Inland Empire Wing PX

Festival of Flight 2025
2025-10-25 08:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | California
Festival of Flight 2025

D-Day Doll at the Long Beach Festival of Flight

Saturday, October 25, 2025 — 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Long Beach Airport – West End of the Airfield Free Admission!

The Inland Empire Wing of the Commemorative Air Force is proud to announce that our historic C-53D “D-Day Doll” will be on display at this year’s Long Beach Airport Festival of Flight!

Join thousands of aviation enthusiasts for this one-day celebration of Long Beach’s rich aviation heritage. Visitors will have a chance to get up close to the D-Day Doll, a veteran World War II troop transport that flew with the 434th Troop Carrier Group during the liberation of Europe. Our crew will be on hand to share the aircraft’s remarkable history and answer questions about its service, restoration, and continuing mission to keep history flying.

This popular free community event will also feature:

Aircraft static displays and exhibits

Live music and family-friendly activities

Great local food and craft beer for purchase

Bring your family and friends to experience aviation history, meet the CAF Inland Empire Wing team, and learn how you can support or fly aboard this legendary aircraft.

Event Details:🕘 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.📍 West end of Long Beach Airport airfield💧 Bring water, sunscreen, and wear comfortable shoes🚫 Coolers and pets are not permitted (service animals allowed)

Come celebrate Long Beach’s aviation legacy — and see a true piece of flying history in person!

Hangar Day - Staff Meeting
2025-11-01 08:00 - 11:30 | California
Hangar Cleaning & Maintenance Day – Volunteers Needed!

Join us the first Saturday of the month for our monthly Hangar Day at the Inland Empire Wing! We’ll spend the morning sprucing up the hangar, organizing tools, and taking care of light maintenance on our aircraft and displays.

When: First Saturday of each month, starting at 9:00 AM Where: Inland Empire Wing Hangar Lunch: Provided at noon (donation appreciated) After lunch: Stay for our Staff Meeting to hear updates on upcoming events, projects, and volunteer opportunities.

Your help keeps our hangar running smoothly and our mission flying strong!Bring your work gloves, a great attitude, and your passion for preserving history.

Everyone is welcome — members, guests, and new volunteers!

D-Day Doll at Riverside’s Biggest Veterans Celebration
2025-11-08 09:00 - 16:00 | California
The Inland Empire Wing of the Commemorative Air Force is proud to bring our historic WWII C-53D “D-Day Doll” to the 23rd Annual Veterans Celebration at Flabob Airport — a full day dedicated to honoring America’s heroes!

Join us as we salute our Veterans with a fun, family-friendly day featuring aircraft displays, live music, food trucks, a car show, parade, and special activities for all ages.

Special Aviation Highlight

We’re planning a live skydiver drop from the D-Day Doll — pending FAA approval once the current government shutdown ends. If authorization is granted, this spectacular demonstration will take place right over the Flabob airfield, honoring the brave paratroopers who jumped from these aircraft in WWII.

Our crew will also be on site throughout the day to share the D-Day Doll’s remarkable history, answer questions, and talk about our mission to educate, inspire, and honor through flight.

Event Highlights

Free admission and parking

Aircraft on display, including the D-Day Doll and Flabob Express DC-3

Parade and Veterans Honor Ceremony (12:00 PM)

Car show, food trucks, vendors, live music, and kids’ activities

Every Veteran receives a commemorative challenge coin and refreshments

Special raffle — win a free airplane ride!

Bring your family, friends, and fellow Veterans to celebrate those who served and see a true piece of flying history up close.

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Dinner Meeting
2025-11-12 17:00 - 20:00 | California
Join us for our November Turkey Dinner Meeting

We will be holding our annual elections for Staff positions please attend! We look forward to seeing you!

Take to the Skies over Riverside
2025-11-29 17:00 - 21:00 | California
Experience the Magic of the Season from 1,000 Feet Aboard Our Historic DC-3!

Celebrate the holidays with a one-of-a-kind flight in the legendary D-Day Doll, our beautifully restored WWII-era Douglas DC-3. Step aboard and relive the golden age of aviation as we take to the skies over Riverside for a 40-minute flight filled with history, nostalgia, and breathtaking holiday views.

