A relic of the Cold War makes a visit to Lexington

The Spirit of Freedom, a C-54 Transport plane that flew during the 1948-49 Berlin Airlift, is visiting the Aviation Museum of Kentucky through Sunday. The plane’s cabin has been converted to display the story of the airlift and the citizens of then-West Berlin. This is the Spirit’s first visit to Lexington. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Cost (including museum admission) is $10 for adults and $7 for ages 6-17. An interactive program for students to experience life in Berlin during the airlift will be conducted at specified times in the museum.

In addition to the C-54, former University of Kentucky basketball player Rob Lock, of Waldo’s Flying Service, has brought in his fully restored1942 Boeing Stearman and is offer rides. Cost is $175 for 15 minutes or $250 for a 30-minute flight, along with applicable taxes. Pilots must be age 10 or older and be at least 5 feet tall. Flight operations may be affected by weather. Admission to the museum is separate from any flying charges.

To reserve a flight, go to Waldowrights.com. The Aviation Museum of Kentucky is at 4029 Airport Road, adjacent to Blue Grass Airport in Lexington.

This story was originally published October 5, 2017 at 6:14 PM with the headline "A relic of the Cold War makes a visit to Lexington."