The High Sky Wing

The 2017 Annual Awards Banquet was held Friday night, Jan 13, in O’Brian Hall in the Commemorative Center and was well attended. Staff members for the 2017-2018 term were introduced and while most of the faces were familiar, some jobs did change.  Brent Collins has moved from Adjutant to Wing Leader and Julie Reneau was elected to the position of Adjutant.

Outgoing Wing Leader Gena Linebarger, who has served for the last four years, was given a standing ovation for her dedication, leadership and hard work. She was also presented with some gifts of appreciation by her staff.

The Colonel of the Year award, normally only given to one recipient, was presented to H.A. Tuck, Greg Gutting and Lyle Thornton for their dedication to the Midland Army Air Field Museum.

Ryan Linebarger was presented with the Spirit of the Eagle award for his commitment to researching, arranging for the purchase of, and installing the new lighting system in the main hangar.

UTPB Students in Philanthropy student Alex Rathbun reported on the  Merry and Bright vendor fair held in the main hangar in early December.  She was enthusiastic about continuing the fair this year and thanked the HSW for their assistance in making the fair successful.

Members and guests enjoy the 2017 Awards Banquet: (l to r): Elise Coombes, Alex Rathbun, Heather Echols, Garrett Rathbun, John Echols and Daniel Rathbun

Outgoing Wing Leader Gena Linebarger addresses the membership.

2016 HSW Staff members: (l to r) Gena Linebarger, Wing Leader; Michael Clinton, Executive Officer; Steve Clinton, Operations Officer; Mark Haskin, Maintenance Officer; Brent Collins, Adjutant; Steve Bolin, Finance Officer; Ryan Linebarger, Safety Officer.

2017-2018 Staff (l to r): Michael Clinton, Executive Officer; Steve Clinton, Operations Officer; Julie Reneau, Adjutant; Brent Collins, Wing Leader; Mark Haskin Maintenance Officer; Steve Bolin, Finance Officer; Ryan Linebarger, Safety Officer.

Co-recipients of the Colonel of the Year award, (l to r) H.A. Tuck, Greg Gutting and Lyle Thornton

Ryan Linebarger accepts the Spirit of the Eagle Award from Wing Leader, Gena Linebarger.

UTPB student Alex Rathbun reports on the successful Merry and Bright Fair held in the HSW hangar on December 10.

Executive Officer Michael Clinton (l) and 2017-2018 Wing Leader Brent Collins, present outgoing Wing Leader Gena Linebarger with gifts of appreciation.

Mr. Chris Fierro was the lucky winner of the High Sky Wing raffle.  He is shown proudly displaying his prize, a commemorative Henry 30-30 rifle.  With him were (L to R) Steve Bolin, Michael Clinton, Steve Clinton, Brent Collins and Bob Potter.

The was the Wing’s first attempt at a raffle, and while final numbers aren’t yet available,  Steve Bolin, Finance Officer, reports that it was definitely worth the effort.  Thanks to all members who sold tickets and made it a successful venture.

The High Sky Wing of the CAF has numerous venues for your special event, from intimate settings to a hangar big enough for just about any event.  Contact Kelly at 432-235-7007 to have all your event questions answered.

An example of how your event might be set up in our main hangar. (photo courtesy of Mark Russell)

The High Sky Wing is excited to bring you the 3rd annual  “Twelve Nights of Christmas Flights”!

The excitement of Christmas night flights will begin on December 12 in our C-45 “Spirit of West Texas”.  See the Christmas lights from the air!  Flights are scheduled every 30 minutes from 6:30 p.m., with last flight at 9:30 p.m.  Flights depart from the CAF High Sky Wing Main Hangar at Midland International Air & Space Port.

Flight dates: December 12th through December 23rd

Cost:   Cabin Seat $75 per person (4  seats per flight); Co-Pilot Seat $145 (one seat per flight);  Entire Plane $425 (all 5 seats).

Riders must be 5 years or older; all children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult.  Passengers must be able to enter and exit the aircraft under their own mobility.

To book your flight:  Call 432-703-3142 or Email rides@52.15.223.162

Join us for complimentary hot chocolate, cookies  & LOTS OF FUN!                                    The Midland Army Air Field Museum will also be open during the flights.

*Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled flight to sign paperwork. Payment will be accepted at this time; cash or credit card. There will be lights and signs to direct you into the parking lot. Address: 9600 Wright Drive, Midland, TX. Wear comfortable and warm clothing and shoes.  BRING YOUR CAMERA!!!

Christmas Night Flights (Click on link to view flier)

Take a ride! Come out to the Veterans Appreciation Fly-In & Car Show at Andrews County Airport for a Living History Flight Experience in a warbird on Saturday, November 12 from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Join the High Sky Wing in Andrews! Admission is FREE.

Flights are available in:

T-6/SNJ $250 (1 seat) Rider must be 12 or older.
T-28 $350 (1 seat) Rider must be 18 or older.
C-45 $75 ea. (4 cabin seats); $145 co-pilot (1 seat); $395 Entire plane (5 seats).  Riders must be 5 or older

*Riders age 5 to 17 require a hold harmless signed by the legal guardian. Flights scheduled every 30 minutes.

To book a flight, call 432-703-3142 or come out to the Andrews County Airport. Cash or credit card accepted.