LHFE Flying, the Pinnacle of Warbird Operations

November 2015 - Certainly the most visible and active aspect of warbird operations are the LHFE Flight exemption operations conducted by the EAA’s B-17 Aluminum Overcast and other B-17s. Additionally, there's a host of other important types operating, allowing the general public to experience these rare aircraft in their element, as well as feel the magic of flight through artifacts that bring history to life.

It is important to remember that warbird operators are flying more than a couple thousand hours annually through these flights, and the safety record is exemplary. This is due not only to the professionalism of the operators, but to the volunteers that choose to make this their vacation and spare-time pursuit. To the majority of us who are operating our own warbirds, and doing so in the best way we know how, it is important to remember that EAA, Collings Foundation, CAF, and many other museums are flying many more hours in similar aircraft per year under the LHFE exemption. These operators have a lot of experience and are willing to share what they know about maintaining these aircraft on a national tour schedule. When they come to your airport, please drop by and say hello! In so many ways, they are the daily face of Warbirds of America.