The Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum at Space Coast Regional Airport in Titusville hosted an aviation-themed fundraiser on Saturday, Feb. 21. The event included the U.S. Army Golden Knights parachute team jumping from the Tico Belle, a restored World War II-era Douglas C-47 Skytrain. Volunteers worked on maintaining other restored military aircraft at the museum during the event. The museum’s director, Steve Harrell, said the fundraiser aimed to support preservation efforts and upcoming projects.
The Tico Belle, a key attraction at the museum, has been a centerpiece of the event. The Golden Knights’ performance drew crowds, with spectators lining the airport’s runways to watch the parachutes descend. Harrell noted the museum’s focus on keeping military aviation history accessible to the public.
The museum is also expanding its facilities. Construction is underway for a 20,000-square-foot hangar to host events and increase parking capacity. The new structure will allow the museum to accommodate larger gatherings and better preserve its collection of over 70 aircraft.
During the fundraiser, visitors had opportunities to interact with exhibits. Tabitah Kaiser, a local attendee, tried out the cockpit seat of a Mig-17, one of the museum’s Cold War-era displays. The event also included open cockpit experiences, allowing guests to sit in restored planes like the P-51 Mustang and F4U Corsair.
The museum, which opened in 2004, relies on donations and volunteer labor. Harrell said the fundraiser was the largest in the museum’s history, raising over $15,000. The money will go toward maintenance, educational programs, and the new hangar. The museum remains open to the public daily, with admission fees waived for active military personnel.