Flying Heritage Collection, 2014

 The Flying Heritage Collection of Everett, Washington, has an immaculate collection of aircraft from World War II.  Amongst that collection, and on view for the better part of this year, are THREE Mitsubishi A6M Zeroes.  There is an A6M3 and A6M5 in excellent condition, while the third Zero is in nearly the condition that it was recovered in.  The display gives the viewer a better understanding of what the recovery of these old birds means.  The A6M3 does not have a Sakai 12 engine, but rather a modified American engine of a similar size.  This was done for the sake of reliability.  The majority of the collection ACTUALLY are airworthy.  

 The collection includes several American fighters, but also a B-25 bomber.  This one is in lovingly restored condition.

 The collection also includes some armor.  Here we see a few examples.

 The Luftwaffe is well represented by an Me-109, Me-163, FW-190 D and an FW190A, not to mention a Fiesler Storch and a V-1 Buzz Bomb.

 The one addition to the collection that is not of WWII fame is the MiG-29!  This is the trainer version and is one of the few privately owned MiG-29s in the world.  This is tantamount to owning an F-15!

 Below is the Ki-43 Oscar.

 And here are a few photos of the P-47D.

 The cowls are off some of the aircraft due to FAA inspections and maintenance, but also gives a great view of the R-2800.

 This photo of the P-51D is my favorite of the visit.

 The Soviet Union is also well represented.  This is a PO-2, similar to what the famous "Night Witches" flew.

 You can make out the Il-16 in the background, but this is the Il-2 Shturmovik, Soviet Russia's awesome ground attack aircraft.

 In keeping with the Soviet norm, it is built like a tank.

 And FINALLY!  This is the V-2!  The ballistic missile was impossible to thwart, because once it began its downward plunge to the target nothing could stop it!

Obviously there is much more that you are not seeing, but that is an excellent reason for you to visit!  Admission was $14 for adults, under 5 for free.  You can look at spending an hour to two hours here, but don't rush away, because the Boeing Museum of Flight Restoration Center is not far away, as is the Historic Flight Museum.  You can also tour the Boeing plant.  To say aviation has a home here is something of an understatement!