Heavenly Body

Last week, LAX saw a familiar visitor fly in. N8195H, better known as "Heavenly Body" flew into the airport to participate in Flight Path's annual fundraising gala. This particular B-25 Mitchell bomber had visited LAX before, last appearing on our tarmacs and runways in October of 2006, also for a fundraiser. Today, N8195H looks as good as new and is maintained in excellent flying condition by a group of dedicated volunteers, who use the aircraft to further education on the historic B-25 Mitchell to communities it visits around the US as part of its air show circuit participation.

This particular B-25 was produced near the end of World War II, and did not see combat abroad. After its withdrawl from the military's inventory, it went through several ownership changes before coming to call Southern California home. Its current owner purchased the aircraft in 1972, and undertook an extensive restoration on the aircraft from its current home at Van Nuys Airport. When not participating in an air show away from Van Nuys, the aircraft is available for tour as part of its local outreach program. Additional information on Heavenly Body can be found here.

Below, a few pictures of one magnificent B-25J on the ground at LAX.