Who is Jerry Yagen and the fighter factory?
Who is Jerry Yagen and the fighter factory?
It is the illusionist behind this airplane-centered costume drama—Jerry Yagen, owner of all the airplanes in the lineup, as well as about 60 others housed in his Military Aviation Museum.
What kind of plane did Jeff Yagen fly?
Yagen had long been a general aviation pilot but never had the opportunity to serve in the military. All of his flight experience had been in civilian, general aviation flying and most often in his corporate, twin engine Piper Aerostar aircraft.
When did Jerry Yagen’s Warbird fly again?
In 2003, after a two-year restoration by warbird specialists Avspecs in New Zealand (the Fighter Factory had begun work, but was quickly overwhelmed) the aircraft flew again, with a new identity. Following the practice of many warbird owners, Yagen had his airplane painted to tell the story of a historic battle and famous ace.
When did Jerry Yagen fly the Dauntless growl?
At the 2015 Warbirds show, fans get to watch a Commemorative Air Force 1943 Dauntless growl past the international lineup of Jerry Yagen’s warbirds and his red rides-for-sale Waco. (©TIM WRIGHT/timwrightphoto.com)
When did Jerry Yagen buy his first plane?
A pilot since 1969, Yagen didn’t consider acquiring a vintage military aircraft until 1994, when he attended an evening event at the Canadian Warplane Heritage Museum in Ontario. Evenings in museums among beautifully restored, historic aircraft can be inspiring; Yagen decided he wanted a warbird of his own.
What do they do at the fighter factory?
In addition to aircraft maintenance, Fighter Factory staff are also involved in much of the aircraft restoration projects, either on-site or at remote locations. Below is our inventory of Vintage Warbirds maintained by Fighter Factory and available for viewing at the Military Aviation Museum.
Where is the fighter factory in Virginia Beach?
He also owns the Fighter Factory, where some of the aircraft were restored and are constantly maintained; and the misnamed Virginia Beach Airport itself, in Pungo, Virginia. Yagen’s is one of the world’s largest private collections of airworthy, classic military aircraft.