Warbird News

[DaveM]

Tim Savage Acquires Historic Western Airlines DC-3

Tim Savage, warbird collector and long-time publisher of Warbird Digest, has acquired Douglas DC-3 NC33644, intending to fly the airplane to Europe in May 2024 as part of the D-Day Squadron to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the invasion of France on June 6, 1944.​

Delivered to United Airlines as a DC-3-197E in April 1941, NC33644 was briefly impressed into the military after Pearl Harbor before being sold to Western Air Express in August 1942. While it never received a military serial number, documents filed with the Civil Aviation Authority in 1942 say that was being returned from military service with no interior as it was used as a freight airplane. Western Air Express apparently operated it on military cargo contracts throughout the war because further paperwork was filed with the CAA for approval for the installation of an airline interior.​

Western Air Express was eventually renamed Western Airlines and used the DC-3 for 16 years as ship #102 until 1958, and the original call sign is still in great shape on the overhead console in the cockpit. The rest of the interior is still in Western motif, with embroidered Indian heads on each seat.

After its service with Western Airlines, it was briefly owned by Shaikh Duaij Salman, of the ruling Sabah family of Kuwait, with a British registration of G-APKO, but the transaction was never completed. Instead, it was sold to Catalina Pacific Airlines who held it for a year or so, before continuing on to Standard Airways. From there it bounced around between several owners until Golden State Air Lines began operating it in 1972. It remained with them until 1979, and at the end looked rather derelict at Van Nuys Airport, California sans engines. A few more ownership changes ensued before ex-Western Airlines pilot Mike Kimbrell of Oakwood, Washington purchased it. He returned it to its 1940s Western markings and operated N33644 from 1992 until 2016. During that time, he flew with his large family regularly to Oshkosh.​

Following Kimbrell’s guardianship, Arkansas Round Motor operated the NC33644 for a couple of years before the founders of the Mountain Flying Museum purchased it in 2019. The Missoula, Montana-based museum was scrambling to get their C-47, Miss Montana, ready to fly to Normandy for the D-Day Squadron’s 75th Anniversary trip. It became apparent that the C-47 would not be available in time to train the crews necessary to make the Atlantic crossing. Thus, NC33644 would enable to the team to make the date, and it served that role well.

While the museum has a very large facility, two DC-3/C-47s take up a lot of space. Since Miss Montana is very historic to the area, it was always the intent to retain it for the museum. With the Western bird surplus to requirements, it was placed on the market.

New owner Tim Savage picks up the story. “I first went to Normandy with my son on a D-Day to the Rhine tour in 2014. I remember seeing the National Warplane Museum flying their C-47 over the beach during that trip. I thought it would be cool to be able to do that. We went back to Normandy for the anniversary again in 2015, and I saw some of the European-based C-47s flying over St. Mère Eglise, and I thought again … how cool would that be? I started casually looking around for an airplane to take in 2019, but I was busy with my business and didn’t have time to dedicate to it. My son and I made the trip by airline again in 2019 and were able to go to the drop zone and watch the D-Day Squadron do its thing. I figured I had missed the opportunity to participate in such an epic event. However, I sold my business in the fall of 2019, which freed up my time to pursue such a venture. I kept my eye out for a suitable airplane, but nothing appeared on the market. When the Western DC-3 came up for sale, I went out and looked at it and decided that while C-47s were pretty cool, having a fully decked-out airliner in its original markings was a better long-term acquisition. I made the deal through Mark Clark at Courtesy Aircraft and we brought the airplane home in November 2023. While I was disappointed in not being able to do it in 2019, holding off for five years has turned out to be a great opportunity. Since 2019 my twenty-two-year-old son, Job, has become an accomplished aviator and recently obtained his DC-3 type rating. So, he will be able to fly for part of the trip. He hadn’t even soloed when we went to Europe in 2019!”​

Larry Lumpkin (L) and Job Savage (R)

Currently, the team is deep in the throes of preparing the airplane for the trans-Atlantic flight. While NC33644 is at Integrity Aviation in Kissimmee, Florida having a new panel installed with a new suite of Garmin avionics and ECI engine management consoles, Savage’s team is replacing all the hoses and making sure she is in the best shape possible. Tim’s intent is to continue to preserve NC33644’s Western Airlines heritage as a 1940s airliner.​

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[DaveM]

The Nature of WWI Aircraft – Javier Arango & Philip Makanna

The Nature of WWI Aircraft – Javier Arango & Philip Makanna​

Review by Richard Mallory Allnutt​

A magnificent new book has arrived which will prove essential reading for anyone interested in WWI aviation:

The Nature of World War I Aircraft – Collected essays by Javier Arango with Photography by Philip Makanna

Populated with richly informative, beautifully written prose from the late and much-missed Javier Arango alongside marvelous images by the legendary photographer Philip Makanna, this book describes Javier’s experiences resurrecting, flying and testing numerous Great War-era aircraft types. It is also filled with the detailed, yet clearly explained engineering and historical knowledge which Arango gained during that process. Perhaps most importantly, Arango’s explanations of his flight testing serve as a literal bridge to the past, opening a window of understanding for more properly interpreting the contemporary stories of WWI flyers.

