FOLEY — Foley Mayor Ralph Hellmich was on board a 1941 N3N biplane when it touched down at the Foley Municipal Airport Thursday.
The plane will become part of an exhibit at the Foley Railroad Museum.
Hellmich said the flight was smooth and it likely won’t be the last time the plane takes to the skies.
“I didn't get to do any acrobatics; the pilot wouldn't do that,” Hellmich told 1819 News. “I love flying.”
“I will never be a pilot, but we have a group of pilots and what they're going to do is they're going to advise us over how we maintain this plane,” Hellmich explained. “Now this plane is in mint flying condition. We are going to keep it inside, but it will keep it flying until it becomes a museum piece.”
Hellmich flew over from Gulf Shores, down to the beach, over Foley, then circled Barin Field before landing.
The plane is the same model that trained aviation cadets for World War II. In fact, it is possible the exact plane was at Barin Field at some point, but that has not been confirmed.
The city was named an American World War II Heritage City by the National Parks Service.
“We're the only city in the state of Alabama with that designation,” Hellmich said. “We had a close connection with the U.S. Navy and we've always honored our veterans in our military.”
Hellmich said the plane will be the first of several the city will purchase.
The U.S. Navy still uses Barin Field as an outlying landing field.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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