Association of Professional Warbird Operators Blog Posts

APWO Supports the AOPA 2025 National Pause for General Aviation Safety

Greg Gibson — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 14:04:24 GMT

Dear APWO Members,

We’re excited to spotlight the 2025 National Pause for GA Safety, a collaborative initiative led by AOPA and supported by many aviation organizations—including our friends at the Commemorative Air Force. This program is a simple yet powerful way to pause, refocus, and reaffirm the discipline that makes every flight safe.

Here’s how it works:

Visit https://www.gasafe.org/caf
Pick Your Flight Profile – Choose the type of flying you do most.
Engage with Tailored Safety Resources – Dive into materials built for your type of operation.
Complete a Quick 15-Question Quiz – Earn FAAST WINGS credit and receive a digital safety badge.

This is safety made simple—and impactful.

At APWO, our mission is clear: deliver best practices and professional processes to ensure safety is the ultimate outcome of every operation. The National Pause for GA Safety exemplifies that mission—bringing structure, reflection, and focus to every cockpit and hangar in the country.

Take the Pause Today

Strengthen your safety mindset
Expand your professional knowledge
Earn recognition for your commitment

Let’s embrace this Pause together, share our experiences, and foster a community where every operation, every flight, reflects our unwavering commitment to safety.

Hosting a Flying Club, Group or Organizational Event this Summer?

Learn how to incorporate the National Pause for GA Safety into your next meeting and help spread the awareness of safety and the availability of all these resources in one place.

Download the guide on How to Include the Pause for GA Safety in Your Meeting PDF and QR code presentation slide for pilots easy access with their smart devices.

The Story of B-29 DOC and its Legendary Rescue and Restoration of a National Treasure is Published

Greg Gibson — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 14:27:11 GMT

The Story of B-29 DOC and its Legendary Rescue and Restoration of a National Treasure is Published

APWO is proud to be sponsored by B29 Doc and Doc's Friends -

Check out their new book!

WICHITA, Kan., Feb. 5, 2025 – RESCUING DOC, a book that chronicles the decades-long saga of Tony Mazzolini’s and DOC’s Friends to acquire and return the last restorable B-29 Superfortress to flight status is now available for purchase. All book proceeds will support DOC and DOC’s operations.

The book, written by Dave Franson, a career aviation marketer and communicator from Wichita, KS, covers the in-depth story of Tony Mazzolini’s passion and dream to restore a B-29 Superfortress. Dave’s one-on-one interviews and countless hours with Tony provided the stories and recollections from the recovery and relocation of DOC from China Lake, CA, to Wichita, KS, for restoration. A portion of the book is written in Tony’s voice, rather than from a narrator’s point of view, which brings a unique delivery of a story that stretches from Cleveland, OH, to China Lake, CA, to Pensacola, FL, to Wichita, KS.

“This book is intended to share the fascinating and often incredible accounts of DOC’s restoration as one of only two airworthy B-29s left in the world. It will also serve as an enduring tribute to the patriots who designed, built, and flew B-29s, as well as those who eventually restored this aircraft,” said author Dave Franson. “I think it’s fitting that it is being released 80 years after it entered service and after the B-29 helped bring an end to the most devastating war in history.”

This 188-page book includes behind-the-scenes photos and stories, some of which have never been seen or told before, and provides details of DOC’s restoration and current mission of honoring the Greatest Generation by keeping their legacy alive through B-29 DOC.

“Returning this airplane to the air was a dream come true for me,” Tony Mazzolini stated. “Even though it took more than 30 years to accomplish, it was always my goal that a fully-restored DOC would serve as a symbol to honor, educate and connect the present and future generations with the “Greatest Generation” of Americans who fought and died to defend liberty and restore freedom to millions. It’s gratifying to me that this book will preserve their memories and stories of the great family of volunteers, technicians, artisans, machinists, tool makers, managers, supporters and funders who restored DOC, too.”

The book also features more than 120 photos as well as insight from the DOC’s Friends leadership team that helped finish the restoration and now owns and operates DOC as a living and flying museum.

Priced at $40 for the paperback version and $50 for a hardback volume, it may be ordered online at www.b29doc.com/shop/book. All proceeds from the sale of RESCUING DOC will go to support the continuing operations of DOC and DOC’s Friends, Inc., a non-profit based in Wichita, Kansas.

