Kermit's enthusiasm for aviation is boundless. I watch his videos all the time...Thanks Kermit from a Brit in España

Greetings from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic in the heart of the Caribbean. Beautiful plane indeed. I wonder how many of them remain in existence. This plane is familiar to me as my grandfather Sgt. Julio Ernesto Tejeda Matos was the co-pilot and mechanic of one of them, being the pilot Maj. Frank Feliz Miranda in their participation in a good will flight performed in 1937, named as (in Spanish) “Vuelo Pan-americano Pro-Faro a Colon” (In English, it would be Something like: “Pan American flight pro Columbus Lighthouse”) with the intention of collecting funds among the countries of America, with the purpose of building a lighthouse based in Santo Domingo, the capital city of Dominican Republic to honor the memory of Christopher Columbus and the commemoration of the 445th anniversary of the discovery of America by Columbus. Four airplanes participated in this flight, three Stinson Reliant from Cuba and one CW-19R from Dominican Republic. The Cuban planes were named as the caravels used by Columbus: Santa Maria: Pilot: Antonio Menéndez Peláez, leader of the Cuban squad. Menéndez Pelaez was a significant figure in the Cuban group, since in the year before the flight, he flew alone over the Atlantic Ocean, from the province of Camagüey, Cuba, to Seville, Spain. Departed on January 12, 1936 and arrived on February 14, 1936. Assistant: Mechanic Manuel Naranjo. La Niña: Pilot: Lieutenant Feliciano Risetch Amat Mechanic: Roberto Medina. La Pinta: Pilot: Lieutenant Alfredo Jiménez Alum Mechanic: Pedro Castillo. They were accompanied by the journalist Frank de Lugo Viñas as a reporter of the flight. The Dominican Plane (The CW-19R) was named as “Colón” (This means “Columbus” in Spanish) to honor Christopher Columbus. Crew: Avión Colón: Pilot: Major Frank A. Féliz Miranda, flight leader. Assistant: Technical Sergeant and Mechanic Julio Ernesto Tejeda Matos. The flight departed from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic on the 12th/November/1937 at 9:00 am. The following countries were visited: Puerto Rico, Venezuela, Trinidad, Dutch Guyana, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Bogota Colombia. The tragedy: On December 29, they left from Bogotá Colombia to Panama. A few minutes after takeoff, the three Cuban aircraft crashed near Cali Colombia, in the department of El Valle, about 12 kilometers from their starting point, setting fire to the planes and burning their occupants. The information obtained at that time shows that the Cuban planes took the direction of the Cali river, upwards, finding themselves, in a short time, encased in its basin and trapped in bad weather. Since the aircrafts were overloaded, they could not gain enough height, hence crashing and their crew perishing. As Julio Ernesto Tejeda Matos (my grandfather) informed me when he was living, both he and Frank Feliz had their reserves about the route to take in Cali, given the weather reports received from the area and its characteristics already described above. So, from the beginning of their flight, the crew of the Colón decided to gain altitude, which in the end prevented them from running with the same fate as the Cuban crew. An important aspect to mention and that undoubtedly helped the crew of the Colón plane was its technical characteristics, quite modern for its time, and that it had a more powerful engine than the Cuban airplanes. The Colón plane, which was coming further back and higher than the Cubans, could not realize what happened to the Cuban planes. In the conversations I had with Julio Ernesto Tejeda Matos, he told me that there were times when, to get to Panama, they had to follow the coastline, since they faced moments of bad weather that threatened to disorient them. Thanks to Divine Providence on the one hand and Frank's expertise, Ernesto Tejeda Matos mentioned, they were able to save themselves. The Colón arrives in Panama at 2:30 p.m. As narrated by Julio Ernesto Tejeda Matos, both Frank Feliz and him, thought that the Cubans would have already arrived in Panama in advance. It is then that they find out about the fate of the Cuban planes and their crews. The CW-19R is currently preserved in static display in the Dominican Republic Air Force (FARD) museum in San Isidro air base in Santo Domingo. The Columbus Lighthouse was finally completed in 1992 by the Dominican Government of that time. Of all the participants in the Pan-American Flight, he was the only one who got to see the lighthouse built for which they risked their lives on that famous flight and which cost the high price of the lives of the crew of the Cuban planes. When he had the opportunity to see the Columbus Lighthouse, he praised the impressiveness of the work and said he thanked God for allowing him to see that monument embodied. "I felt a great emotion in the depths of my heart when they took me to the Colón Lighthouse, because I never thought I would see that work finished," said Julio Ernesto Tejeda Matos. On the night of April 14, 1993, when Ernesto Tejeda Matos left for the presence of the Lord, the undersigned was by his side in his bed at the Ramón De Lara Hospital of the San Isidro Air Base. I remember that that night the Columbus Lighthouse was lit, as if illuminating the departure of the final flight of this pioneer of our aviation. He was 85 years old. He was the first aviation mechanic of the Dominican Republic and the founder of the Aviation Maintenance Squadron of the Dominican Air Force. I am improving my English, so please excuse any mistake I might have had during this transcription. Regards.

