OKLAHOMA CITY — On May 9, 1951, the Aero Commander prototype, L-3805—affectionately known as the “Blue Goose”—made aviation history with a daring non-stop flight from Tulakes Airport (now Wiley Post Airport) in Oklahoma City to Washington, D.C. Flying on a single engine with left propeller stowed in the cabin, L-3805 demonstrated unprecedented safety and reliability, capturing national attention and earning front-page coverage in The New York Times.
Now, 75 years later, that historic journey will be honored with a commemorative reenactment flight.
On May 9, 2026, a Rockwell Jetprop Commander aircraft will depart from Wiley Post Airport and retrace the Blue Goose’s original route to Washington, D.C. The aircraft will be flown by Bruce Byerly, President of the oldest active Twin Commander Service Center, and W. Dave Amis III, former President of the first Twin Commander Service Center. This special tribute flight celebrates not only the courage and innovation behind the original mission, but also the lasting impact of the Aero Commander on modern aviation.
Originally taking flight on April 23, 1948, the Aero Commander Model L-3805 introduced a sleek twin-engine design that set new standards for performance and safety. Its reliability ultimately led to its use in presidential travel, becoming the first aircraft type to be designated as “Air Force One” when President Dwight D. Eisenhower flew aboard it to his farm in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
The success of the Blue Goose paved the way for the production of the Aero Commander Model 520 in 1952 and a family of aircraft that quickly gained global recognition. Commanders became widely used for executive transport, military operations, and other specialized missions around the world.
Today, the fully restored Blue Goose stands as a symbol of aviation innovation and heritage. It is currently on display at Eldon Lyon Park in Bethany, Oklahoma, just south of Wiley Post Airport.
The 75th anniversary flight serves as a tribute to a defining moment in aviation history—one that continues to inspire advancements in aircraft safety and performance to this day.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Dave Amis
+1.405.627.4309
dave@vector-air.com
Shared on behalf of Vector-air.com