Fantasy of Flight To Remove DC-3 From I-4 Landmark
G. Willie to Go On Leave

Polk City, FL - (Nov. 7, 2005) - On Wednesday, Nov. 9, Fantasy of Flight will remove the infamous DC-3 from alongside the I-4 corridor in order to refurbish the aircraft for the attraction's Tenth Anniversary celebrations.

When the monument was erected 1998, numerous calls were made to the Polk County Sheriff's office by I-4 travelers, reporting a downed aircraft. Within a month, people realized the icon was here to stay along with its pilot, G. Willie, hanging from the aircraft's rear wheel, who occasionally dresses up for holiday occasions.

Throughout last year's hurricane season, Fantasy of Flight received numerous e-mails from travelers concerned about injuries G. Willie suffered during the storms. After a rehabilitation period at the Orlampa General Hospital, G. Willie made a full recovery and returned to his post. Wednesday morning, G. Willie begins temporary leave while the DC-3 is renovated. Recognizing how much G. Willie has meant to passersby, Kermit Weeks, owner and founder of Fantasy of Flight, has offered to take G. Willie's place until the aircraft is moved.

One of the nation's premier aviation attractions, Fantasy of Flight, located midway between Tampa and Orlando off I-4 exit #44, is open from 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. daily except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Fantasy of Flight is home to the "World's Greatest Aircraft Collection" featuring over 40 beautifully restored rare and vintage aircraft, Corsair flight simulators, daily restoration shop and back-lot tours, aircraft of the day flights, sight and sound multi-sensory immersion experiences. Hot-air balloon rides and open cockpit bi-plane rides also available. For further information visit www.fantasyofflight.com or call 863-984-3500.

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