The federal government represented by the Venezuelan Air Force would like to return El Rio Caroni to the Museum of Aviation in Maracay so that it can be properly conserved under controlled museum conditions. In exchange, the Air Force would give Ciudad Bolivar a life-sized model that is under construction at the museum. Although the airplane has suffered serious damage several times from automobiles and a falling tree, the State of Bolivar refuses to return the airplane to Maracay. photo
Angel who died in Panama in 1956, never dreamed that his airplane would become a national monument or that its care and location would be contentious issue. Many years before, when asked by his friend American pilot Patricia Grant if he wanted his plane taken off Auyan-tepui Jimmie replied, "No, as long as it stays up there, it will be a memory of me."
Note: Karen Angel is the niece of Jimmie Angel and President of the Jimmie Angel Historical Project (JAHP). The JAHP's mission is to provide accurate information about Jimmie Angel. She is working on three books about her uncle: a photo biography for the JAHP; for herself an historical novel and an autobiographical account of her search for the truth about Jimmie Angel.
Guide's Note: Many thanks to Paul Stanley of Angel-Eco Tours, with offices in New York and Caracas, for introducing me to Karen Angel. Gracias!