Very similar to the Nakajima Ki-27 design. Great to see these rare aircraft in flight and not sitting in a museum.

What a sweetheart, I'm not sure that canopy would be wide enough for my smile!

I giggle when Kermit says he got a "good deal" on something. Does that mean it cost only 10 bucks, or only 10 million? Who knows? LOL .... Kermit's the best. A real ambassador for aviation.

Love the sound of Radial engines

Can't imagine what those 22 negative comments were about except jealousy or maybe sad because they weren't riding behind Kermit.

I love that era! Art deco. Those spats remind me of racers such as the GeeBee and those airplanes Howard Hughes flew. That old yellow restored Aeronca at Oshkosh last year had a nice set of spats on her.

Looks, sounds & flies real nice! On a related note: My mom was a final inspector at CW on the SB2C1 Hell Diver. Specifically gun turret & retracts. She was very proud of her contribution to the country! Around 2005 (ish) the last flying Hell Diver (SB2C variant 5) was flown into Columbus, Ohio and my sister and I took mom out to see it. Some other guys who had been involved with the Hell Diver at CW showed up and they all had a nice chat! All were in their 80's. Got some great pics of mom next to the Hell Diver too. Have to add that my son took me to FoF about 7 years ago and you flew a P51. Man that supercharged engine was sweet! It was a great day and I've been following you ever since.

Fabulous, just fabulous. Love the Curtiss.

What a beauty!

Awesome, sounds so sweet.

What a BEAUTY!!! Thanks Kermi

That is a beautiful sounding engine. Keep giving us more of your wonderful videos, Kermit. Thank you.

Looks like a winner deal was made in Kermit's favor. This is a beauty

Very Cool. Thank you Sir Weeks!!

Wow amazing. Gorgeous!

Kermits Weeks is a hero.

Thank you Mr. Weeks for showing us the Curtiss Wright CW-19R. I very much enjoyed seeing this aircraft airborne once again and definitely liked the tests you conducted on this test flight. It would be pleasing to see this aircraft flying again and I hope you will show us that and the work being done on the aircraft in the meanwhile.

always great Kermit..love how you explain everything...and share a plane not many have seen much less heard of..from an old Navy man BRAVO ZULU..continued success.Bob

I'm glad that you are keeping these planes alive and where they should be in the sky.

Thanks for saving this one! While all airplanes are cool for various reasons, this one speaks to me. Not sure what it is, it just does. Wish I was closer to see her in person.

Wow, that is one beautiful plane. I have never seen one fly. Amazing! Thank you!

Man this is why I love this channel! That is one of the prettiest planes! It just looks fun.

Another awesome video Kermit!

Best sounding engine ever!! Awesome video - awesome airplane - thanks, Kermit

That looked like some enthusiastic lively flying. Great to see.

Holy cow! What an insanely lovely airplane. Thank you for sharing. Somehow there is a lot of romance in the transitional planes of the 1930s - look at how many designs remain useful ... at the same time their beauty defines their time. I join Mr. Troyer is wishing your Connie would fly again.

I never saw a better pilot - perfect starts, perfect landings!

Beautiful airplane! Thanks!

What a great sounding engine! The wing looks like a DC-3.

4 R-1820's up top,in front of the drop deck? I drive a tractor trailer with a boom,but don't deliver anything nearly as interesting. Been to FoF twice in the 1990's . Thanks for all your work,and sharing your passion with the rest of us.

I just love the sound of a vintage piston engine....goosebumps everytime

Beautiful aircraft!!

Amazing sound and a wonderful looking airplane. Cool machine.

That's such a cool plane! I love the wheel fairings.

Very nice plane. Exceptional chassis cladding!

What a beautiful aircraft!

So cool watching you fly those old war birds, really dig those low passes on the field and greasing those taildragger landings...awesome!

Amazing sound!

Thank you, Kermit for the video of another extremely beautiful looking and sounding airplane. That is one of the most beautiful looking designs I've ever seen.

Kermit!! You greased the landings in this video!! Nice flying!

Mr. Weeks sir...Brent from Michigan...AGAIN...WOW what a plane ! Beautiful..But that Lockheed constellation kept catching my eye, that bird is SEXY SITTING STILL! I love what you do, preserving aviation history while living my dream. Keep up your excellent work sir.

Very Nice, very fun! Great that you take some people up. Aviation is such a wonderful addiction. Thanks for sharing and Regards from Alaska!

SWEEEEEEEET!!!!! Those are some of the best low passes I've seen. That type of arc, diving in and climbing out, is just a lot sexier than a straight pass with a bank at the end Kermit, do you still drop that low as you pass the hangar, nowdays? And that "might be you" at the end really hurt my feelings. If I had ANY thought I could actually end up in that gorgeous little ride, I would be at the main gate of FoF with a party hat on. And, since I only live about 40 minutes away, I would be there early. ;)

Can't beat the sound of a radial- league all its own

Very nice aircraft buddy..... you are the man in that plane... sweet landings..great.

