Trail Aviation Sites

Ever wonder what it was like to fly in a World War II aircraft or see warbird restorations. At the Commemorative Air Force Airbase Georgia in Peachtree City, you can. Airbase Georgia offers a variety of living history flight experiences. See, hear, and feel what flight crew experienced in the skies over Europe and the Pacific during World War II. Feel the g-forces from the 1,500 horsepower Rolls Royce Merlin engine in a P-51D Mustang “Red Nose” or transport yourself back to the Battle of Midway in the gunner’s seat of an ultra-rare SBD-5 Dauntless!

Later, tour film locations and a brewery, ride a golf cart on a 100-mile network of multi-use paths, catch a concert, and more in Peachtree City. Downtown has plenty of local shops and restaurants. You are sure to find exactly what you like to eat from upscale Southern cuisine to casual family favorites. Comfortable accommodations, convenient locations and Southern hospitality abound here.

Located in the heart of Georgia, Warner Robins is the “Home of Planes, Trains, and Heroes.” A “must see” for World War II and aviation enthusiasts is the Museum of Aviation. The “Scott Hangar” contains numerous World War II aircraft and displays. Marvel at a C-47 Skytrain suspended overhead as it was about to drop paratroopers into Normandy. Witness a B-17 Flying Fortress restoration in the exhibit space. Appreciate what the Tuskegee Airmen, many Georgians, went through to demonstrate they could fly and fight. All the exhibits portray the service and sacrifice of a generation and the tools used to secure freedom.

Located on the second floor in the Century of Flight Hangar at the Museum of Aviation, the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame is dedicated to recognizing and publicizing Georgians who have succeeded in aviation. Many of the enshrined inductees can trace their achievements back to World War II. Two such inductees are Frank M. McAfee and John R. Paulk. Frank McAfee was a F-6F Hellcat pilot and “Ace” with his downing of six Japanese aircraft. John Paulk, inspired by World War II aviation cadets who used land lease by his father as a landing field, had a distinguished Air Force career with 346 combat missions and more than 6,000 flying hours.

Just across from Robins Air Force Base is the Elberta Train Depot and WWII Museum, adjacent to the E.L. Greenway Welcome Center. Get a glimpse into the role the railroads played in the development of Robins Air Force Base and Warner Robins and in World War II. Next dine in one the over 200 local restaurants, drink Georgia craft beer, then discover the many opportunities Warner Robins has awaiting you.

Near the coastal city of Savannah is the National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. “Five miles above the earth and deep behind enemy lines, eleven men inside a bomber known as the “Flying Fortress” fight for their lives against swarms of enemy German fighters.” * These aviators became the “Masters of the Air”. They saved the world. This museum saves their stories. For lunch, immerse in the London pub culture the men of the Mighty Eighth Air Force would have experienced at Miss Sophie’s Marketplace, located inside the Museum. Enjoy British fare such as Fish and Chips, Shepherd’s Pie, and Bangers and Mash.

Beautiful and historic downtown Savannah is just a short drive from your morning at the Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force. Savannah is a charming Southern escape where art, period architecture, trendy boutiques and haunted stories are all set under a veil of Spanish moss. Spend the evening at one of its famous restaurants.
*From the book “Masters of the Air” by Donald L. Miller

Hear the untold stories of World War II flying training at the World War II Flight Training Museum in Douglas. From 1941-1944, enrolled were between 5,000 and 10,000 aviation cadets, each for about nine weeks. In primary flying school, they learned flying concepts and received firsthand experience. As the most intact contract pilot training base in Georgia, you will walk in the footsteps of the cadets who trained here before they were heroes. Spend the morning touring the air base, the museum exhibits, and aircraft hangers.

Take the afternoon to really experience the people of Douglas. Have lunch at the Flying Cowboy, right off the end of the present-day airport’s runway or any other of Douglas’ restaurants. Stop by the Heritage Station Museum downtown. Built in 1905, this railway station is where many cadets got their first and last glimpse of Douglas from the trains of the Florida and Georgia Railroad.