FoF ACT II - Tenth Anniversary Closing - April 6, 2024
Вставка
- Опубліковано 29 вер 2024
- OK, Gang, believe it or not, today is the Tenth Anniversary of Fantasy of Flight ACT II's closing, and I felt the need to create and post this video.
The original facility, which was open for 18 1/2 years, was only ever designed to be my future shop and, unfortunately, was never financially successful. I’ve learned a lot over the years, and I am excited about the future. NO ONE in the aviation community is going to build what I hope to one day, and while the aviation enthusiast will be blown away, I am focusing my efforts on the rest of the Planet. Fantasy of Flight will not be about the flight of airplanes; it will be about “Flight of the Human Spirit!” And, as this concept comes into being, I hope to one day touch the World!
I see a very bright light on the horizon for Fantasy of Flight and for Humanity. For now, I ask that you all continue following your dreams, allow me to follow mine, and just sit back, watch, and allow the energies to unfold!
Kermit Weeks
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Subscribe with link above for notification of future Kermit Weeks videos.
Follow Kermit on Facebook...
/ kermitweeks
Watch all the other Kermit Weeks videos and Kermie Cam's here...
/ kermitweeks444
--------------------------------------------------------------------
We welcome and appreciate the comments of our viewers. Voice your opinion freely and have fun, but please keep the comments civil. We won't allow name calling, bullying or foul language.
Thanks for watching and supporting our channel.
Kermit Weeks
Kermit, Please reflect on all you have done to inspire. My 6 year old son absolutely loves your Curtiss Pusher. I think part of ACTIII is all the wonderful videos you've already given us! My son is exposed to the golden age of aviation because of your important work. Thank you!
Totally agree - ActIII is already up and running!
congrats kermet. i can only imagine what youve got planned. and i wish i couldve experienced acts I and II, and especially act III. a am but a rudderless boat adrift on an uncertain sea. the future looks so dark and foreboding, the world really needs any light you can shine on it. godspeed kermit!!!! godspeed!
Godspeed to you as well. You’ll find your path.
Inspirational and be blessed always! Act III will be sooner, as our energy will be on! Best wishes. Alex
That Naked in Jamaica Rum must be some pretty good stuff.
I bought some from a liquor store off the internet thinking I was getting 2 fifths but ended up getting 2 pints. Shipped to my door was $90! It’s very good rum but you can’t get it anywhere outside of Central Florida and not worth that kind of money. At least in my experience.
Causes people to go into weird New Age religion talk apparently.
Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.
Thank You Kermit for all you have done, and all that may happen in your future.
I get what you mean, most people will not, we must all continue our journey in our own way. Through failures it shows you the way to succeed and challenges you more then you will ever think possible, when you don't push through you never realize your true potential. Once you break that mental and physical barrier in life and realize a new way and to keep going, you will teach yourself anything is possible and the people who join you can see the vision. Then in the future it may bring about more people who bring it all even higher. Keep it going Kermit, passion and courage has allowed you to live this long and get this far and inspire so many others.
Wife and I were there in 2013 it was a beautiful experience
Thank you Kermit for following your aviation dream and allowing others with that dream to join you by visiting your amazing planes and riding along with Kermiecam. I for one will follow your dream for each of us to be our best selves, we all have great potential on this rocketship called earth.
God Bless you Kermit...
I'm hopin' with the channeling you've had with Howard, he will share his wisdom and guidance so we may all experience Act lll the way you've invision it.😊❤
I was fortunate enough to see the Weeks Air Museum before Andrew destroyed it, and Fantasy of Flight before its closing. Really hoping to see the collection again some day.
Thank you Kermit, just the msg I needed this morning as my own life is going through changes.
I Just have one thing to say, from a guy, in my eighties, and neigboord hood😂 since a baby, of a air port, Congonhas, sao paulo, BR.
CONGRATULATIONS FOR THIS HUGE DREAM.
So.......what the hell is your plan Kermit?
I think the plan is up to us,
So how can we contribute?
Happy Landings
Nothing
You mean plane, airplane?
Well said but time is running out what happens to your collection when time does runs out. Dave Tallichet had a dream also. Thanks for saving his flyable B-26 Marauder. Good Luck.
Queue in the song "No Surrender" by Judas Priest
Kermit is a guide for mankind, at least with all things flying. He has that ability to communicate with more than most of us know.
I love FoF.
