D-Day Living History Flight Experience Returns To Long Island: Get Your Ticket

FARMINGDALE, NY — If you have ever wondered what U.S. troops felt during the D-Day assault in World War II, you're in luck: The American Airpower Museum (AAM) in Farmingdale is conducting four of its Living History Flight Experiences with its Douglas C-47B “Skytrain” transport on July 23.

"Dozens of Long Islanders will get a rare chance to fly in AAM’s iconic WWII C- 47B, one of the few still in original military condition," the museum stated in a news release. "This is a one-of-a-kind immersive educational program, where Living Historians give guests a sense of what 101st and 82nd Airborne Division Paratroopers felt on their incredible 1,200-plane D-Day assault."

WWII Living Historian Robert Scarabino, with help from his 101st Airborne Reenactors, will transport passengers back in time.

Affectionately dubbed “Second Chance,” AAM’s iconic transport is an original C-47B built in 1944 and supplied to the U.S. Army Air Force.

AAM’s D-Day flight experience features a mission briefing and a chance for guests to wear authentic military field jackets, helmets, and gear throughout the mission. Once on board AAM’s C-47B, passengers will watch pilots operate their aircraft as “paratroopers” (reenactors) get ready for battle.

"It’s so realistic and unforgettable, right up to the moment when guests hook their parachutes up to the static line and get ready to jump," the museum wrote. "Don’t worry, no jumping allowed!"

Four flights are scheduled between 10:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.; three are full but seats are still available on flight four. To book a seat on the fourth flight or inquire about future flights, check out the museum's website, click on “visit” and go to “flight experiences.”

Another option is to visit the museum’s gift shop Wednesday through Sunday, 10:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Hangar 3, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale. People may call 516-531-3950 or 631-454-2039.

AAM’s WWII Douglas C-47B in flight over Long Island’s South Shore, are owned by the American Airpower Museum.

The public is welcome to visit Hangar 3 all day on July 23rd to watch each flight and tour AAM’s many exhibits. Visitors can watch as “paratroopers” (reenactors) and passengers suit up, apply face "black-out," don their parachutes, check weapons and board "Second Chance." People may watch as the plane’s mighty twin engines fire up and the bird takes off from Republic.

Regular admission for adults is $15, $12 for seniors and veterans, and $10 for children 5-12. Tickets and pre-registration are not required for regular admission.

"Second Chance," an original WWII C-47B, was transferred to the Royal Air Force in 1945 and flew in the Berlin Airlift (1948 - 1949) with the RAF, serving until 1950. The aircraft next served in the Belgian Air Force for two years. In 1952, the aircraft went to the French Air Force, serving two years in Vietnam, as well as in India, Algeria, Morocco and the Congo. In 1967, the aircraft was sold to Israel and flew in the Israeli Defense Force for 32 years. AAM acquired the aircraft in 2000.

In addition to AAM’s D-Day flights, "Second Chance" also performs at regional air shows in classic WWII D-Day markings with the original “D8” code. One of the last C-47Bs still in stock military configuration, this aircraft has just over 17,000 hours in the air, one of the world’s lowest flight times ever.

The family-friendly program is for all ages and a wonderful way to educate young Americans about WWII and how U.S. military veterans fought to defend our freedom, according to the museum.

"Support AAM’s mission to honor veterans and military aviation history by helping maintain and preserve the museum’s iconic aircraft," the museum wrote.