Step Into A WWII Paratrooper's Boots As Farmingdale Flight Experience Returns This Month

FARMINGDALE, NY — The American Airpower Museum will continue its C-47 Living History Flight Experiences with a weekend of flights at the end of this month.

These historic and immersive flights, which will be flown by licensed pilots, some ex-military or reserves, will commemorate the 81st anniversary of the end of World War II.

The 81st anniversary of VE Day (the end of WWII in Europe) was commemorated on May 8, 2026. Now, participants can gear up and experience a glimpse of what U.S. Airborne Paratroopers went through to liberate Europe.

The start of 2026's flights will be on June 27, and they will have professional reenactors on board the restored WWII C-47 Skytrain.

Participants will receive a 101st Airborne D-Day briefing before boarding the C-47 Skytrain. Then, they will dress in authentic reproduction field jackets, steel pot G.I. helmets, and a simulated jump harness – no actual jumping will occur. They will board the plane and fly over Long Island's south shore beaches, including Jones Beach, simulating paratroopers flying over Normandy Beach on June 5, 1944. Folks will even replicate hooking their gear on the inside of the plane, but again, there will not be any jumping.

After a flight of about 25 minutes, participants will review a card that has the fate of the paratrooper whose identity they each assumed. Participants, clad in gear, will be able to take pictures afterward.

The AAM is a 501 (c)(3) not-for-profit educational foundation with a mission to educate Long Islanders about the important role American airpower had in defending the U.S. during WWII.

The cost for each flight is $375 per person, and you can bring one additional person to watch the flight take off and land, and visit AAM's exhibits all day. For those who want to watch the flight and tour the museum, it is $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and veterans, and $12 for children ages 3-12. Children under 3 are free, and AAM members and active military/guard/reserves are free with identification.

To book your flight or learn more about this experience, you can call either (516) 531-3950 or (631) 454-2039, or visit their website online. Four flights are scheduled for Saturday, June 27. Arrival/check-in times are: 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, June 28th.

Flights will take place at Hangar 3, 1230 New Highway, Farmingdale, NY 11735.