YESTERDAY – TODAY – TOMORROW

This upcoming March, the Florida International Air Show celebrates its 29th Anniversary of continuously presenting air shows to the residents and visitors of Southwest Florida. This air show has grown from a short single day event with a few acts to a three day event with many activities, acts, static displays and much, much more.

In tracing the history of the air show, the history and significance of the Charlotte County Airport must be recognized as it was here long before the Florida International Air Show.

Planning by government officials for Punta Gorda Army Air Field began in 1941. The plans called for a base, including two squadrons of student pilots, and over 3,000 off base personnel. The base had forty Curtis P-40 “Warhawk” aircraft and later changed to North-American P-51 “Mustang” aircraft. The Base also had C-45 and C-47 transports. The C-45 and C-47 transport aircraft were assigned to the then Punta Gorda Army Air Field. The Curtis P-40 “Warhawk” and the North-American P-51 “Mustang” were assigned as part of the final flight training for pilots who were soon sent overseas to fight the war in these famed aircraft.

All base officers and some upper NCOs lived in Punta Gorda, while all student officers and most enlisted men lived in tent structures. Buildings included operation headquarters, classrooms, supply, fire station, dispensary, chapel and the control tower. The base had nose hangars where just the nose of the plane was under shelter for repairs.

The Army airfield closed shortly after WWII and reverted to the County‘s jurisdiction.

The airport today, managed and operated by the Charlotte County Airport Authority, is recognized as one of the finest general aviation facilities in Florida and is home to this weekend’s Florida International Air Show. It is important to note that the first air show at the airport was presented on New Year’s Day in 1950. Betty Skelton was a featured performer and the star of that show. Betty was here last year as our Pioneer in Aviation.