Land the CAF Warbird Crew Ultimate Summer Job

Spend the sunny flying season flying around in a piece of history.

Meg Godlewski

Friday, August 07, 2026 at 08:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

B-17G Sentimental Journey. operated by CAF’s Airbase Arizona [Credit: John Guzzie]

Key Takeaways:

To join a Commemorative Air Force (CAF) warbird crew, individuals should first join the CAF and a specific unit, then participate in aircraft maintenance cycles and on-the-job training to demonstrate competency, often without an initial FAA certificate.
CAF crew members tour with historic aircraft like the B-17G, conducting public walk-through tours, offering "Living History Flight Experience" rides, interacting with passengers, and meticulously ensuring aircraft safety and maintenance.
General advice for getting involved with warbirds includes immersing oneself in the aviation environment (e.g., museums, airshows), volunteering, working hard, and building a reputation, as seen with organizations like the EAA and former Collings Foundation staff.

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You know it’s summer when the Commemorative Air Force starts making rounds across the country, bringing its magnificent and rare World War II aircraft to airports and selling rides.

There is hardly a pilot out there who at least once has not been envious of the flight crews who travel around the U.S. in these rare warbirds. Many wonder how to land what may be the ultimate summer job for the WWII aviation enthusiast.