A Harvard-trained science historian and highly experienced pilot, Javier Arango possessed a long-held passion for the early years of powered flight and, in particular, the aircraft which saw service during WWI. This fascination proved so powerful that he dedicated much of his adult life towards learning how these elegant, but ever-so-fragile war machines were built and flown. Powered flight was barely a decade old in that era, and Arango quickly understood how contemporary aircraft designs were mostly the result of iterative experimentation rather than careful study and mathematical precision; aircrew being the guinea pigs in this process!​

Javier Arango in his Fokker D.VIII. (photo by Philip Makanna)

But precious few original Great War-era flying machines remain, with barely a handful capable of flight. Furthermore, little documentation which describes the methods used to build these aircraft survive, nor the reasoning behind many engineering choices. And as with so many aspects of history, time has a way of amplifying myth and mistruth, which sometimes obscure the actual facts beneath them. Arango realized that to better understand WWI aviation he had to dig in to primary source material on the matter rather than rely on more recent interpretations. But after sifting through countless contemporary accounts of those who had built and flown these machines in WWI, Arango also arrived at the belief that the only way to gain proper understanding for their experiences was by going through the demanding process of manufacturing and flying faithful replicas of their aircraft – powered by authentic engines. Indeed, as Arango stated:

“The knowledge that comes from direct experience transcends the particular object and provides insights into history in general.”

Therefore, collaborating with master craftsman Chuck Wentworth, Javier Arango endeavored to reproduce (and fly) some of the best and most authentically-built examples of 24 different WWI aircraft designs. Furthermore, with Richard Galli, he organized the precise reproduction of ten 110hp LeRhone rotary engines to power some of these airframes, while using refurbished originals for most of the others.

Arango set about evaluating his aircraft to learn more about them and, as a consequence, those who once flew them a hundred or so years earlier. For instance, while performing a series of instrumented flight tests in his Sopwith Camel, he was able to debunk a number of long-held, but mistaken beliefs about the design. He also discovered a framework for interpreting how pilots described the aircraft during its heyday, writing eloquently about his discoveries as follows:

“A Sopwith Camel in flight has a mixed nature, half human and half machine. WWI pilots became part of the machine… As we compared what pilots reported to what we actually measured [in our flight testing], it became evident that understanding their words required a context we lacked. Even though WWI pilots were speaking English, they were using a different language from our own, a century later…

Our vocabulary includes the terms roll, bank, turn, turn rate, spiral, etc. WWI pilots did not have standardized terminology, so their words did not have a constant meaning. They belonged to one of the first generations of pilots, so they were inventing the terminology as they were experiencing it… they often resorted to exaggerations in order to emphasize a point. Context is critical to understanding, and, unfortunately, the written sources simply assume a common context without defining it explicitly… Testing the Camel provided us that context, with a translation mechanism allowing us to reinterpret the WWI pilots’ language more precisely…

WWI airplanes can act as a Rosetta Stone, helping us understand the past by deciphering the meaning of their pilots’ words. Restoring the airplanes, working with them, and flying them also teach us that these airplanes were very much extensions of their pilots. The relationship between a pilot and his flying machine in WWI was still symbiotic. The capabilities of each airplane depended on the skill of its pilot, and what the pilot dared to do depended on the characteristics of his airplane.”

And this is but a small flavor of the insight you will find in this extraordinary book. Other than those who saw combat in the skies over Europe and the Mediterranean during the Great War, it is hard to imagine more than a handful of people over the past century who had a greater understanding than Javier Arango for the history, technology and flight characteristics of WWI aircraft, nor the ability to so ably describe them.

[Author’s note: From a personal perspective, reading the book gave me greater appreciation for what two of my own great uncles experienced as pilots with the Royal Flying Corps during WWI. I will always be grateful to Javier for that.]

Sadly, Arango’s quest for the truth eventually cost him his life when the elevator malfunctioned on his Nieuport 28 in April, 2017. While the replica Great War aircraft in his collection now lie dormant, and his two ultra-rare originals have moved to the Smithsonian, Arango’s wife, Antonieta, was determined to share the vital knowledge about WWI aviation which Javier had uncovered. With the collaboration of his friends and colleagues, she collected Javier’s essays and numerous other writings together into this book. It is an exceptional document, and a worthy legacy of Arango’s work.​

A view of the table of contents for the book alongside one of Phil Makanna’s magnificent photographs.

The book itself is superb in every regard, from its layout design through to the quality of its production values. With a print run of only 1,000 copies and a price point of just US$30, it is sure to sell out very quickly. It is on sale exclusively through Philip Makanna’s Ghosts website at the link below.

The Nature of World War I Aircraft – Collected essays by Javier Arango with Photography by Philip Makanna

​

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[DaveM]

Christmas During WWII

by Kaitlyn Crain Enriquez – National Archives

In honor of the holiday season, the Unwritten Record of the National Archived presented Navy, Army, Marine, and Air Force (AAF) photographs that highlight the various ways in which service members spent Christmas between the years 1941 and 1944.​

Navy​

Following their Christmas Day dinner, officers and crew of USS Enterprise (CV-6) staged an impromptu entertainment on the hangar deck, with everyone invited. Here the Air Officer, Comdr. Thomas J. Hamilton (USN) addresses the spectators and delivers the Yuletide greeting from Capt. Mathias B. Gardner.” Date: December 25th, 1943

On Christmas Day, Santa Claus arrives aboard the USS Enterprise (CV-6) in a TBM Avenger dive bomber with six torpedo planes bearing the names of his steeds, to distribute gifts. Lt. Louis L. