Bellanca Airfield Friends Of

Overview

The Bellanca Airfield Friends Of, also known as Friends of Bellanca Airfield, Inc. (FOBA), is a not-for-profit organization in the United States. The mission of FOBA is to restore the historical Air Service, Inc. Hangar at Bellanca Field and to dedicate it to sharing the unique history of Giuseppe Mario Bellanca and his contributions to Delaware aviation[1][3].

History and Purpose

Giuseppe Mario Bellanca was an Italian-American aircraft designer who immigrated to the United States in 1911. He is celebrated for his innovative aircraft designs, which achieved numerous records in endurance and efficiency. Notably, his plane Columbia was Charles Lindbergh's first choice for a Trans-Atlantic crossing, though Lindbergh was unable to secure it. Two weeks after Lindbergh's historic flight, the Columbia successfully flew non-stop from New York to Berlin. In 1931, Bellanca's Miss Veedol made history by being the first plane to fly non-stop across the Pacific from Japan to Washington State[1].

In 1928, Bellanca collaborated with Henry B. duPont to build an airfield, aircraft plant, and air service hangar in New Castle, Delaware. The facility produced approximately 3,000 aircraft before closing in 1954[1].

Activities

FOBA operates the Bellanca Airfield Museum, which is housed inside the historic Air Service Hangar. The museum honors the aviation legacy of Giuseppe M. Bellanca and the pilots who flew his aircraft. It is open to the public during the spring and fall seasons on specific Saturdays[2].

Financial and Community Engagement

As a not-for-profit organization, FOBA relies on donations and member dues to support its restoration efforts and museum operations. Contributions to FOBA are tax-exempt[4].