Am 78yrs old and have been following Kermit and thought him one of the heroes of this mad century for ages now, and yet I gave up at 7'.20" I couldn't stand the tinkling piano muzak behind Kermit's saccharine, palpably heartfelt voiceover anymore.
Moreover those conceptual drawings left me aghast; it looked like FoF will be more a kindergarten than an aviation museum. I should've known, the hints have been evidenced in some of Kermit's off the cuff comments about the future for the last few years. Was he gradually turning mad? No, not at all. But let it be known that visiting museums these days isn't what it used to be. Reverent quiet and inspection/introspection within a carefully curated aviation themed environment centred on humankind's wondrous craft to create the flying machine that culminated in men flying to the moon: incredible. But Kermit's vision is anything but reverent, and sounds like it might be a Disneyfied descent into the callow wilderness that signals and confirms culture rot, i.e., kowtowing to the lowest common denominator.
Yes, I know, probably Kermit doesn't want his project to be a museum, in that case I wish him all the best. A wee bit saddened, I'll leave it at that.
I think it's quite simple really. Kermit wants people who don't care about aviation to fall in love with aviation, the people who already have an interest already have places they can visit. Is he mad? Yes! Will it work? Who knows! But people who don't take risks end up doing nothing with their lives. All of the new innovative things we have, past and present, are due to people being "mad" and doing things others consider crazy, its these people who push the envelope and take the risk to create new things. I guess what I'm saying is, he got to this point with goals and dreams, building his own plane In a garage at 16, winning medals for his flying, building a museum and restoring some of the most important planes that exist, all of which people would have called him crazy for. Kermit still has goals and a dreams, even at 70, and I for one hope he gets it, and if he doesn't at least he didn't give up!
Kermit I believe in everything your doing ill take on that charge. my friend your amazing
Hey Kermit, you should look at investing into VR flying experience for the public this way people get to realise their dreams of flight but also get to see and hear the real aircraft on display. I personally have built an exact 1-1 scale fully operational cockpit interior of a P-51D Mustang that I use in VR it makes your dreams come true.. just an idea you might consider imagine a fleet of 1-1 scale cockpits of different aircraft types that people could fly with VR and experience their dreams.
That would be an amazing traveling airshow attraction.
Keep up the hard work Kermit!
Thank you Kermit. Thank you for your journey and discovery of your path through life and allowing your dreams to present themselves, and light a path for your vision.
Kermit, till tomorrow. And for the Nay Sayers, "All but six!"
Well done Kermit, and thanks for your hard work.
It's funny because Kermitt is always quite clear when he speaks.
Always hope I’ll get there someday…
Don't bite off more than you can chew, and enjoy your life.=)
Kermit, I have never heard you talk about it, but do you have any children or family members that are interested in continuing your legacy in the future?
You have done a awesome job
Im first!!!!! Love all you're planes kermit
HEY BROTHER I'm 70 now also, and have been a fan for many years, I'm not going to jump ship , Ill hold down the dream from here in Arizona, !! I will stay subscribed until you tell me to unsubscribe !!!
You are the man Kermit.
👍👌
I see now how that Howard Hughes boat contraption might fit into future plans ...
I live in Plant City and so miss FOF. I'm 67 and disabled but grew up around aviation. I can't wait to see act III up and running. Promotion is the key. We need to get the name out there in front of people and make them want it.
He can't be this vague unless it's on purpose. Weird as this was, I love his airplane collection. Maybe move it away from the crowd-sucking mega entertainment centers at Orlando to somewhere like Oshkosh or Dayton where people will appreciate it more and hire a team of young guns like Musk did at Space X to move your "dream" further.
I mean sun n fun is like 8 miles away
Hmm… I get it , didn’t get the grants and endowments expected. I guess partnering with Disney was out of the question? Surprised he hasn’t tried to get agreement with Smithsonian (government $$$) I guess that would bring more oversight
I don’t get it
Sad
Trying too hard to say something epic and earth shattering but falls short. How about just pretending that no one knows what you’re trying to say and just offer a plain and simple explanation of your vision.
So the money mommy and daddy gave you every week from the oil industry was your cash cow?
Rude
a jealous loser looking to lower others in order to not feel like the bottom dweller you are... it doesn't work it just makes you more and more bitter hating others who actually accomplished what you never have nor will
Cash cow used to purchase aircrafts and rebuild them!!! I wonder if in his cosmic subconsciousness he feels a bit regrets that his motives were selfish spending millions instead that used those funds to help humanity
I find this video really weird. I can't figure out if the place is closing now or if this is reminiscing about when it was closing in 2014 and about a wonderful future. It's very nicely produced but has left me knowing less than when I started watching.
