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Kermit Weeks

Kermit Weeks (born 1953) is an American aviation pioneer, aerobatic pilot, aircraft designer, restorer, and collector renowned for founding Fantasy of Flight, the world's largest private museum dedicated to vintage aircraft, which houses over 160 airworthy and restoration-in-progress planes spanning aviation history from World War I to modern times.^[1]^[2] Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and raised in Miami, Florida, Weeks displayed an early passion for mechanical design and aviation, soloing in an airplane at age 17 and building his first flyable aircraft—a custom aerobatic biplane—by age 21 while studying aeronautical engineering at institutions including Miami-Dade Junior College, the University of Florida, and Purdue University.^[1]^[2] In 1973, at age 20, he entered aerobatic competitions, designing and constructing the iconic Weeks Solution and Weeks Special aircraft, which propelled him to qualify for the U.S. National Aerobatic Team by 1977.^[3]^[1] Over a 12-year competitive career, Weeks represented the United States in six World Aerobatic Championships, securing 20 medals—including five top-three overall finishes—and winning the U.S. National Aerobatic Championship twice, establishing him as one of the era's elite performers in precision flying.^[2]^[3] Transitioning from competition in the late 1970s, he shifted focus to antique aircraft preservation, acquiring his first historic planes—a North American AT-6 Texan and a P-51 Mustang—in 1979, which laid the foundation for his expansive collection.^[2] This passion culminated in the establishment of the Weeks Air Museum in Miami in 1985 and, a decade later, the opening of Fantasy of Flight in 1995 on 250 acres near Polk City, Florida, designed as an immersive aviation experience blending museum exhibits, flight demonstrations, and educational programs.^[1]^[3] Weeks' collection at Fantasy of Flight is unparalleled, featuring every flyable American fighter from World War II, most privately owned World War I aircraft, rare prototypes like Howard Hughes' Sikorsky S-43 amphibian, and unique acquisitions such as a converted Boeing 307 Stratoliner houseboat in 2024 and ongoing restorations of bombers such as the B-25 Mitchell and A-26 Invader.^[2]^[4]^[5] Despite financial challenges leading to a scaled-back operation after 2014—including the removal of a prominent Douglas DC-3 display from Interstate 4 in 2024—the museum continues seasonal openings and active restoration projects under Weeks' direction, emphasizing airworthy aircraft and public engagement.^[3]^[6] His contributions to aviation have earned prestigious honors, including induction into the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Warbirds Hall of Fame in 2005, the Living Legends of Aviation Award in 2006, and the Florida Aviation Hall of Fame in 2008, recognizing his dual legacy in competitive flying and historic preservation.^[1] Beyond aviation, Weeks has authored children's books on inspiration and leadership, such as All of Life is a School and The Spirit of Lindy, and produced educational content to ignite passion for flight in younger generations.^[1]

Early Life

Childhood and Family Background

Kermit Weeks was born on July 14, 1953, in Salt Lake City, Utah.^[7] His father worked as a scientist, while his mother emphasized family attendance at church on Sundays, though Weeks later recalled disliking these outings and instead becoming intrigued by imaginative concepts like unseen worlds.^[7] From an early age, Weeks displayed a strong interest in mechanical design and construction, evident in his childhood projects such as building a rudimentary "airplane" at age 8 using boards, string, and a toy wagon as landing gear to "fly" down the street.^[8] During his early teenage years, Weeks' family relocated from Utah to Miami, Florida, at around age 14, where he spent much of his formative years in a warmer, more coastal environment that contrasted with his birthplace.^[9] This move exposed him to new surroundings that aligned with his growing mechanical curiosities, including building model airplanes with his father.^[10] Weeks' family background included significant financial support from his grandfather, Lewis Weeks, a prominent petroleum geologist who had secured royalties from oil and gas production in the Bass Straits off southeast Australia during the 1960s while consulting for Esso Australia (now ExxonMobil). These royalties, structured as a perpetual 2.5% levy on production, provided Weeks with resources in the mid-1970s that enabled his early aviation pursuits, marking a pivotal influence on his lifelong dedication to flight.^[11]

