Fundación Infante de Orleans
The Fundación Infante de Orleans (Infant of Orleans´ Foundation), Otherwise known as FIO, is a Nonprofit organization based at the Madrid Cuatro Vientos Airport (LECU), organized to preserve the historic aeronautical heritage of Spain, mostly by means of restoring aircraft to flying condition, as well as displaying them, which is done the first sunday of every month, with the exception of January and August.
As well as other achievements, the FIO is a recipient of the Diploma of Honor of the International Aeronautic Federation.[1]
 | |
| Predecessor | Aeroclub José Luis Aresti |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1989 |
| Type | Aviation museum |
| Location | |
| Leader | Carlos Valle Torralbo |
| Website | www.fio.es/inicio.php [2] |
History:[edit]
In 1984 , a group of members of the Aeroclub Jose Luis Aresti decided to form its Historical Aviation Section within it.
A few years later, in 1989, this section became independent of the aeroclub itself, thus inaugurating the foundation, which would be later known as the "Fundación Infante de Orleans". This name was chosen for this man´s support for Spanish aviation.
A year later, the base of operations was chosen, this being Cuatro Vientos Airport, for both its private operations and for its proximity to the Museo del Aire (Madrid) (Spanish Air Force´s Museum). At the time of writing, the foundation is comprised of 43 machines of 32 different models.[2]
Aims of the foundation:[edit]
The aims of the foundation are, accordingly to the statutes:
- To acquire, restore and maintain in flying conditions every aircraft that, on behalf of its historical context, has an operational life worth extending .
- Preserve as many aircraft that have played a part in Spain´s aeronautical history as possible, returning them to their former glory.
- Provide the aircraft with the adequate maintenance for them to remain airworthy for as long as possible.
- Promote the means for its exhibition, study, protection, and dissemination, organizing and participating in as many meetings, festivals and open days as possible, to contribute to the expressed purposes, also facilitating their knowledge through a permanent static exhibition.[3]
Exhibitions:[edit]
The first Sunday of every month (with the exception of January and August), the foundation organizes an airshow:
From 11:00, visitors can enter (paying an entrance ticket if they are not associated) to see the static exhibition. Then, usually, from 12:30 am or so, the space in which the aircraft are exposed is closed, for them to start their engines, warm them up and finally take off. During this period of time, two raffles take place: one for associated people and one for every visitor there.
After that, at around 13:00 the aerial display begins: first, the biplane formations, followed then by the more modern airplanes, first flying in formations, then "solo". The exhibition is often finished by an aerobatics display.[4]
Preserved machines:[edit]
Unfortunately, the foundation´s Hispano Aviación HA-200 Saeta was destroyed in an accident on May 5th, 2013.[5]
References[edit]
- ↑ Ocio, Guia del. "Fundación Infante de Orleans". Guía del Ocio: Cine, Teatro, Conciertos, Arte, Restaurantes y locales.
- ↑ "✈ Comunicación". nica.fio.es.
- ↑ "BOE.es - Documento BOE-A-1996-14244". www.boe.es.
- ↑ "Exhibiciones". www.fio.es.
- ↑ https://www.fomento.gob.es/NR/rdonlyres/6154E3E3-52A8-45AB-A8BF-80089D5F3307/125897/2013_011_A.pdf
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