On the web:
www.b29doc.com
www.b29doc.com/shop/book

Twitter:
www.twitter.com/B29DocsFriends

Facebook:
www.facebook.com/B29Doc

Media Contact: Josh Wells, Doc’s Friends, (316) 358-9894 josh@b29doc.com

About Doc’s Friends and B-29 Doc
Doc’s Friends, Inc., is a 501c3 non-profit board managing the operation of the Boeing B-29 Superfortress known as Doc. Doc is a B-29 Superfortress and one of 1,644 manufactured in Wichita during World War II. It is one of only two remaining B-29s that are still airworthy and flying today. The mission of Doc’s Friends is to HONOR the men and women who sacrificed so much for the freedom of others, including those who designed, built, maintained and flew the B-29 during and after WWII. CONNECT people with the rich heritage of the B-29 and allow aviation enthusiasts to experience the thrill of a B-29 up close. EDUCATE today’s and future generations on the contributions of the Greatest Generation during wartime.

About the B-29 Doc History Restored Tour and B-29 Doc Flight Experience
Each year, B-29 Doc travels to cities across the United States to allow aviation enthusiasts a chance to B-29 Doc up-close and personal. Doc’s annual tour mission includes an average of 100 flight hours, beginning in early April and spanning through the summer until late October. Tour stops include ground and flight deck tours, as well as B-29 Doc Flight Experiences. The B-29 Doc Flight Experience will last approximately 90 minutes and includes a 30-minute ride. Prior to takeoff, passengers will experience a crew briefing and learn more about the history of the B-29 and the role it played in U.S. history. Passengers will also get to hear and see the sights and sounds of engine starts and run-ups prior to takeoff.

APWO Member Spotlight - Meet the team helping the BT-13 "Annie" Return to the Sky

Greg Gibson — Sun, 19 Jan 2025 17:44:05 GMT

APWO recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Greg Ely, a member of a dedicated and inspiring group restoring a WWII-era BT-13 aircraft affectionately known as "Annie." Despite the small size of their team, Greg and his fellow enthusiasts are demonstrating that professionalism and open communication are the keys to successful and safe warbird operations. (Be sure to watch the video to the end for a fun Easter egg!)

Watch the Video

APWO Announces Gibson as New CEO

Greg Gibson — Sat, 16 Nov 2024 16:10:21 GMT

Lakeland, FL - We are delighted to announce that effective immediately, APWO VP/COO Greg Gibson has officially been promoted to the role of President and CEO of our organization. Over the past 90 days, Greg has been transitioning into this position under the guidance of the APWO Board of Directors and our founding President and CEO, John "Lites" Leenhouts. Lites, who has led APWO since its inception in October 2022, successfully launched the organization in January 2023 and has been at the helm for the first two years, as he initially committed.

Lites' leadership has been instrumental in establishing APWO's foundation and guiding us through our formative years and his dedication and vision have set a strong course for our future. As he transitions from his role as President and CEO, we are pleased to share that Lites will continue to contribute to APWO as a Senior Advisor. In this capacity, he will play a pivotal role in developing our future Advisory Board and spearheading other key initiatives.

Greg Gibson brings a wealth of experience and passion to his new role. With a background in brand management and marketing across industries such as auto racing, wireless technology, and aviation, Greg has demonstrated a consistent track record of success. He owns Tailwind Enterprises, a consulting firm specializing in the branding and marketing of airshows, performers, FBOs, flight schools, and other aviation-related businesses. Notably, Greg served as the first Executive Director for Fagen Fighters WWII Museum in Granite Falls, Minnesota, where he utilized his extensive knowledge of WWII history to design all displays and historical descriptions of the aircraft, personnel, and ground equipment. Additionally, Greg is a tailwheel-endorsed commercial pilot with an instrument rating in both single and multi-engine aircraft, with a particular fondness for flying the PT-17 and AT-6/SNJ.

Reflecting on his tenure, Lites shared, "Leading APWO from its inception has been a profound honor. I am confident that under Greg's leadership, the organization will continue to thrive and uphold the highest standards of professionalism in warbird operations."

Expressing his gratitude, Greg stated, "I am deeply honored to step into this role and build upon the solid foundation that Lites has established. His mentorship and unwavering commitment to APWO have been invaluable, and I look forward to working closely with him in his new advisory capacity as we continue to advance our mission."

Please join us in expressing our heartfelt gratitude to Lites for his exceptional leadership and in welcoming Greg as he embarks on this exciting new chapter with APWO.

B29 Doc | Doc's Friends Joins APWO as Gold Sponsor

Greg Gibson — Tue, 12 Nov 2024 22:12:12 GMT

We are thrilled to announce that Doc's Friends, the organization behind the iconic B-29 Superfortress "Doc," has joined the Association of Professional Warbird Operators (APWO) as a Gold Sponsor. This partnership underscores our shared commitment to preserving and promoting the legacy of historic military aircraft.

Josh Wells, Executive Director and General Manager of Doc's Friends, expressed his enthusiasm:

"Partnering with APWO aligns perfectly with our mission to honor the men and women who designed, built, flew, and maintained these magnificent machines. We look forward to collaborating with fellow warbird operators to ensure the legacy of the Greatest Generation lives on for the future."