13 minutes and I still have no idea what he's talking about...
That’s odd, because I understand exactly what he’s talking about.
Glad to see more people finally saying this. Dude has turned into an absolute crack pot and surrounded himself with “yes men” on this project. No one’s telling him that it makes no sense.
He has some lengthy videos explaining exactly what he is doing if I remember right a year or more ago.
@@gardy90he’s been moving the goal posts on Act 3 for almost a decade and it’s gotten weirder and weirder every year.
I guess your just stupid then
I'm 68 and have had my own set of dreams come and go. One thing I learned is that although I am more than capable, I have not been very successful doing things by myself. Now I realize you have worked with many, many people in the past. But your videos are full of old people. I think you need to involve more of the very people you are trying to reach. Young people have time and they don't have many immediate needs. These are the people you should recruit to finish your dream. You finish your dream, by letting others make it their dream. You empower them to make it what THEY want it to be. Set some parameters, some requirements and let their minds work. I think even if you didn't live to see what it becomes, the smile on your face when that time comes will be real. You will have reached your goal of touching other lives. You don't always get what you want. But if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need. Good luck!!
Good advice. But he still needs to move his collection somewhere else.
I'm not sure what is sadder - an art collection which is hidden - or - forgotten.
What was this a confession? an obituary or an ad for a charity? Im glad you know kermit.
? DOnt know what this video its all about are you closing or continue
Nothing personal Kermit, 99% of people like your aircraft, not your spirituality.
Sorry man, you’ve become less and less coherent talking about this Act 3 thing.
Saying you’re building a cathedral, “I’m exactly where I need to be now as the energies continue to unfold”. Delusions of grandeur.
Yep as he gets older, the weird New Age religion talk it’s even weirder.
THANK YOU KERMIT WEEKS ! We are so hungry to see the Tempest V FLY !!!!
I remember FoF fondly. My dad and I would go every summer in the brutal heat of August (idk why but that’s always when it happened, maybe tickets were cheaper) and FoF is a big reason why I pursued aviation as a career. Honestly I wish it was still around as it was 10 years ago because it was such a cool experience for aviation enthusiasts.
And I understand Kermit never made a dime on FoF. Museums don’t make money, and that’s why theyre usually run by philanthropic groups, on donations, or on tax dollars: because theyre essential for educating, but not something people spend their hard-earned money on.
Not sure what Act III was ever supposed to be, and honestly I want to think I understand what Kermit is on about since I understand the relativity between aviation/human flight and achieving the impossible and following your dreams etc etc… but i dont think audio tours while sitting in a cockpit is the way to portray that idea…
I have been to Fantasy of Flight twice and had plans for future visits with my son that just moved down to Florida. I love the collection of aircraft you have lovingly restored and maintain. Some of these are my all time favorite aircraft. Thank you so very much! I look so very forward to phase three. I will be there!
If it means anything, I'd like to tell you that, as a Canadian aircraft enthusiast and modelmaker, I had the opportunity to visit FOF back in 1996, and I was thrilled with all of your great presentations. For me it was better than Disney. I pray that your dream and that museum open to the public never dies but instead flourishes, and I wish you nothing but the very best in your future plans. God bless you Kermit Weeks.
You Go Go Go Kermit! Amazing,,, keep History Alive Kermit!!! We'll bounce into the Future with you!!!
Hi Kermit! Thank you for inspiring my family (especially my son Joey). We just visited this month (August) and had a wonderful time touring the facility and meeting you. Our guide was WONDERFUL. Looking forward to Act III! 🎉
Just know that you and FoF had a massive poistive impact on my life. Will always appreciate you for who you are and what you do.
Hi Kermit! I was there on April 7th. I’m a year older than you an have terminal cancer. I was happy to tour with my children and grand children and show them what I love! Aviation!
Thanks. Hang in there. You’ll tour Act III when it opens.
I just want to see an airplane project finished & flying. (Frankly, I think the cheese has done slid off his cracker.)
Kermit is a great man. I will never forget meeting him randomly on one of my visits to FoF. To stand there and shake his hand and thank him for what he has done. Is a day I will never forget. Flying that PT-17 was the greatest thing for me to do.
So what is the plan? Did i miss that? Closing up shop?
He never said he was too busy doing his new age religion talk.