From your window seat, you’ll enjoy a spectacular aerial perspective of the Mission Inn Festival of Lights and the city’s sparkling neighborhoods below — a sight you’ll never forget.

Before takeoff, relax in our festive hangar with complimentary hot chocolate, coffee, and cookies as you mingle with our crew and learn about the incredible service history of this iconic aircraft that flew in the D-Day invasion of Normandy.

Perfect for families, friends, and couples alike, this flight blends the wonder of the holiday season with the thrill of flying in living history. Proceeds support the Inland Empire Wing of the Commemorative Air Force and help us keep the D-Day Doll flying for future generations.

Seats are limited — reserve your flight early and make this holiday season unforgettable!

2025 Flight Dates:🗓️ November 29🗓️ December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, and 20

Christmas Light Flights
2025-12-05 17:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-06 17:00 - 21:00 | California

Staff Meeting
2025-12-06 12:00 - 13:30 | Inland Empire CAF Hangar, 6936 Flight Rd, Riverside, California, 92504, United States
Stagg Meeting only this month

Join us the first Saturday of the month for our monthly Staff Meeting at the Inland Empire Wing! We’ll spend the morning sprucing up the hangar, organizing tools, and taking care of light maintenance on our aircraft and displays.

When: First Saturday of each month, starting at 12:00 noonWhere: Inland Empire Wing HangarLunch: Provided at noon (donation appreciated)After lunch: Stay for our Staff Meeting to hear updates on upcoming events, projects, and volunteer opportunities.

Your help keeps our hangar running smoothly and our mission flying strong!Bring your work gloves, a great attitude, and your passion for preserving history.

Everyone is welcome — members, guests, and new volunteers!

December Dinner Meeting & Holiday Celebration
2025-12-10 17:00 - 20:00 | Inland Empire CAF Hangar, 6936 Flight Rd, Riverside, California, 92504, United States
Join us for some holiday cheer at our Annual December Dinner Meeting! We’ll close out the year with great food, good company, and a few festive surprises.

Evening Highlights:

Officer Inauguration: Welcome our newly elected Wing Officers as we kick off another exciting year of keeping history flying.

Ugly Sweater Contest: Dust off your most outrageous holiday sweater, prizes for the best (or worst!) attire!

Gift Exchange: Bring a wrapped gift (up to $20 value) to join in our fun and friendly gift swap.

This is one of our favorite gatherings of the year, a perfect chance to relax, celebrate our accomplishments, and share in the camaraderie that makes the Inland Empire Wing so special.

Bring your holiday spirit and join us for an evening of laughter, friendship, and a toast to the year ahead!

Staff Meeting
2026-01-07 18:00 - 19:30 | Inland Empire CAF Hangar, 6936 Flight Rd, Riverside, California, 92504, United States
Staff Meeting to hear updates on upcoming events, projects, and volunteer opportunities.

Everyone is welcome — members, guests, and new volunteers!

C-53 / DC-3 Ground School – Open to All!
2026-01-10 08:00 - 14:30 | Inland Empire CAF Hangar, 6936 Flight Rd, Riverside, California, 92504, United States
Date: January 10, 2026

Location: Inland Empire Wing Hangar – Riverside Municipal Airport

Join us for an in-depth C-53 / DC-3 Ground School hosted by the Inland Empire Wing of the Commemorative Air Force!

This comprehensive session is open to all members and non-members, including anyone interested in learning more about one of the most legendary aircraft ever built — the Douglas DC-3.

Who Should Attend:

CAF C-53/DC-3 Pilots and SIC Pilots – Attendance required

Other DC-3 or warbird pilots interested in the systems, procedures, and history of the aircraft

Aviation enthusiasts who want to expand their knowledge of this iconic transport

What to Expect:

Full review of C-53/DC-3 systems, operations, and emergency procedures

Aircraft performance, weight and balance, and operating limitations

Preflight, startup, and shutdown sequences

Heritage and historical significance of the aircraft

Written test for CAF members at the end of class

Lunch Provided

Your registration includes a catered lunch and refreshments throughout the day.

Cost:

$20 per person – includes lunch and all materials

Come learn what it takes to fly, maintain, and preserve this incredible piece of aviation history.

👉Reserve your spot today!

