FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 3, 2011
For more information:
Zach Stratton
360-750-1553 Ext 19
marketingadmin@visitvancouverusa.com
BOEING'S OLDEST OPERABLE COMMERCIAL AIRPLANE TO BE DISPLAYED AT
VANCOUVER, WASHINGTON'S, PEARSON AIR MUSEUM
Demonstration flights will take place at Pearson Field
VANCOUVER. Wash. - At the end of this month, Vancouver's Pearson Air Museum will be
host to the world's only still-flying Boeing 40C, the company's oldest passenger airplane
originally constructed in 1928. The historic plane will be on display for five days, from
Wednesday, August 24 to Saturday, August 28, 2011. Throughout the day on Saturday, August
27, there will be demonstration flights, which will coincide with the Air Museum's popular Open
Cockpit Day.
This particular Boeing 40C has strong ties to the Northwest. When originally built, the plane flew
passengers and mail up and down the West Coast for Pacific Air Transport, which later became
a part of United Airlines. Not long after it entered commercial service, the aircraft crashed in bad
weather near Canyonville, Ore. After countless volunteer hours, the plane was restored to its
original beauty in 2008 by Pemberton and Sons Aviation, located in Spokane, Wash.
"The Air Museum is a great historical asset that showcases Vancouver's deep aviation history,"
said Kim Bennett, president and CEO of Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office. "And,
because it's located next to Pearson Field, it can attract world-class exhibits such as the Boeing
40C."
The city's roots in aviation date back to 1905 when a pilot flew from Portland in a lighter-than-air
craft and landed on the polo field at the Vancouver Army Barracks. Continuous fixed wing
aviation began in 1911 and Pearson Field, the nation's oldest continuously operating airfield,
was subsequently dedicated in 1925. Today, Pearson Field remains a busy general aviation
airport.
"We cannot believe our good fortune to be able to host this historic aircraft," said Laureano Mier,
Pearson Air Museum manager and education programs coordinator. "Pearson is pleased to
provide a rare opportunity to not only view this plane, but to watch it land and take off from
Pearson Field."Admission to the Museum is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors, active military and students ages
six to 17. Children under six are free. A $22 family rate admits two adults and up to four
children. The Museum hours are 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
About Pearson Air Museum
Located on the Fort Vancouver National Site and managed by the Fort Vancouver National Trust,
Pearson Air Museum tells the story of Pearson Field, one of the oldest airfields in the United States.
Museum visitors experience the era of early aviation history at Pearson Field and in the Northwest. For
more information call 360-694-7026 or visit www.pearsonairmuseum.org .
About Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office
Vancouver USA Regional Tourism Office (formerly Southwest Washington Convention & Visitors Bureau)
is an economic development organization responsible for competitively marketing Vancouver and the
surrounding area as a destination for meetings, conventions, and group and leisure travelers. The
organization's mission is to promote Vancouver and Clark County by increasing convention and visitor
business. For more information call 877-224-4214, or log on to www.VisitVancouverUSA.com .
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