American Aero Services Open House
The entrance to American Aero Services.
On January 4, 2014 American Aero Services hosted an open house, inviting the folks of New Smyrna Beach and the surrounding areas to visit and see what they are all about. From their website AAS is “A restoration and maintenance facility serving the WarBird community for over 28 years. Aircraft, Military Vehicles, Armor, Missiles and Rockets. Complete restorations, repairs, maintenance and annual inspections.” After having visited the site it is easy to see how they have been in business for so long. Owner Gary Norville has put together a great team of mechanics and anybody else who is needed to bring a vintage plane back to life.
One of the many restored planes on display during the Open Hangar Day at American Aero Services. Photo: Robert Redd
It was neat to get to see some of the planes they have worked on and to see what goes into the restoration effort. Also onsite is a small but interesting museum that has flight and war related items. To see photos of some of the planes that were on display please click here. I need to go back and buy a shirt at the museum.
This is a really neat and hidden gem located at the New Smyrna Airport at 1501 Airway Circle. If you are in the area you should stop by and see the museum. The rest of the property will probably be off limits but check their website or Facebook page for information on future Open Hangar Days.
Astronaut James Lovell’s Mother Lived in Edgewater
Lt. Cdr. James A. Lovell, USN, shown in picture being held by his mother, Mrs. Arthur Lovell of 2019 S. Ridgewood Ave., Edgewater, is one of the two astronauts who is scheduled to climb into a Gemini 7 spacecraft at Cape Kennedy Saturday to begin a 14 day space mission which includes an attempted rendezvous with a Gemini 6 spacecraft manned by astronauts Walter M. Shirra, Jr. and Thomas P. Stafford. This picture was taken of Mrs. Lovell shortly after the time her son was chosen to be an astronaut. He has visited here many times since his mother moved to this area. (Savoy photo)
Courtesy: New Smyrna Beach News December 2, 1965
Space Shuttle Atlantis Takes Maiden Flight–1985
The lift off on the maiden flight of the Space Shuttle Atlantis
Maiden Flight
America’s newest space shuttle, Atlantis, blasted off at 11:15 a.m. Thursday to begin a secret five-day mission for the Department of Defense. The craft is the last of its type which will be built for the shuttle program.
Source: New Smyrna Beach News and Observer October 4, 1985
For more information on the Space Shuttle Atlantis click here.
Kennedy Space Center now has an attraction based around the Atlantis. Find more information here.
Southeast Volusia History 