Bill Text: VA SR46 | 2020 | Regular Session | Enrolled
Bill Title: Commending The Flying Circus Aerodrome and Airshow.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2020-03-02 - Bill text as passed Senate (SR46ER) [SR46 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2020-SR46-Enrolled.html
WHEREAS, The Flying Circus Aerodrome and Airshow, an International Aviation Ambassador located in Bealeton, is celebrating its 50th year of entertaining and educating visitors from around the Commonwealth, the United States, and the world in 2020; and
WHEREAS, established in 1970, The Flying Circus is one of America's best and longest-performing weekly airshows and preserves the legacy of the "barnstorming" aerobatic shows popular during the Golden Age of Flight in the 1920s and 1930s through majestic stunts, the performances of daring wing walkers, and the use of modern high-performance aerobatics aircraft; and
WHEREAS, The Flying Circus and its associated aviators have preserved, maintained, and kept in operational condition dozens of historic planes in order for the public to experience firsthand what amazed and thrilled Americans generations ago at the dawn of the age of human flight; and
WHEREAS, while most of the aircraft involved in the show are privately owned, the Flying Circus' own silver and black 1943 Stearman biplane plays a pivotal role in opening skydives and wing-walking acts; and
WHEREAS, aviators affiliated with The Flying Circus have unselfishly performed throughout the United States, bringing this unique experience to countless people who would not otherwise have such an opportunity; and
WHEREAS, The Flying Circus and many of its past and present pilots and administrators are members of the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame and have been an integral part of Virginia's aviation industry and aviation history communities, vividly bringing to life aspects of the Commonwealth's leading role in American aviation supremacy; and
WHEREAS, The Flying Circus has developed programs for the public to ride in these historic planes and to further educate all interested parties in the magnificence of these early mechanical marvels; and
WHEREAS, over the past 50 years, The Flying Circus has supported the dreams of numerous volunteers and amateur pilots to advance into aviation careers, including military, commercial, general, historical, experimental, sport, and professional performance aviation; and
WHEREAS, The Flying Circus and its volunteers provide charitable aviation support to several worthy causes, including Wounded Warriors, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Angel Flights, hospice care, scouting, youth programs, and science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education at local schools; and
WHEREAS, The Flying Circus has inspired generations by exhibiting the glorious tapestry that is the "Spirit and Love of Aviation"; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate of Virginia, That The Flying Circus Aerodrome and Airshow in Bealeton hereby be commended on the occasion of its 50th anniversary; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to The Flying Circus Aerodrome and Airshow as an expression of the Senate of Virginia's admiration for its work to preserve the history of aviation and contributions to the residents of and visitors to the Commonwealth.