Introduction to Aviation

Kermit Weeks' passion for aviation took root during his early teenage years after his family relocated from Salt Lake City, Utah, to Miami, Florida. At age 13, he heard the song "Snoopy vs. the Red Baron" on the radio, which inspired him to aspire to fly fighter planes.^[2] In the vibrant aviation environment of South Florida, he immersed himself in the hobby of flying model aircraft, which ignited his fascination with flight and mechanical construction. This early engagement with scale models provided hands-on experience in aerodynamics and building techniques, laying the groundwork for his future endeavors in aircraft design. Wait, no wiki. Actually, since can't use, use the Facebook or generalize. Wait, to avoid, let's use: he built model airplanes.^[12] As a teenager, Weeks pursued initial flying lessons and achieved his first solo flight at age 17 after just 6.5 hours of instruction, marking a pivotal milestone that transitioned his hobby into practical piloting skills.^[8] Though not yet holding a full pilot's certificate at age 17, these formative experiences honed his understanding of aircraft handling and fueled his ambition to create his own flying machines.^[1] At age 17, while still in high school, Weeks began constructing his first homebuilt aircraft, the Der Jäger D-IX, a single-seat biplane inspired by World War I designs. Funded partly through odd jobs like lawn mowing, he purchased plans for $40 in 1969 and assembled much of the airframe and wings during his senior year. He completed the project in 1973, at the age of 20, performing its maiden flight shortly thereafter, which represented a triumphant culmination of his self-taught engineering and aviation enthusiasm.^[1]^[13]

Aviation Career

Aerobatic Competitions and Achievements

Kermit Weeks entered the world of competitive aerobatics in 1973, at the age of 20, while pursuing studies in aeronautical engineering.^[8] By 1977, he had qualified for the United States Aerobatics Team at age 24, marking a significant milestone in his rapid ascent within the sport.^[1] Weeks made his international debut at the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) World Aerobatics Championships in 1978, held in Bratislava, Czechoslovakia, where he competed against 61 pilots from around the world.^[14] Finishing as runner-up overall, he earned three silver medals and one bronze, demonstrating exceptional precision in known, free, and unknown programs.^[1] This performance established him as a formidable contender on the global stage. Over the course of six FAI World Aerobatics Championships from 1978 to 1988, Weeks amassed a total of 20 medals, including multiple placements in the top three overall worldwide.^[15] He also secured two U.S. National Aerobatic Championship titles, along with several invitational masters wins in international events.^[2] Throughout his competitive career, Weeks piloted custom-designed aircraft, such as the Weeks Special, which contributed to his success in executing complex maneuvers.^[1]

Aircraft Design and Construction

Kermit Weeks initiated his aircraft design and construction efforts as a teenager, beginning work on his first homebuilt airplane, the Der Jäger D.IX, at age 17 while still in high school. This single-seat biplane, modeled after a German World War I fighter, was completed and flown four years later in 1974, showcasing his foundational skills in fabrication and assembly.^[1]^[13] By 1977, Weeks had designed and built the Weeks Special (S-1W), a single-seat aerobatic biplane derived from the Pitts Special platform. Powered by a 200-hp Lycoming engine driving a constant-speed propeller, the aircraft incorporated targeted modifications to optimize high-G maneuvers, including enhanced wing and control surface configurations for superior snap roll performance and energy retention during vertical transitions.^[16] These features enabled the Weeks Special to execute demanding sequences like multiple outside snap rolls and the "Kermit" maneuver—a vertical snap blending inside and outside elements—while maintaining structural loads within safe limits.^[17] In 1979, Weeks constructed the Weeks Solution as a successor to the Weeks Special, advancing the biplane format with a clean-sheet approach to several key elements. This one-of-a-kind design featured symmetrical swept wings at a 7.5° angle to boost roll rates and snapping precision, a lengthened fuselage for improved aesthetics and judging visibility, and a larger vertical stabilizer for enhanced stability in inverted flight. Fitted with a 300-hp Lycoming IO-540 engine, it demonstrated exceptional vertical prowess, capable of sustaining up to 14 torque rolls (five upward, four at the apex, and five downward) without significant energy loss.^[17] Weeks' homebuilt projects from the 1970s onward highlighted innovative aerodynamic solutions tailored for aerobatics, such as swept wing geometry to reduce adverse yaw and improve response times over traditional straight-wing biplanes. His construction methodology prioritized rigorous testing and material selection to achieve full airworthiness, ensuring each aircraft met or exceeded certification standards for unlimited aerobatic use—a philosophy that later shaped his preservation initiatives by favoring operational restorations.^[1]^[17] These custom designs, including the Weeks Special and Weeks Solution, were instrumental in Weeks' participation in international aerobatic events, where their performance characteristics provided a competitive edge in precision and power management.^[16]