This guy is an extraordinary aircraft Restoration and preservation purest, And his heart and soul is sold out to this industry and we are all the great recipients of that. He has had the ability over decades to acquire and sometimes lose these precious often air worthy vehicles that he just does not want to see slip into obscurity, but remain in history for all of us. But it can be an enormous load to carry, not just Finding parts and personnel.But sometimes as it appears feeling like it's a bottomless financial pit.Trying to just support something he does not want to see slip away... But his collection is by far one of our most extraordinary in the nation. Unfortunately, upcoming generationsJust will not really care about.They're much more involved in virtual reality and artificial intelligence Than classic aircraft and history
Never had a Chance to Visit FOF ! But I had some Friends Who Did and Were Very Impressed ! Many Historic Aircraft Were Saved By Him ! For that Reason Alone, I will Honor and Respect Him !
Good luck Mr weeks keep going forward❤
That’s too bad that your dream may not come to fruition in your lifetime. You once told me about your connection to 8 billion people, through your travels will say. I’m still a firm believer that your vision is possible all be it on a less grander scale. Truly inspiring story of what you have achieved.
Very powerful video Kermit! I hope your stars align for you very soon! I visited your Lite museum last July and met you there. I maintain hope for your continued success with Act 3! Jerry
Hare Krishna's got banned at airports - so he's built his own
Kermit, you and Fantasy of Flight have been a source of pride for Susan and me. You were always one of the attractions for our Family and Friends when they came to visit. By the way, your RUM is good, too. All the best to you and F of F. We’ll keep watching!! The Brinkman’s / Clermont, FL.
Back in the early 80s, I kept a Cessna 172 (N80200) at Trent Martin's place, Carib Aviation at Tamiami Airport - on the ramp very close to some of your vintage airplanes. Even then, in aviation you were larger than life . . . and you still are today. Such a passion for aviation and airplanes. Such an unparalleled ability to find, acquire, and rebuild airplanes. And an ability to keep aviation history alive in our hearts. Thank you, Kermit. Thank you for pressing through the hard times, like Hurricane Andrew which turned TMB into an aluminum scrap yard, and continuing to keep the Fantasy of Flight moving forward and on the map.
"Short intermission?" Ten years is a long haul kiddo- I've only ever been to Museum-Lite, never got to see the daily Flights, and hope I get to hear and see the Fiesler Storch fly in person before I die........
Could you possibly do a tour of the museum? I never got to visit the big museum and I think it would be cool to see it.
I met you in your restaurant when our table tipped (it had not been attached properly) you made your way through the crowd, got on your back under the table and fixed it. I was (and still am) SO IMPRESSED with your vision and your “let’s find a.way” attitude. I wonder if Howard Hughes spirit is channeling through you?
I've decided to close, but it'll just go back to being my own insane personal shop. Kermit has the best garage ever
Thankful I was able to visit FoF when it was open. I was amazed by all the air worthy planes. All of the crate engines and projects. Best of luck.
I've been to FOF in Florida and love aviation and warbirds in general but I don't get it. America needs new qualified talented pilots and everything that goes with it. Why not build a training center ? Oh well the planes are cool anyway. Good Luck
GURU - KERMIT GONE NEWAGEISH ..??? Talkin in 360° riddles, sniffing 4 premonitions, soul searchin in verbal diamond formation ...Could be a pep talk commercial 4 the campaign trail ...if aviation had a president and cherry blossoms would never die ...Sth s up - 4 sure. It s the eclipse showtime !! Transformations in the horizon ...
"Straighten Up & Fly Right" would be the piper s tune ...
I finally had the chance to visit FOF on feb-23 this year . what a super experience and wonderful time.
Felt a little biblical. But more power to you brother! I look forward to the next phase!
New age bible maybe.
Kermit, I am excited to see how Act 3 unfolds. If it was not for you and your passion, 90% of the planes in your collection would have been melted down for scrap metal and forgotten about forever, their history lost. Forget the naysayers comments, they did not and cannot walk your path. Since I was a little boy, before you even thought of FoF, I like many others believed in the FoF. I have some ideas on how to involve a younger generation, feel free to ping me. Keep up yhe good work!
You mean the lanc he broke up and sold off?
I have loved vintage aircraft for most of my life. I have known WWI and WWII PILOTS. My heros in aviation have been Frank Tallman, James Appleby, and you Kermit. BTW, I have two years on ya.
Have known Kermit since he came to Polk co. He is a great guy and I hear great to work for too. We have had enjoyable experiences with him around Bluegrass music and up in the air. Love FoF. I am 9 years older Kermit, Billie is your age.
