Wichita ? The Commemorative Air Force Jayhawk Wing is having to look elsewhere for revenue these days as high fuel prices have contributed to fewer air shows asking the group to fly its vintage military aircraft.

Herb Duncan, a Vietnam-era veteran and volunteer for the Wichita-based group, said the lack of income and a doubling of insurance costs for the airplanes has also forced the group to say no to requests from families who would like the wing to do a flyover at veterans’ funerals.

“Due to the economy and high fuel prices, we have yet to go to an air show” this year, Duncan said.

The wing, which is dedicated to restoring and flying older aircraft, typically features its Fairchild PT-23 or it Cessna Bobcat UC-78 at air shows, as well as a trailer selling aviation memorabilia.

The group collects money for both restoring planes and maintenance, but it also wants to start some community programs in the fall, including a flight school for teens ages 13 and 19 and classes to teach children how to build radio-controlled model aircraft.

“We want to keep these kids out of gangs and give them some stability and worthwhileness and a goal in life,” Duncan said.

To replace that revenue, the group put on a fundraiser Saturday with 170 motorcyclists on a three-hour ride through Wichita, Augusta and Mulvane. Phil Giovanni, another wing volunteer, said the turnout was good but “we would like to double it next year.”

The wing also has been successful selling gift certificates over the Internet for trips aboard the old planes. Members said people from as far away as Florida and Texas have planned vacations around taking a 25-minute flight for $75.

“Downtown Wichita is really neat to fly over, and this old airplane is slow,” said Duncan, referring to the open-cockpit Fairchild.