High Sky offering different view: See the Christmas lights from above

To raise money and offer festive views from above, the High Sky Wing of the Commemorative Air Force is offering Christmas Lights Night Flights starting Saturday.

Bill Coombes, public information officer for the High Sky Wing of the CAF, said this is the first year the flights have been offered.

A C-45 Army Air Force plane will take wing about 1,500 feet over the city. High Sky Wing Leader Gena Linebarger said the flights mainly will be over Midland, so people will be able to look at the lights longer.

“You’ll be able to see perfectly” Coombes said.

“It’s really quite breathtaking,” he added. “The city at night is really pretty, even without the Christmas lights.”

Tickets are $75 per person and $140 to be in the nose with the co-pilot. The plane holds five people, he said. Flights, which last about 30 minutes, start at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Sunday and Monday. If there’s a demand, the plane will go up Tuesday, as well.

Those interested should go to the CAF Commemorative Center. Signs will guide people where they need to go.

High Sky Wing Leader Gena Linebarger said the flights mainly will be over Midland, so people will be able to look at the lights longer.

Those interested should go to the CAF Commemorative Center. Signs will guide people where they need to go.

“It’s as safe as getting on Southwest,” Coombes said.

Proceeds will go to the High Sky Wing to keep the vintage planes flying and help it start a new museum focusing on the area’s contribution to World War II that will be called the Midland Army Air Base Museum, Coombes said. The project will probably take three to five years.

’We’re excited about the opportunity,” Coombes said. “We are going to operate everything we have out there and the air show will continue. Most of things people see when people come out to look at the planes will still there.”

Usually held in October, the CAF Airsho for 2015 will be moved to the last weekend in August and feature the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. Usually held in October, the CAF Airsho for 2015 will be moved to the last weekend in August and feature the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds. The time for the show was changed to accommodate the team.

“It’s going to be exciting; it’s going to be big,” Linebarger said.  

Christmas Lights Night Flights

For more information, visit http://highskywing.org.

Tickets are available there, as well, or call 528-0997. Leave the name of the passengers, date, time desired and a return telephone number.

Source:  http://www.oaoa.com