How exciting to see all of the Street Rods and Customs at the Minnesota Street Rod Association’ s Back to the 50’ s Weekend. Then add a little entertainment from Chuck Datko and his crew flying their T-6 Thunder planes making several passes over the fairgrounds Saturday morning around 11:00 am. During the Flyover, James Bohn will honor us with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem. So remember, watch for the T-6 Thunders Saturday!
T6 Flyover
The article below has been reprinted in its entirety from the LineChaser, as told by Chuck Datko.
Chuck Datko, # 22417, was a Spartan car club member and then joined the Torquers in‘ 64 when they were down on the island. He knew all of the old guys, like Jerry Johnson, Ron White and Billy Bissonett.
T-6 Thunder North American Flight Team formed 16 years ago and they are coming again to our Back to the 50’ s. The first year the group did a flyover at Back to the 50’ s, it was purely by chance. They were on our way back from an air show and his brother, Frank # L-11145 suggested they fly over Back to the 50’ s. Then they met Terry Stade and the“ rest is history.”
The aircraft are all North American AT6s used during WWII for training and in the Korean War. They were called“ forward air controllers.” They would fly low and slow and mark targets. Then jets came in and did the bombing.
The group does an annual flyover for the Northern Knights who have a memorial service. As a matter of fact, they are mostly involved in vet funerals and memorials. Probably one half of their events are funerals. They’ ve also entertained for the Minnesota Twins, the Vikings and Gophers, Concordia College and the Minneapolis Torchlite Parade.
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JERRY OLSON
402-740-4201 COOKNJERRY @ MSN. COM
MSRA’ s“ Back to the 50’ s Weekend” • 2025 Page 33