Many locals and visitors to North Little Rock know about the USS Razorback, a World War II-era submarine docked on the Arkansas River at the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum. They might even be familiar with the the tugboat Hoga, also docked at the museum, known for fighting fires in Pearl Harbor during the 1941 attack.
But less than 20 minutes away, in an unassuming hangar at the North Little Rock Municipal Airport, sits a trove of World War II treasures collected and maintained by the Commemorative Air Force Razorback Wing. The star of the show? A gleaming, well-maintained training plane lovingly called “Miss Cherie.”
The PT-22, nicknamed “Recruit,” played a pivotal role in shaping America’s “Greatest Generation” of aviators. Built in 1941, “Miss Cherie” represents a significant piece of aviation history. This low-wing monoplane trainer, the first of its kind for the U.S. Army Air Corps, transitioned pilots from biplanes to the more advanced aircraft used during the war.
“The PT-22 represents a chapter in our nation’s history that should never be forgotten, and we are honored to keep it flying for future generations to experience.”
See it up close and in action at the North Little Rock Airshow on Friday, October 11, 2024, and Saturday, October 12, 2024. This meticulously maintained classic will grace the skies, offering a glimpse into the world of World War II pilot training. The Razorback Wing will have a ground display where visitors can get up close to this historic aircraft and chat with the volunteer pilots and crew who maintain it. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to step back in time and witness a legend take flight at the North Little Rock Airshow!
To get the true experience, however, consider booking a ride. CAF Razorback Wings hosts ride days, the next of which is scheduled for Saturday, July 27, 2024. For a minimum $250 donation enjoy the full experience including preflight briefing, cockpit familiarization, and a thrilling flight of at least 20 minutes in the air in this historic airplane. Passengers must be at least 12 years old and capable to enter and exit the aircraft unassisted. Maximum passenger weight is 225 lbs. While waiting for your ride, visit with the knowledgeable volunteers of the Razorback Wing about the other historic planes and World War II-era artifacts.
Seeing warbirds in a museum is one thing but getting to experience the sights and sounds is beyond words. Our professional pilots will tailor the experience to your interest and will insure that you have the best and safest ride possible.
About the CAF Razorback Wing
The CAF Razorback Wing, based in North Little Rock, Arkansas, is a volunteer-run unit of the Commemorative Air Force, the world’s largest flying museum. Their mission is to educate the public about World War II aviation history by restoring, maintaining, and flying historic aircraft. If you want to learn more about the CAF Razorback Wing and even schedule a flight in Miss Cherie, visit Razorbackcaf.com.
