Flying Heritage Collection prepares Zero for flight

  • HBJ Staff
  • Thursday, June 7, 2012 12:59pm

EVERETT — Paul Allen’s Flying Heritage Collection is getting ready to take the wraps off its newest display piece, a Japanese Zero fighter plane that was a fearsome weapon in World War II.

Earlier this year, the Flying Heritage Collection, one of the world’s premier collections of World War II-era military aircraft located at Paine Field, brought home one of the world’s most accurately restored World War II airplanes.

Japan’s Mitsubishi A6M3-22 (Zeke/Zero) will make its debut from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday in an aerial display as part of FHC’s free Summer Fly Days series. The public is invited to watch the flight.

The Japanese Zero was rightfully feared by the Allies at the start of the war. With its tight turning radius and tremendous speed, the Zero was able to outmaneuver and outrun most Allied fighters.

FHC’s Zero was one of many Japanese combat planes destroyed by the American bombing on Babo Airfield in New Guinea during World War II. This Zero’s crash site was discovered in the early 1990s. It and two others were recovered in 1994 and sent to Russia for restoration. As part of its debut flight, the Zero will be joined in the sky by the Curtiss P-40C Tomahawk, currently on display at FHC.

These flights are planned activities, but subject to change based on weather, pilot availability and the mechanical condition of the aircraft. Fly Days may be cancelled without notice due to these factors.

The Flying Heritage Collection at Paine Field is located at 3407 109th St. SW, Everett. Free parking is available outside the hangar facility

FHC admission prices are $12 adults, $10 seniors/military, $8 youths (6-15), free for children (5 and under), $10 per person for groups of 15 or more.

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