A World War II era plane and champion wingsuiters soared over aerospace and aviation fans at the Festival of Flight at the Long Beach Airport on Oct. 25.
Historical aircraft fans lined up early in the morning to see and tour the inside of the specialized troop transport plane C-53 N45366, named D-Day Doll, that was built in 1943.
The CAF Wing Leader, Steve Rose, brought the famous C-53 D-Day Doll to the event as he travels to events to educate the fans about the history and mechanics of this plane.
“Her first combat mission was D-Day during WWII, where she towed gliders carrying supplies, replacement troops, medical equipment, or anything they needed,” said Rose.
Wingsuiting and skydiving were other attractions on the airfield, with divers jumping out of planes and over the fans of all ages watching as they glided in for a smooth landing.
U.S. Wingsuit Performance pilot Amelia Dunaway impressed the crowd by making a smooth landing in her wingsuit, saying that ”flying is the most beautiful thing in the world.”
Dunaway inspired many, like 2-year-old Charlotte Ruppert who became an instant skydiving and wingsuit fan, begging her dad to meet Amelia after watching her land from the sky.
Two-year-old Charlotte Ruppert high-fives Amelia Dunaway, a 2024 FAI World Champion, after watching Dunaway land while wingsuiting at Long Beach Airport on Oct. 25. Wingsuit Performance is a male-dominated sport, and only two women competed in the 2024 FAI World Champion, with Dunaway wanting to bring exposure to wingsuit flying, and other types of flying like skydiving. (Diosa Hippolyta)
There were only two females who competed in the fifth FAI World Cup of Wingsuit Flying, with Dunaway’s performance earning her a gold in the women’s category and allowing the U.S. team to win silver overall.
The sport of wingsuit flying remains male-dominated, although there have been efforts to increase female participation.
Pilot Anne Helliwell prepares to land after skydiving at The Festival of Flight 2025 at The Long Beach Airport on Oct. 25.The event provided the opportunity for attendees to experience live jumping by professional divers. (Diosa Hippolyta)
“I am excited to learn today, just how to see my child get inspired about skydiving,” Allison Rupper, Charlotte’s mother, said.
Local aviation job opportunities, live music, activities for kids, and food trucks were also available at this free event for the community.
Students from all ages visited with ideas for employment opportunities in the aerospace and aviation industry.
“I thought it was really fun seeing all the different types of aircraft, meeting the people working in the industry, and the number of available flight schools,” said Colin Bernaards, a current CSULB Aerospace Engineering student who was exploring employment opportunities with his brother, Tom Bernaards, a USC chemistry student.
The Pilot Shop was a local business in attendance and offered a wide range of aviation supplies and educational materials for developing pilots and enthusiasts.
Dayne Mossel, right, shops with his son Ayden Mossel at The Pilot Shop booth during the Festival of Flight at the Long Beach Airport on Oct. 25. Local Long Beach businesses participated at the annual aviation festival. (Diosa Hippolyta)
“Long Beach Airport’s Festival of Flight is over ten decades old now, and is designed for the airport to connect with the community, getting children inspired about aviation, spending the day on an airfield which is usually not possible,” Long Beach Airport’s Acting Public Relations Officer Lindsey Phillips said.
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