Print Icon
 

The "Ready Room" Newsletter
Volume 15 Issue 11

Our Mission is to increase the awareness of aviation through the flight of historic aircraft while supporting the Anna Shaw Children’s Institute.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Just a few days until Christmas, and then we’ll be ringing in 2026 before we know it. 


As the year draws to a close, we want to pause and sincerely thank the dedicated volunteers of the Museum of Flight. Your time, talent, and commitment never go unnoticed. From our docents and maintenance crews, to the actors who bring our murder mysteries to life, to the pilots who fly the incredible MOF aircraft—we truly could not do this without you. Your dedication is the heart of this museum, and we are deeply grateful. 


Of course, while aviation may be about air, the museum itself can’t run on it alone. As you consider year-end giving—and perhaps that last tax deduction for 2025—we invite you to support the museum’s future. Donation options are included in this newsletter, or you’re welcome to send a check directly to the museum offices. Every contribution helps keep our mission flying forward. 


We’re also excited to share that plans are underway for a Murder Mystery Dinner in March: Who Killed Elvis. These events are always an absolute blast, and tickets are already available. Be sure to check the details in this newsletter or on the museum website. 


And finally, please mark your calendar for the Museum of Flight Annual Gala on April 25, 2026. The evening will include a reception, dinner, silent auction, and the drawing of the raffle for the Bellanca Champ—plus a perfect excuse to dress up and celebrate in style. 


Until next month, 

Becky McAllister 

Communications, Museum of Flight


The Bellanca Champ 7ACA Airplane Raffle!

Win a 1971 Bellanca Champ 7ACA airplane.

Tail Number: N9176L

Annual inspection July 2, 2025

  • Airframe TT as of 7/25: 1056 hrs
  • Engine 
    -Continental: C-85  (85 HP Upgrade from 65 HP Franklin)
    -TSMOH: 920.95 hrs
    -Compressions: 1) 75   2) 75   3) 78   4) 78
  • Propeller: Sensenich Wood.
    -Zero-Time since refurbishment

Raffle ticket WINNER will be chosen at the Museum of Flight Annual Gala on April 25, 2026.  The raffle is a fundraiser to support the Museum of Flight, Hixson.  Winner does not need to be present to win.  Contact information must be accurate when submitted.

Delivery of aircraft is the winner’s responsibility. The winner must complete transfer of ownership and delivery by 31 May 2026 (1 month after winning).


14th Annual Veterans Fly-in event sponsored by Delta Air Lines

This year was the 14th Annual Veterans Fly-in event sponsored by Delta Air Lines on November 6 & 7 at ATL Hartsfield to honor our Country’s Veterans. Becky McAllister (MOF Communications) had the honor to attend with her mother, representing the Rosie the Riveters. 

This event is open to both Delta employees and the general public. In attendance are various Warbirds and current Military aircraft. There are numerous ceremonies and guest speakers throughout both days. The Museum has been invited these past 2 years. Retired Delta pilots Dave Biloz and Phil Martin flew the Mighty Alpha into Hartsfield. While there, we were greeted by Santa and his Elves, as well as fellow Museum member Jerry Fellows. Retired Delta Mechanic Mark Norris and his staff do an incredible job organizing this event and rolling out the red carpet for us. The museum was awarded a plaque for our participation.  We are excited to attend next year.


Murder Mystery Dinner

Who Killed Elvis by Craig Sodaro

Join us for a fun evening in support of the Anna Shaw Children’s Institute and The Museum of Flight featuring Jeff Cole!


Date: March 7th, 2026 at 6pm
Where: Paulding County Airport Terminal
730 Airport Parkway, Dallas, GA 30157
What: Your ticket includes the Reception, Dinner, and the Murder Mystery.
Tickets: https://givebutter.com/MMD2026

Publication notice: Produced by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Service, Denver, Colorado.

At the Rome Hangar

Winter Maintenance has started in Rome. Almost every Saturday, you can find these men hard at work keeping our planes flying. If you are interested in getting your hands dirty with the maintenance crew, contact the Museum of Flight for more information. You don't need any experience, just a willingness to help. 
Note: You never know what you might find behind the panel!

DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE

Your donation is instrumental in ensuring that we can:

  • Maintain our aircraft, motor pool, and artifacts, preserving the rich history of aviation and military history for future generations.
  • Develop and deliver educational programs that inspire young minds and foster a love for aviation and STEM fields. 
  • Host engaging exhibits and events that share the magic of flight to all ages.

We are deeply grateful for any support you can provide.

Calendar of Events

DateEventLocation
March 7, 2026Murder Mystery Dinner

Paulding Airport 


  April 25, 2026

MOF Annual Gala

 

Paulding Airport 

Lifetime Members

Fred Amicangioli

David Ball

Shawn Barber

Paul Barnett

George Barron

Jeanne & Tony Bass

Wain Bates

James Beaver

Jason Beaver

Brayden Becker

Ray Bell

Ernie & Nancy Betancourt

David Biloz & Family

Jason Bostic

Mark & Sam Brereton

James Brown

Andy Butler

Ed Callahan

Thomas Calvanelli

Danny Camp

Anthony Carson

Phil Cataldo

Dr. Donald H. Chamberlin

Keith Clingan

Nancy Coddington

Brendon Connor

Easy Cragg

Richard Dean

Erich DeHart

Logan DeHart

Peyton Dehart

Ron Dobbs

Scott Ducker

Thomas & Barbara Ducker

Mike Ellis

  

Vance Engle

Gil Espy

Jesse Evans

Rick Ferrin

Matt Fox

Frank Fry

Benjamin Gillam

Richard Gonzalez

James Greene

Richard Hafner

William Hall

Carson Hawkins

Rich Henderson

Evan Henley

Robert & Cindy Henninger

Tim Herren

Mark Homen

James Howard

John Hunt & Family

Jarid Ison

Dave Johnston

Christopher Keefe

Jeremy Kwaterski

Carrol "Chip" Lamb

David Lawson

Greg and Jennifer Leach

Anne Lewinson

Christine M. Lewis

John Luttrell

James & Jacob Martin

Phillip Martin

Arthur Matthews

Kent Matthews

Pamela McAllister

Rebecca & Sean McAllister

Joel Megginson

Russell & Leigh Ann Miller

Boyd Monk



Spencer Morgan

Jeffrey Newcomb

Susan, Hanna & Savannah O'Hare

John Osterhage

Julie Anne Owens

Clarence Greer Parramore

Edward Perman

Susan Reed

Ben Rees

Hollis Reese

Tim Rhyne

Gerad Riester

Rob Riester

Brant Robinson

Karl Schwelm

Dr. Daniel Serrato

Don Shepard

Woodrow Smith

Sol Snyder

Cooper Stewart

Tim Stoker

Trey Studstill

John Sullivan

Kenny Thomas

Kerry Tidmore

Stratton Tingle

Jorge Verdias

Wayne Vick

Alan Ware

Kim Watkins

Gary Watson

John Webb

David Wells

Brent Westfall

Ed Wood

Doug & Terri Woodruff




 
 

Gone West

Voron Baughan

Darrell Baxter

Joan Beaver

 Lloyd Blackwell

Dr. Gary Caldwell

Ronnie Cox

Dr. James Creel

Frank Davey

Jimmy Eskew

Deming Gray

Mark McAllister

Grady McDowell

Patricia O'Hare

Peter O'Hare

Lois & Richard Robinson

Conrad Schalk


Peter Serodino

Martha Shook

John Shook

Harold Shlemp

Jasmine Sommer

Bill Wallace

Sylvia Wygoda

James Youngblood

We send out the newsletter once a month plus an occasional update or request.

Mission: Our Mission is to increase the awareness of aviation through the flight of historic aircraft, while supporting the Anna Shaw Children’s Institute.

Past issues of the Ready Room can be found on the website. Watch your email or Facebook for upcoming events.

Just a side note. Be sure to add communications@mofts.org to your email contact list so you receive this newsletter in your e-mail and it doesn't end up in the spam folder. 

The inside aviation, military memorabilia and outdoor displays are open 10-4 (Tues-Sat) at the Paulding County Airport.  Paulding Co. Airport 730 Airport Parkway, Dallas, GA 30157

Tours of our flying aircraft in Rome (Richard B. Russell Airport) by appointment only. (423) 228-2FLYRome Hangar 304 Russell Field Rd NE, Rome, GA  30165

   

Our new mailing address is:
MOFTS
1759 Thrasher Pike
 Hixson, TN 37343