Grimes Flying Lab Foundation Anniversary Celebration

Aviation Trail
Jun 28
2 min read

Report on June 7, 2025 Event:

On June 7, 2025 the Grimes Flying Lab Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the Flying Lab’s historic visit to the International Paris Air Show in France. The fun-filled event was held from 9am to 4 pm on the grounds of Historic Grimes Field (Urbana Municipal Airport) located at 1636 North Main Street, Urbana, Ohio 43078. The public viewed the restored Beech 18 twin engine airplane up close and learned more about the impact aircraft lighting technology has had in aviation safety. Beyond the featured plane, the daylong event included special merchandise to commemorate the historic flight, raffles, food, bi-plane rides and meet and greets with former Grimes Manufacturing Company employees.

An Historic Flight

On May 15, 1975, The Grimes Flying Laboratory Beech 18 took off from Grimes Field and headed to the 31stAnnual International Paris Air Show at Le Bourget. The aircraft was piloted by Earl Bennett, who followed the Trans-Atlantic route, during this historic three-month, 3,451-mile journey. The logistics of preparing for such a trip involved many months of preparation, including, but not limited to overhauled Pratt and Whitney engines; installation of extra fuel tanks, automatic direction finder, a special high frequency radio transmitter, a 70-pound survival kit and a signal generator.

Grimes Flying Lab Beech 18 with special event decals • Photo credit HM Photography • Furnished by Grimes Flying Lab Foundation

The main purpose for the Flying Lab to be present at the International Paris Air Show was to showcase Grimes Manufacturing Company’s external aircraft navigational and landing lights as they were actually used, not in simulation, but graphically and comparatively in the air. The twin engine airplane was equipped as a demonstration and test vehicle for various forms and designs of aircraft lighting for use in differing weather and visibility conditions. Grimes hoped to expand into the overseas market by capitalizing on this marketing opportunity.

See the Grimes Flying Lab facebook page at www.facebook.com/GrimesFlyingLab

for posts and more photos from this event.

About The Grimes Flying Lab Foundation

The Grimes Flying Lab Beech 18 twin engine airplane is currently maintained by the Grimes Flying Lab Foundation and tireless volunteers, whose main mission is to use the restored aircraft to educate the public on the history of aircraft lighting and the contributions of Grimes Manufacturing Company (and successor companies) to not only aircraft lighting, but flight safety. Please connect with us on Facebook, Instagram or through our website.