What a beautiful little aeroplane and it sounds great. As much as I love the V-12's I still favor the sound of the radials. We have a very nice Beech 18 that flys over every weekday and the sound of the R-985's is instantly recognizable.

Mr. Weeks. I want to say, thank you, for making these videos. I have been laid up in the hospital here at Palo Alto VA Hospital recovering from a surgery to correct scaring from a burn I recieved in Afghanistan. I love aviation and watching these videos really lifts my spirits. I would give anything to fly with you in any of your aircraft. If you need someone to polish or clean your airplanes, I would consider it an honor. If you dont mind a broke down infantry medic?

Another great ''hit'' from the magical Kermit

But it doesn’t matter what get to make noise their all fun to watch and hear.

I was ignorant of the existence of this aircraft type until viewing this video. Thank you for the enlightenment Mr Weeks.

Nice and fun aircraft! And you can fly just about anything!

Love the sound of that engine.

engine has a wonderful sound

Love the low passes... oh... and that radial sound...

Thanks for taking time it of your days to make these videos, they are appreciated by many ! 🥃 (Glass of Naked in Jamaica rum😂)

Ma, I Love the sound of that engine!!

Very neat little plane, looks a lot of Fun.

That is a very sporty looking little guy. Sounds great and seems quick.

Lovely little aircraft and nice flight video.

Beautiful

Sweet little plane. I'm awed by your pilot expertise describing the instrument ratings.

Oh how I love to take a flight in that, gorgeous plane

Sure is a great looking airplane that flies beautifully,the trousered undercarriage looks novel,above all the roar of that radial engine sounds really good, I am sure the prop and undercarriage issues will be fixed soon. A very worthy and rare machine for Fantasy of Flight.

Those were some very nice sounding flyby's.. interesting plane!

Omg. I have got to come and see that place.

Very cool plane.

Love the YJ...oh yeah and the cool plane.

I was able to visit FOF on 2-15 and it is a wonderful place Kermit. I was able to fly in the Stearman,This was the same plane type and area my father trained in during WW2. Great Place and I look forward to more videos. Real rides over amusement rides any day for me.

Love the wheel spats.

Great channel!

The 'thumbs up' button isn't enough... Thank you for teaching us about your flying experience and as always, amazing video!

That is a beautiful plane.

Flying that bad boy around like it's an air racer. From my favorite era. Nice!

Such a pretty airplane. I think this just took the title of favourite Kermit machine. Throw me in the back please Kermit.

The old style radial engines have such an iconic sound to them. What a neat little plane, glad it could get off the ground again. Too bad there aren't any CW-21s around.

Very nice.

Aahhh! the wonderful sound of round.

Would love to see your standard 3 part video on the 19. Love the wing design and other features that remind me of the Mit. Zero. Cheers, great flight!

An air show for two.. looks and sounds just right..

Hi Kermit! Nice airplane and thanks for sharing! The shape of the plane reminds me of the Spartan Executive and the BF 108...

A Very Sweet Aircraft.

Oh how i wished that ‘Connie’ would fly again!

Yeah, that was fun, Kermit!

Like the whole line of St.Louis birds - starting from CW-19 and down to CW-22 Falcon. Wish someone would undertake to re-build the CW-21B Interceptor - to static condition, at least )) Doubt though that the factory drawings of this nice warbird have survived in the wild.

This plane has a great Art Deco look!

KERMIT you have the best of the best,.. An airport, Flying aircraft, aircraft to be restored, aircraft that have ebeen restored, people that restore aircraft and restored aircraft for people to just look at........ looks like GREAT weather TOO..... cool....... hope to see ya in person at Osh. '19

that first touch down? You should have stopped right there and accepted the applause of the crowd for the smoothest landing of the century. Nice one!

love the windscreen on that one.

So Cool wish it were me , I was thinking that before you said it . So Cool

WOW! The smooth flowing lines of that 1930s era Curtis are so sexy. I bet it is a dream to fly.... especially with that round engine. :)

Love that cowl!

Never been a huge fan of Curtiss designs but this one is a real gem. Wonder if this was a Don Berlin design as hit has a few of his normal touches. I especially like the spatted landing gears, very art deco! Looks like a delightful plane to fly, the perfect sport plane!

what a beautiful airplane i just wish i lived closer i would work there for free ,, greeting from a cold UK

Wow Seems you can fly any aircraft Kermit, Fantastic!

That’s a wicked sounding engine

I enjoy all your planes and flying them and everything that you're doing at Fantasy of flight is really a lot of fun to watch him I love history I love when was Ninja Korean War. I love to be able to come down to see your facilities but before very long I'm going to be moving out of the country so that will not be possible.

Nice! Kinda reminds me of a Seversky… kinda reminds me of a Peashooter! But is seems to be a sweet ride!

Nothing like the sound of a ROUND ENGINE ! Glad men like yourself are still here looking after old airplanes . Any chance you could send myself some pictures of your Jeep crash truck ( C F R ) I'M from the old school . Not ARFF . THANKS again! Doug