Museums and Preservation

Weeks Air Museum

The Weeks Air Museum opened in 1985 in Miami, Florida, as a non-profit facility dedicated to showcasing Kermit Weeks' growing collection of antique and vintage aircraft.^[1] Located at Kendall-Tamiami Executive Airport (now Miami Executive Airport), the museum provided public access to restored planes from Weeks' personal holdings, emphasizing preservation and education in aviation history.^[18] From its inception, the museum's operations centered on displaying airworthy vintage aircraft while promoting their active use, aligning with Weeks' expertise as a pilot who personally restored and flew many of the exhibits to demonstrate their historical functionality.^[1] This hands-on approach allowed visitors to experience not only static displays but also the operational aspects of early aviation, fostering appreciation for the engineering and piloting skills of past eras.^[19] In August 1992, Hurricane Andrew devastated the Miami area, virtually destroying the museum's steel building with its concrete roof and severely damaging much of the aircraft collection stored there.^[1] The disaster forced a temporary closure and extensive repairs, but the extensive losses ultimately accelerated Weeks' relocation plans away from South Florida.^[2] Following the hurricane, Weeks transitioned his efforts toward establishing the larger Fantasy of Flight museum in Polk City.^[1]

Fantasy of Flight

Fantasy of Flight is a nonprofit aviation attraction founded by Kermit Weeks in 1995 in Polk City, Florida, designed to immerse visitors in the history and excitement of flight through interactive exhibits and live demonstrations.^[20] The facility opened on November 11, 1995, showcasing Weeks' vision of aviation as a metaphor for human achievement and freedom, with a focus on educational experiences that go beyond static displays.^[21] As a nonprofit entity, it emphasizes public engagement with aviation heritage, drawing on Weeks' extensive collection to create an environment where visitors can interact directly with aircraft and history.^[2] The attraction features several distinctive elements that enhance visitor immersion, including large Art Deco-style brick hangars that house exhibits spanning from early aviation to modern flight.^[22] Adjacent to the hangars are two grass runways—one measuring approximately 5,000 feet and the other 2,600 feet—supporting flight operations and demonstrations, such as biplane rides and occasional airshows.^[22] A hallmark policy, known as "Drop the Rope," allows guides to remove barriers, enabling guests—particularly military veterans—to climb into cockpits and explore aircraft up close for a hands-on experience.^[8] These features, combined with themed immersion areas and flight simulators, foster an interactive atmosphere that prioritizes experiential learning over passive observation.^[23] In recent years, Fantasy of Flight has undergone operational adjustments to ensure sustainability, including a scaled-down format following the closure of its larger "Act II" phase in 2014, with the tenth anniversary of that closure marked in April 2024.^[24] Starting in the 2024-2025 season, the attraction adopted a winter-focused schedule, operating Fridays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. from November through April to accommodate seasonal visitation patterns.^[25] Expansions continue into 2025, highlighted by the groundbreaking for Hangar 4 on November 6, 2025, as part of "Act III," aimed at accommodating more exhibits and advancing Weeks' long-term vision for the site.^[26] These developments reflect ongoing efforts to evolve the attraction while preserving its core mission of aviation education and public access to the collection.^[27]

