion Regional Airport. Although the balloons were unable to fly due to weather conditions, pilots gave demonstrations and were available to talk to BOV visitors Saturday evening.
ADDITIONAL BALLOONS OVER VERMILION PHOTOS:
