About this Event
The public is cordially invited to attend a commemoration and dedication ceremony as the Blue Goose Static Display is affixed in Eldon Lyon Park on October 14, 2024, at 10 am. In partnership with the Oklahoma Historical Society and the City of Bethany, and in friendship with the Oklahoma Department of Aerospace and Aeronautics, citizens of Bethany, the pilot community, and the aerospace industry are encouraged to attend in support of this momentous occasion with sincere gratitude to those that worked on the restoration project including Mr. Dave Amis and Mr. Kenny Payton.
HISTORY:
The Blue Goose (L-3805) is the prototype Aero Commander developed by the Aero Design and Engineering Company in Culver City, California in the late 1940s. The company later aimed to produce a twin-engine light transport aircraft in the post-WW II business boom.
The Blue Goose, officially designated as the Aero Commander Model L-3805, made its maiden flight on April 23, 1948. It featured a safe, twin-engine, sleek design that was ultimately deemed safe enough for the President of the United States to fly in!
In early winter, 1951, the Blue Goose competed against the Beechcraft Twin Bonanza for a very large US Army contract and won the flight contest hands-down. Unfortunately, because it was not in current production, Beechcraft was awarded the contract with an inferior aircraft. Following the military competition, the Blue Goose flew on a dramatic cross-country flight with the left propeller stowed in the cockpit. On May 9, 1951, it lifted off in the pre-dawn hours from Tulakes Airport (now Wiley Post Airport) and flew non-stop to Washington D.C. on one engine. This demonstrated the safety of the Aero Commander for all of the world to see. It was a momentous occasion that made the cover of the New York Times!
The aircraft was instrumental in convincing Bill and Rufus Amis, two local businessmen brothers, to purchase the Aero Design Company and build the factory in Bethany at Wiley Post Airport in the late 40s/early 50s. Over 3000 airplanes were produced and thousands of people were employed there for almost 40 years.
The Blue Goose Aero Commander prototype achieved many aerodynamic goals and successful milestones, which led to the production of the model 520 in 1952 and subsequent Commanders. They quickly gained popularity and were widely used around the world for various purposes, including executive transport and military applications.
This Aero Commander aircraft was used by Eisenhower for transportation during his presidency, primarily for shorter trips and transportation to his farm in Gettysburg, PA. As a backup to the larger presidential fleet, it provided a more efficient and convenient means of travel for the President when traveling over short distances. The Aero Commander VC-560 "Air Force One" served as one of the transportation options for President Eisenhower during his time in office.
During his presidency, President Dwight D. Eisenhower used several different aircraft for official travel. The primary aircraft he utilized was a modified Aero Commander L-26C, designated as VC-560 "Air Force One." This Aero Commander aircraft was used by Eisenhower for transportation during his presidency, primarily for shorter trips and transportation to his farm in Gettysburg, PA. As a backup to the larger presidential fleet, it provided a more efficient and convenient means of travel for the President when traveling over short distances. In addition to the Aero Commander, President Eisenhower also occasionally flew in other aircraft such as the Lockheed Constellation, known as "Columbine III" when used by the President. The Lockheed Constellation was a much larger and more luxurious aircraft used for longer-range trips. Overall, President Eisenhower primarily relied on the Aero Commander aircraft, for his transportation needs during his presidency.
The Blue Goose has finally been totally restored and will be on display in Eldon Lyon Park in Bethany just south of Wiley Post Airport.
The Blue Goose Timeline
1. Sept 1949: The Amis brothers provide funding to AD& E Company for California certification of L- 3805
2. Sept 1950: AD& E relocates from California to Tulakes Airport in Bethany, OK
3. 26 Sept 1950: Amis and Pew purchased AD& E
4. 9 May 1951: L-3805 flew non-stop from OKC to Washington with the left propeller stowed inside the cabin
5. June 1973: L-3805 was relocated to Wiley Post Terminal for outside display
6. Sept 1974: L-3805 moved to OKC Fairgrounds for outside display Oklahoman
- 19 Aug 2006 reported " The Aero-Commander, also known as The Blue Goose, was given to the Oklahoma Historical Society by the General Aviation Division of Rockwell International. The society did not have a location to display the plane and donated it to the city, which put it on display at State Fair Park.
8. Sept 2006: L-3805 moved to Metro Tech campus in South OKC
9. 26 Aug 2007: L-3805 moved to the City of Bethany Public Works yard
10. Nov 2007: L-3805 was moved to Frances Tuttle Technology Center where
restoration began
- 26 May 2023 L-3805 was relocated to Wiley post Airport where the restoration process was completed in the summer of 2024.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Eldon Lyon Park, 7400 Northwest 36th Street, Bethany, United States
USD 0.00