Space is limited — register now at inlandempirecaf.com

Load Master / Crew Chief Ground School
2026-01-11 08:00 - 12:00 | Inland Empire CAF Hangar, 6936 Flight Rd, Riverside, California, 92504, United States
Loadmaster & Crew Chief Ground School

Date: Sunday, January 11, 2026

Time: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Inland Empire Wing Hangar – Riverside Municipal Airport

Join us for our annual Loadmaster and Crew Chief Ground School, presented by the Inland Empire Wing of the Commemorative Air Force.

This essential training is free and open to all members and non-members interested in learning more about the vital support roles that keep our warbirds flying safely and efficiently.

Who Should Attend:

Mandatory for all CAF Loadmasters and Crew Chiefs

Open to all CAF members, volunteers, and aviation enthusiasts wanting to learn about flight line operations, aircraft safety, and mission readiness

Topics Covered:

Ground handling and marshalling procedures

Preflight and postflight inspection duties

Aircraft safety zones and communication protocols

Passenger loading and weight/balance awareness

Coordination with pilots and maintenance personnel

Cost:

Free – Please RSVP

Additional Info:

Please arrive by 7:45 AM for check-in — class begins promptly at 8:00 AM.

Come prepared to learn, participate, and help our Wing continue its mission of “Keeping ’Em Flying!”

👉 Reserve your spot today at inlandempirecaf.com

January Dinner Meeting
2026-01-14 17:30 - 20:00 | Inland Empire CAF Hangar, 6936 Flight Rd, Riverside, California, 92504, United States
Kick off the new year with us at our first Dinner Meeting of the year, held on the second Wednesday of the month. We’ll start the evening with Happy Hour at 5:30 PM (1730), followed by dinner and the meeting at 6:00 PM.

This special gathering sets the tone for the year ahead and brings together members, guests, and friends to reconnect, enjoy good food, and share in the camaraderie that defines our Wing. The evening will include a guest speaker presentation, featuring engaging insights into aviation history, warbirds, restoration projects, flying experiences, or topics supporting our mission.

Whether you’re a returning member or joining us for the first time, this is a great opportunity to get involved, meet fellow aviation enthusiasts, and learn what’s planned for the year ahead.

👉 Dinner tickets are available for purchase online — please reserve in advance.

Good food • Great company • Inspiring stories

February Hangar Day - Staff Meeting
2026-02-07 08:00 - 14:00 | Inland Empire CAF Hangar, 6936 Flight Rd, Riverside, California, 92504, United States
Join us for our Monthly Hangar Day and Staff Meeting, held on the first Saturday of every month at the hangar. Hangar Day kicks off at 0800 hours, giving members and volunteers the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and help with aircraft care, facility upkeep, and special projects that keep our wing mission-ready.

At 1200 hours, we transition into the Staff Meeting, where leadership and members come together for updates on upcoming events, aircraft operations, volunteer opportunities, and the future direction of the wing. This meeting is open to all members who want to stay informed and involved.

Lunch will be served with a donation, providing a chance to relax, connect with fellow members, and enjoy some good food after a productive morning in the hangar.

Whether you’re an experienced volunteer or new to the wing, Hangar Day is one of the best ways to get involved, meet the team, and contribute directly to preserving and flying historic aircraft.

Schedule

Hangar Day: 0800

Staff Meeting: 1200

Lunch: Served with a donation

We look forward to seeing you on the flight line!

February Dinner Meeting
2026-02-11 17:30 - 20:00 | Inland Empire CAF Hangar, 6936 Flight Rd, Riverside, California, 92504, United States
Join us for our Monthly Dinner Meeting, held on the second Wednesday of each month, for an evening of good food, aviation fellowship, and engaging programs at the hangar. The night begins with Happy Hour at 1730, followed by dinner and the meeting at 1800.

Each month features a guest presentation or program focused on aviation, military history, restoration, or living history. Speaker details will be announced closer to each event.

Dinner tickets are available online in advance and seating is limited.

Reserve your seat today, bring a friend, and join us for an evening supporting the mission of preserving and flying historic aircraft.