Aircraft Collection

Overview and Scope

Kermit Weeks' aircraft collection stands as the largest private assemblage of historical aircraft in the world, comprising more than 150 civilian and military planes primarily housed at the Fantasy of Flight facility in Polk City, Florida.^[28] This extensive collection emphasizes the restoration of vintage aircraft to airworthy condition, with Weeks himself having piloted or intending to pilot the majority to ensure their operational vitality rather than static display.^[29]^[30] Thematically, the collection spans key eras of aviation history, from the pioneering days of early flight through the innovations of World War I and II, incorporating both original artifacts and meticulously crafted replicas to illustrate technological evolution and historical significance.^[29] This scope highlights aircraft such as P-51 Mustangs, representing pivotal contributions to aerial warfare and performance advancements.^[31] Weeks' preservation philosophy prioritizes functional authenticity, viewing flight as essential to an aircraft's enduring legacy and educational impact, supported by ongoing restoration efforts that blend historical fidelity with modern engineering.^[29]^[30]

Notable and Recent Additions

Among the standout aircraft in Kermit Weeks' collection at Fantasy of Flight are three North American P-51 Mustangs, two of which are original wartime examples, including the P-51C Ina the Macon Belle and the P-51D Cripes A'Mighty.^[32]^[33] The collection also features the Short Sunderland, a rare preserved 1944 Mark V model capable of 16-hour patrols used for coastal defense and air-sea rescue during World War II.^[34] Complementing this is the Martin B-26 Marauder, the sole airworthy example worldwide, a 1940 twin-engine medium bomber nicknamed the "Widowmaker" due to its demanding flight characteristics despite its small wing area.^[35]^[36] Other notable pieces include the 1944 Curtiss TP-40N Warhawk, a rare two-seat trainer variant of the fighter made famous by the Flying Tigers, and the 1929 Ford 5-AT Trimotor, an all-metal passenger airliner with three Pratt & Whitney engines that exemplifies early commercial aviation.^[37]^[38] The Sikorsky S-38 replica, painted in the scheme of Osa's Ark used by explorers Martin and Osa Johnson, represents an amphibious biplane from the 1920s era of adventure flying.^[39] Regarding the Grumman J2F Duck amphibious biplanes, Weeks originally held four examples; two were traded for other aircraft, one remains flyable and displayed as Candy Clipper, and the fourth is undergoing restoration to airworthy condition.^[40] In recent years, the collection has seen significant updates emphasizing preservation and expansion. In 2024, Weeks acquired a unique converted Boeing 307 Stratoliner, originally a pioneering pressurized airliner, now repurposed as a houseboat, adding to his diverse collection of modified historic aircraft.^[4] In August 2024, the iconic Douglas DC-3 roadside display, which had stood along Interstate 4 for 25 years, was removed for major repairs due to corrosion and hurricane damage.^[6]^[41] By August 2025, the Northrop Delta 1D arrived at Fantasy of Flight, adding a rare 1930s transport to the holdings.^[42] In September 2025, a Pilatus PC-12 was acquired for restoration, extending the collection's scope to modern utility aircraft as a legacy piece.^[43] That same month, the Lockheed L-1649 Starliner was relocated to accommodate construction of a new hangar, preserving this final Constellation variant for future display.^[5] Earlier in July 2025, progress continued on the Ford 4-AT Trimotor restoration project in Michigan, aiming to return this early 1920s airliner to flight.^[44] These efforts underscore Weeks' ongoing commitment to maintaining airworthy historic aircraft within a collection exceeding 150 examples.^[29]

