Museum of Mountain Flying program July 18

Northwest Montana Posse of Westerners history organization on Monday, July 18 presents the program “A Return to the Big Skies” by the Museum of Mountain Flying of Missoula, home of Montana’s most famous airplane — “Miss Montana.”

This World War II era warbird (DC3 N24320) later pioneered smoke-jumping, back-country cargo flights, and helped bring the Johnson Flying Service into the modern age. Operating between the 1920s and the 1970s, the Johnson Flying Service served as the cornerstone of the Montana aviation industry for over 50 years.

The presentation will be provided by the staff and associates of the Museum of Mountain Flying.

The Museum was built over the old “boneyard” of the Johnson Flying Service in Missoula. The museum’s current collection includes vintage aircraft as well as historical documents and photographs, relating the region’s mountain flying history.

Operating between the 1920s and the 1970s, the Johnson Flying Service served as the cornerstone of the Montana aviation industry for over 50 years. The museum was constructed to preserve the many achievements of the trailblazing Johnson Flying Service that serviced the Northern Rockies area. It has over 25 authentic aircraft exhibited on its hangar floor. It is also the home of Montana's most famous airplane — “Miss Montana.” This World War II DC3 warbird flew into Allied paratroopers into Normandy, France, on D-Day.

Meet at the Posse’s new meeting location in the Northwest Montana History Museum, 124 Second Ave. E., Kalispell, at 6 p.m. for Grab’n’ Greet and raffle and book signings. No dinner will be available.

The historic presentation will begin at 7 p.m. Seating will be available free to all Posse members and youths 16 and under, and $5 for all non-members.

No reservations will be required, but seating will be limited; so come early. Call 406-309-0938 with any questions or visit northwestmontanaposseofwesterners.wordpress.com