About us

Displays of airworthy historic aircraft have always been in great demand everywhere in the world. In Belgium the air display scene is reviving, with more air display events taking place every year. Undoubtedly, aviation has been one of the most important technological inventions of mankind. Few innovations have had a bigger impact on human actions and conduct over the last century. Le Passé construit L’avenir as the French rightly say, so it is essential to preserve the history of aviation. Hundreds of aviation museums are beautifully filled with wonderful classic aircraft, but CWoB believes that the best way to present an airplane is by flying it. The fact that so many historic aircraft are maintained in flying condition reflects positively on the enthusiasm of owners and preservation groups. The high attendance at air shows indicates the popularity for display of airworthy historic aircraft.

Classic Wings of Belgium aims at promoting the preservation and flying of historic aircraft, and protecting the interests of its members. CWoB comprises a number of respected pilots as well as several owners of historic aircraft. In addition, other founding members provide the necessary expertise in technical and legal domains related to operating historic aircraft. CWoB seeks to provide knowledge and assistance through its membership in the pursuit of the highest skills and standards of airmanship.

Furthermore, CWoB looks back on many years of experience and has close ties with numerous respected aircraft maintenance facilities and expert engineers in and outside Belgium. Hence, aircraft owners and operators that seek advice in maintenance, repair and other technical aspects relating to all systems on their aircraft will be pointed in the right direction.

The association is not intended to be an elite, and its key words are friendship, enthusiasm and integrity. All dependable, safety-minded and licensed owners and operators of historic, vintage, veteran, heritage and ‘warbird’ aircraft are happily welcomed as potential members. Membership has to be reliable and self-sustaining; otherwise CWoB will not be accepted as a practical organisation with an authoritative voice.

The conduct of air displays lies with air show organisers and the regulatory authorities. CWoB offers to assist organisers in an advisory role to ensure a disciplined and careful approach in the flying of historic aircraft is upheld. At the other end of the scale, CWoB will help aircraft owners and operators who are wishing to participate in air displays of any kind, by managing the bookings and dealing with all administrative obligations required by the display organizer.  

CWoB liaises and negotiates with the Belgian aviation authorities, airfield managers, insurance companies, maintenance facilities and other official organisations on matters affecting the movement as a whole, and on behalf of individual members when necessary. This is a mutual process. CWoB can also provide expert legal and insurance advice through its ties with lawyers and insurance brokers.

Last but not least, CWoB attempts to preserve a workable and acceptable freedom to operate and maintain historic aircraft with reasonable regulatory control.

(foto P. Van Caesbroeck)

Council Members