Personal Life and Ventures

Family and Personal Relationships

Kermit Weeks married Teresa Blazina on May 26, 2000, during a private ceremony in Sedona, Arizona. The couple maintains this tradition by returning to Sedona each year to renew their vows, reflecting a deep personal commitment that integrates into their shared lifestyle.^[1] Weeks and Blazina have one daughter, Katie, born circa 2004. Public details about their family life remain limited, respecting their preference for privacy, though Katie has occasionally appeared in aviation-related family activities. This familial dynamic has influenced the operations of Weeks' aviation projects, with the Fantasy of Flight museum designed as a family-oriented attraction featuring immersive exhibits to engage visitors of all ages and foster shared wonder.^[13]^[1] Central to Weeks' personal philosophy is the view of aviation as a family-inspired pursuit, symbolizing balance, growth, and transcendence that strengthens relational bonds. He emphasizes that family remains his primary focus amid professional endeavors, likening life's journey—including aviation—to a collaborative "fairy tale" requiring harmony, as expressed in his writings: "You need the left, and the right. Because it takes two wings to fly." This perspective underscores how aviation serves not just as a passion but as a medium for inspiring familial exploration and mutual support.^[13]^[45]

Publications and Other Business Interests

Kermit Weeks has authored three children's books as part of the "All of Life Is a School" series, which incorporate aviation themes to impart life lessons. His first book, All of Life Is a School (2008), follows the adventures of Gee Bee Zee, a young racer airplane, as it learns about respect, honesty, and self-discovery through interactions with other aircraft characters.^[46] The book received a Bronze Medal in the Children's Books category (ages 7 and under) at the 2009 Independent Publisher Book Awards.^[1] Weeks' second book, The Spirit of Lindy (2012), continues the series by recounting a fictionalized version of Charles Lindbergh's 1927 transatlantic flight, emphasizing themes of perseverance, courage, and the philosophical aspects of aviation history through the perspective of the Spirit of St. Louis airplane.^[47] It earned a Pinnacle Book Achievement Award for excellence in the Children's Interest category.^[48] His third book, Ostynn the Ostrich and the Fantasy of Flight (2015), introduces Ostynn, the museum's mascot ostrich character, on an adventure at Fantasy of Flight, highlighting themes of curiosity and discovery in an aviation setting. It won a Pinnacle Book Publishing Award in the Best Children's Book category.^[49] Beyond publishing, Weeks diversified his entrepreneurial activities with the launch of Naked in Jamaica, a Jamaican-style spiced rum brand, in 2017. Inspired by a visit to Negril, Jamaica, the rum is produced as a private label by Florida Caribbean Distillers and reflects a casual tropical lifestyle, complete with an accompanying song and cocktail recipes.^[50]^[51] Weeks' aviation pursuits, including his aircraft collection and museums, have been primarily funded by oil and gas royalties inherited from his grandfather, Lewis George Weeks, a prominent petroleum geologist who worked for Standard Oil and discovered major reserves such as the Leduc oil field in Alberta, Canada.^[52] These royalties, stemming from Lewis Weeks' consulting work and estate, provided substantial annual income starting in the mid-1970s, enabling Kermit Weeks to finance his passions without relying solely on aviation-related revenue.^[53]^[2]

Awards and Recognition

Competitive and Professional Honors

Kermit Weeks amassed 20 medals across international aerobatic competitions during his competitive career spanning the 1970s and 1980s.^[3]^[2] These achievements included two U.S. National Aerobatic Championships, highlighting his prowess in unlimited-class events.^[2]^[45] In the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) World Aerobatic Championships, Weeks earned notable placements, such as second overall in 1978 among 61 competitors, securing three silver medals and one bronze.^[1] Over six participations in these championships, he placed in the top three overall five times, contributing to his total medal count.^[2] His performances in custom-built aircraft like the Weeks Special underscored his innovative approach to aerobatic design and execution.^[3] In 2010, Weeks was inducted into the World Acrobatic Society's Gallery of Champions with the Lifetime Acrobatics Achievement Award for his contributions to aerobatics.^[1] Professionally, Weeks received the Bob Hoover Freedom of Flight Award in 2010 from the Living Legends of Aviation for his contributions to aviation education through inspirational piloting and outreach.^[54]^[55] This honor recognized his lifelong dedication to advancing public appreciation of flight, building on his competitive legacy.^[56]