Greg Gibson, President and CEO of APWO, welcomed the collaboration:

"Having Doc's Friends as a Gold Sponsor enriches our community and strengthens our collective efforts to preserve aviation history. Their dedication to maintaining and operating 'Doc' serves as an inspiration to all of us committed to keeping these historic aircraft flying."

We are excited about the opportunities this partnership will bring and look forward to working together to inspire future generations through the stories of this remarkable aircraft.

Palm Spring Air Museum Renews as APWO Silver Sponsor

Greg Gibson — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 20:42:16 GMT

APWO is pleased to announce that The Palm Springs Air Museum has joined us again as a Silver Sponsor for the 2024-2025 renewal season. One of the nation's leading aviation history museum's Palm Springs Air Museum hosts one of the largest and most diverse collection of warbirds from every era. Visitors are often surprised by the range of aircraft and the knowledge of the many docents that are always friendly and on hand to help them navigate the large facility, located in beautiful Palm Springs, CA.

CLICK HERE to learn more!

CHECK OUT OUR NEW MERCHANDISE!

Greg Gibson — Wed, 14 Aug 2024 19:52:33 GMT

APWO has partnered with online Print-On-Demand merchant Props 'n Gears to offer a new line of branded merch. Every order will generate a donation to APWO! Plus, you can even send us your own aircraft images and we'll create a custom design for your bird at no charge, you just pay for the merchandise (some limitations apply)!

CLICK HERE to Visit APWO's ONLINE STORE

SAFO ISSUED FOR AIRSHOWS, APWO MEMBERS VITAL TO THE PROCESS

Greg Gibson — Wed, 17 Jul 2024 20:54:36 GMT

The FAA is calling for "appropriate well-defined procedures" during aircraft demonstrations following an investigation into a deadly midair collision of a Boeing B-17G and a Bell P-63F during a 2022 airshow in Texas. In a Safety Alert for Operators (SAFO) issued on Monday, the FAA detailed risk mitigation strategies for the civilian airshow community. The SAFO was generated as a result of an investigation into the November 12, 2022 crash involving a B17 and P63 during the Wings Over Dallas Airshow.

The SAFO referenced a preliminary NTSB report, noting that although different types of aircraft were flying in close proximity, "the NTSB preliminary report stated there were no altitude deconflictions briefed before the flight or while the airplanes were in the air. This accident highlights the complexity of mass aircraft demonstrations, and the critical importance of safety protocols to provide separation and enhance situational awareness."

APWO Staff and members were critically involved in the process of defining the SAFO, in cooperation with the FAA and NTSB. Subject matter experts were ingrained in the process to ensure that safe yet reasonable guidance was issued, and we are pleased with the resulting language which can be read on the FAA's website by clicking the button below. We'd like to thank all of the APWO members who supported this effort to provide legitimate, authoritative insight into the circumstances to produce an accurate and timely response to maintain safer, more professional Warbird Formation operations in the future.

Read the FAA SAFO

APWO Supports Stallion 51 Exemption

Greg Gibson — Mon, 15 Jul 2024 20:47:04 GMT

APWO joined AOPA, EAA, GAMA, and other industry authorities in writing letters of support for STALLION 51 in their efforts to preserve their long standing FAR exemptions to conduct safe operations with their extraordinary P-51 and other flight training programs. For the first time in 37 years, the FAA chose not to grant these long-standing exemptions, citing recent events surrounding Warbird operations as justification. You can read the docket details and the various responses using the links below. APWO is proud to stand by Lee Lauderback and his incredible team to restore these exemptions so that they can continue to be the standard of excellence in Warbird operations.

Read the Docket (FAA-2024-0318)

Read All Responses

Read APWO's Response

2023 Senate FAA Reauthorization Proposal Amendment 315

Greg Gibson — Wed, 24 May 2023 20:52:08 GMT

S.1032 - Air Tour and Sport Parachuting Safety Improvement Act of 2023

APWO Opposes this amendment to the 2023 FAA Reauthorization Bill.

Proposes to force all Part 91.147 Sightseeing, Skydiving, Ballooning, and other “Commercial Air Tour” operators to obtain a certificate under 14 CFR 119
“Commercial Air Tour” is defined as any “flight or operation conducted for compensation or hire in an airplane or helicopter where a purpose of the flight is sightseeing”
Operations would then be forced to operate under 14 CFR Part 121 or 135
LINK TO APWO LETTER of OPPOSITION - https://tailwindonline.com/APWO/APWO_Opposes_Section_315.pdf
List of Committee Senators to write and oppose the amendment - https://tailwindonline.com/APWO/senators.pdf