Chino, CA – The Planes of Fame Air Museum today announced their upcoming “Taste of Flight Gala” scheduled for Saturday, November 18, 2023, to be held at the Museum’s campus located at the Chino Airport. Festivities begin at 5:00 PM and include an evening of wine and beer tasting, silent auction, live music and a live auction. The evening will culminate with the presentation of the “Achievement in Aviation” Award. This year’s recipient is World War Two veteran and U.S. Air Force Test Pilot James “Jim” Kunkle.

Proceeds for the event support the ongoing mission of the Planes of Fame Air Museum, particularly its educational initiatives.  These include hosting thousands of school-aged students annually to the Museum for a Field Trip experience that focuses on science, technology, engineering, the Arts, and Math topics as they relate to aviation. Funds raised will also support the Museum’s ongoing educational Scholarships available in four areas (Advance Flight Training, Flight Technology Training, Academic pursuits in aviation-related fields, and Academic pursuits in History, Museum Studies, and Library Sciences).

During the Silent Auction, which will feature over 100 items for bidding, guests will be treated to an assortment of wines, beers, and other beverages along with hors d'oeuvre and amuse bouche. A seated dinner will be followed by a live auction and the presentation of the Museum’s “Achievement in Aviation” Award.

The award recognizes outstanding achievement in the fields of aviation and aerospace. Past recipients include the Doolittle Raiders, Robert “Bob” Hoover, General Bud Anderson, astronaut and Major General William Anders, Louis Zamparini, and others.  This year the award is being presented to James “Jim” Kunkle for his service to his country as an aviator. 

During his military career, Jim Kunkle flew the Bell P-39 Airacobra, Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, and the North American P-51 Mustang. He stayed on after WWII to fly that nation’s first military jets: Lockheed’s P-80 Shooting Star, Bell P-59 Airacomet, and Republic F-84 Thunderjet. Of everything he flew during his career, his all-time favorite to fly was the Lockheed P-38 Lightning. All the aircraft flown by Mr. Kunkle during his military service are in the Museum’s collection.

Tickets to this event are available at the Planes of Fame Air Museum website (www.planesoffame.org).  Individual tickets are $225 per person, Couple tickets are $400 for two, and table sponsorships range from $2,500 to $10,000.

Taste of Flight Gala Event Details:

Date: November 18, 2023

Time: 5:00 PM – 9:30 PM

Location: Planes of Fame Air Museum, 14998 Cal Aero Drive, Chino, CA

About Planes of Fame Air Museum:

Founded in 1957, the Planes of Fame Air Museum is dedicated to preserving aviation history and inspiring visitors through engaging educational programs. With over 140 aircraft in its collection, including a number of rare flying aircraft, the museum allows visitors from around the world the opportunity to see, hear, and watch fly some of aviation’s greatest treasures.