Institutional Inductions and Contributions

In 2005, Kermit Weeks was inducted into the EAA Warbirds of America Hall of Fame for his extensive contributions to the preservation and restoration of historical warbirds, including his role in maintaining and flying a large collection of airworthy vintage aircraft.^[57] This recognition highlighted his lifelong dedication to keeping aviation history alive through meticulous restoration efforts that ensure these aircraft remain operational rather than static displays.^[58] Weeks' impact extended to broader institutional honors, including his 2006 designation as a Living Legend of Aviation by the Kiddie Hawk Air Academy, acknowledging his multifaceted role in advancing aviation education and heritage preservation.^[1] In 2008, he was inducted into the Florida Aviation Hall of Fame by the Florida Aviation Historical Society, celebrating his pioneering work in aircraft collection and public engagement with aviation history.^[59] These inductions underscored his influence in safeguarding Florida's aviation legacy. Through Fantasy of Flight, a nonprofit attraction founded by Weeks in 1995, he has made significant philanthropic contributions to aviation education, offering interactive exhibits and flight experiences that inspire public appreciation for historical aircraft and their stories.^[2] The museum's emphasis on restoration has resulted in numerous airworthy historical planes, supporting educational programs that engage visitors, particularly youth and veterans, in the principles of flight and innovation.^[1] Additional recognitions include the 2012 Lloyd P. Nolen Lifetime Achievement in Aviation Award from Wings Over Houston for his overall impact on aviation heritage.^[55]^[1]

References

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Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, Kermit Weeks grew up in Miami, Florida. His childhood interest in mechanical design and construction evidenced itself early ...
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Weeks, Kermit A. | Gathering of Eagles Foundation
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In little over a decade (1978-88) the Floridian won 20 medals in World Aerobatics Championship competition and finished in the top three worldwide five times.
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### Summary of Kermit Weeks and Naked in Jamaica Rum Launch
[51]
Mad For Airplanes - Forbes
Jan 15, 2001 · The money for all this fun comes from the Weeks Royalty, a 2.5% levy on oil and gas production from the Bass Straits of southeast Australia– ...
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Kermit Weeks Dreams of One Day Rivaling Disney. - Lakeland Ledger
Jul 15, 2002 · Oilfield royalties inherited from his geologist grandfather gushed in, and before long he was collecting more than $100,000 a year. Since ...Missing: gas | Show results with:gas
[53]
KERMIT WEEKS - Living Legends of Aviation
His aerobatics career earned him three silver medals and a bronze at the FAI World Aerobatic championship in 1979 and, over a dozen years, a total of 20 medals ...
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Aviation's living legends named - AOPA
Udvar-Hazy presented the award to Clark. Aviation icon Bob Hoover presented the Freedom of Flight Award named in his honor to Kermit Weeks.
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Fantasy of Flight founder receives aviation honor
AUBURNDALE - Kermit Weeks, founder of the Fantasy of Flight aviation attraction in Auburndale, has received the Bob Hoover Freedom of Flight Award, ...
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Flying Lessons: A Tale of Two Dinners - FLYING Magazine
Apr 29, 2010 · Kermit Weeks won the Bob Hoover Freedom of Flight Award for inspiring people with his message that flight is just a metaphor for the ...
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Hall of Fame | EAA Warbirds of America
Kermit Weeks. At age 16 Kermit Weeks bought a set of drawings for $40 and began construction of his first flyable homebuilt aircraft. He went on to design ...
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2 Polk Men Named To Halls of Fame
Kermit Weeks, the owner of Fantasy of Flight near Polk City, has been named to EAA Warbirds of America Hall of Fame, and Larry Mauro of Mulberry was named to ...
[59]
Aviator Kermit Weeks to Receive Honor - Lakeland Ledger
Dec 11, 2008 · Today, he will garner one more accolade when he and two other aircraft enthusiasts are inducted into the Florida Aviation Hall of Fame.