Have you become religious? You've simply been blessed with money most people don't have that oppertunity!
There is no chance of
comparing a “ Aviation Museum “
and there are many coast
to coast with
“ StarBase and StarShip “
Gateway to the 🪐 Planets.
Salute 🫡 Mr. Elon Musk !!
Thank You for your leadership and dedication to
the history of aviation.
Mr. Kermit Weeks.
"Im going forward into the future knowing I'll reconnect with my past" um, ok.
I dig your philosophy Kermit. I'll be there when the next chapter begins.
Fantasy of Flight has been my happy place from the day I discovered it many years ago. Whenever I'm in Florida, no matter what part of the state I'm in, I manage to find my way there, if even for a a few hours and even after it severely curtailed operations in 2014. Only the Air & Space Museum in DC possibly compares for me. I am a pilot so I suppose I'm part of that focused group that have been loyal visitors over the years but even if I weren't I would still come because it's not just about airplanes, it's about history, and innovation, it's about the human spirit and what we're capable of, good and bad I suppose, but mostly good. And most importantly it's about dreams. I thank you Mr. Weeks for the endless hours of wonder I've spent there and intend to spend there in future visits. Please stay the course, it's the kind of place people need, even if they don't all realize it yet.
Well the young people of today are far removed from what you and i think about Kermit....l am in my 80's but when you take the want of life there is nothing left thanks.....
Old F-4 Shoe🇺🇸 family...
Man, I love the videos, but I almost fell asleep holding my beer. I feel like we all need a hug
I remember going to FoF in around 2000 and seeing a crashed Mit. Zero in the entrance, that always stayed with me, very emotive. Wishing you the very best, Be Lucky Kermit. From the UK.
No that bright light he saw was not the eclipse
…meanwhile… deap thoughts
Kermit: Love your passion for aviation and the great work you have done with Fantasy of Flight. We met twice at FoF. However, after viewing this video, I am confused about what your Vision and Plan are for Act III. Your intended Act III is unclear. Is it to close FoF, due to financial unviability? Or to grow FoF into the future? Or did I simply miss something entirely in this message? Clarity, please. Thanks!
I totally miss FoF.
I relish the vision of you purchasing and landing a PBM-5A on Lake Madeline.
I had the pleasure of boarding and inspecting a fully restored PBM at the Pima Air Museum while attending my Dad's Navy Reunion in 2009.
US Pacific Fleet Patrol Squadron 50, the Blue Dragons, His squadron was named the Blue Dragon because their hangar was next to the Blue Angeles in the early 1950's
If you have no idea what Kermit feels, then Aviation is not part of who you are.
Kermit, I’ve followed you from Homestead to Orlampa, and had one great chance to visit Fantasy of Flight in 2010. What an adventure you’ve had, and it’s been more of the personal type - to me you’re not this famous super-star, you’re just an aviation lover who managed to live his dream and let the public in on it! I was so disappointed when you closed down FOF, but since then, I’ve watched you build your collection and save our aviation heritage. Whatever you end up doing, you’ll do it with your love of this hobby. Just keep us in the loop!😎
Damn. Thankyou! 17 years old USAF mechanic .From England. Cousin Lancaster Squadron Leader1 Squadron shot down in Holland LM320 Phillip Turgel. May He Never Grow Old. Airplanes have been my life and fantasy. 60 now and 40 years at AAL. Thank you for keeping it going. I planned on coming to your to see your collection but it closed. You rock and I appreciate you and your taking advantage of things to promote aviation. Thank you. Tracey, My Daughter has that tatoo on her arm. Literally new a lovely Lady named Tilly. She worked in WW11 on B24 and Dc3's
Well Kermit, you made an impact n brought forward some historical gems to live on beyond yours, we only get 80-90 year here if we are lucky so it's nice that a part of you will live on for sure.
Your main mantra has helped me out in making decisions "you know what it is"
Get a bit of flying in when you can , before you get to old 😆.
Congratulations on your achievements n contributions to important historical aircraft 👍👍. Thanks 👌
Having the money to do this would be incredibly neat
Fantasy of Flight was one of the best aviation experiences I've ever seen. It's hard to believe it's been 10 years since closing. I can't wait to see what's on the horizon for the next phase of FOF!
Not sure what your future plans are Kermit but I hope you keep putting out the footage of some of these incredible aircraft,
I was hoping to call in while visiting sun n fun and get some naked in Jamaica,
Ah well all the best whatever you do