Schedule

When: Second Wednesday of each month

Happy Hour: 1730

Dinner & Meeting: 1800

March Hangar Day - Staff Meeting
2026-03-07 08:00 - 12:00 | Inland Empire CAF Hangar, 6936 Flight Rd, Riverside, California, 92504, United States
Join us for our Monthly Hangar Day and Staff Meeting, held on the first Saturday of each month at the hangar. Hangar Day begins at 0800 hours, but members are welcome to arrive at any time during the day to lend a hand. Whether you can help for an hour or stay all morning, every contribution makes a difference.

The day includes aircraft care, facility upkeep, and special projects that support our mission. At 1200 hours, we break for lunch (served with a donation) and transition into the Staff Meeting, where we share updates on aircraft operations, upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities.

Hangar Day is one of the best ways to get involved, meet fellow members, and directly support the preservation and operation of historic aircraft—no matter how much time you have to give.

Schedule

When: First Saturday of each month

Hangar Day: Begins at 0800 (arrive anytime)

Lunch & Staff Meeting: 1200

March Dinner Meeting
2026-03-11 17:30 - 20:00 | Inland Empire CAF Hangar, 6936 Flight Rd, Riverside, California, 92504, United States

April Hangar Day - Staff Meeting
2026-04-04 08:00 - 12:00 | Inland Empire CAF Hangar, 6936 Flight Rd, Riverside, California, 92504, United States

April Dinner Meeting
2026-04-08 17:30 - 20:00 | Inland Empire CAF Hangar, 6936 Flight Rd, Riverside, California, 92504, United States

May Hangar Day - Staff Meeting
2026-05-02 08:00 - 12:00 | Inland Empire CAF Hangar, 6936 Flight Rd, Riverside, California, 92504, United States

May Dinner Meeting
2026-05-13 17:30 - 20:00 | Inland Empire CAF Hangar, 6936 Flight Rd, Riverside, California, 92504, United States

June Hangar Day - Staff Meeting
2026-06-06 08:00 - 12:00 | Inland Empire CAF Hangar, 6936 Flight Rd, Riverside, California, 92504, United States

June Dinner Meeting
2026-06-10 17:30 - 20:00 | Inland Empire CAF Hangar, 6936 Flight Rd, Riverside, California, 92504, United States

July Dinner Meeting
2026-07-08 17:30 - 20:00 | Inland Empire CAF Hangar, 6936 Flight Rd, Riverside, California, 92504, United States

July Hangar Day - Staff Meeting
2026-07-11 08:00 - 12:00 | Inland Empire CAF Hangar, 6936 Flight Rd, Riverside, California, 92504, United States
Join us for our Monthly Hangar Day and Staff Meeting, held on the first Saturday 2nd Saturday of July due to the holiday falling on our normal date, at the hangar. Hangar Day begins at 0800 hours, but members are welcome to arrive at any time during the day to lend a hand. Whether you can help for an hour or stay all morning, every contribution makes a difference.

The day includes aircraft care, facility upkeep, and special projects that support our mission. At 1200 hours, we break for lunch (served with a donation) and transition into the Staff Meeting, where we share updates on aircraft operations, upcoming events, and volunteer opportunities.

Hangar Day is one of the best ways to get involved, meet fellow members, and directly support the preservation and operation of historic aircraft—no matter how much time you have to give.

Schedule

When: First Saturday of each month

Hangar Day: Begins at 0800 (arrive anytime)

Lunch & Staff Meeting: 1200

August Hangar Day - Staff Meeting
2026-08-01 08:00 - 12:00 | Inland Empire CAF Hangar, 6936 Flight Rd, Riverside, California, 92504, United States

August Dinner Meeting
2026-08-12 17:30 - 20:00 | Inland Empire CAF Hangar, 6936 Flight Rd, Riverside, California, 92504, United States

September Hangar Day - Staff Meeting
2026-09-05 08:00 - 12:00 | Inland Empire CAF Hangar, 6936 Flight Rd, Riverside, California, 92504, United States

September Dinner Meeting
2026-09-09 17:30 - 20:00 | Inland Empire CAF Hangar, 6936 Flight Rd, Riverside, California, 92504, United States

October Hangar Day - Staff Meeting
2026-10-03 08:00 - 17:00 | Inland Empire CAF Hangar, 6936 Flight Rd, Riverside, California, 92504, United States
