Warbirds over Weslaco: A Historic Flight into the Past at Mid-Valley Airport

Jeremy Bushnell
22 hours ago
2 min read

Mark your calendars—on Saturday, October 4, 2025, Mid-Valley Airport in Weslaco transforms into a living aviation museum with Warbirds over Weslaco. From 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, this free, family-friendly event invites you to celebrate vintage aviation in action. Enjoy close-up encounters with restored warbirds, chat with the passionate restorers behind them, and even take to the skies aboard authentic World War II aircraft.

Aviation Restoration Comes Alive

Behind the scenes, a dedicated group of aviation enthusiasts is working tirelessly at Mid-Valley Airport on restoring and preserving aviation history.

Currently under restoration are some rare gems:

Vultee BT-13 trainer: Once used locally during WWII for aerial gunnery training over Laguna Madre—only about 50 survive worldwide.
Messerschmitt Bf 108 (referred to as Messerschmitt 208 in the article): A rare German liaison aircraft—only four remain, and none are currently airworthy. The goal is to get it flying again.

Fly Through History with Vintage Air Tours

Adding high-flying excitement, Vintage Air Tours brings real warbird rides to the event. Here’s what you can expect:

PT-17 Stearman (1943): This iconic WWII biplane trainer lets you take the controls—hand-fly this roaring radial-engine beauty over the Valley. ($350 for a 25-minute flight.)
U-18 Navion (1947): A sleek post-war aircraft built by North American Aviation (makers of the P-51 Mustang). Ideal for a scenic, nostalgic ride. ($150 per seat, two-person minimum, Max 3 per flight.)

Important tips for potential flyers:

Arrive at least 15 minutes before your flight.
Weight limit: 300 lbs per passenger.
Cameras are welcome—but secure them!
Bring sunglasses and a light jacket—it might get brisk in the cockpit.
Book Online to reserve your flight here

Why You Should Be There

Experience	Why It Matters
Immersive & Free	Wander through aircraft, meet restorers, and soak in history at zero cost.
Watch History in the Making	See the incredible dedication in restoring rare warbirds—planes that once trained pilots or flew across continents.
Take to the Skies	Feel what flying in a real WWII-era aircraft is like—on a ride you’ll never forget.
Inspiring Stories	Hear firsthand from those bringing the warbird legacy back to life in the Rio Grande Valley.

Join Us—October 4, 2025, at Mid-Valley Airport

Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, a history buff, or just looking for a memorable family outing, Warbirds over Weslaco promises adventure and inspiration from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM at Mid-Valley Airport (1911 Joe Stephens Ave, Weslaco, TX 78599). The event is free and open to the public—you can stroll the ramp, hear the engines roar, and maybe even take the ride of your life.

Early flyers may still be available for the PT-17 or U-18—if you want to put yourself in the pilot’s seat, arrive early!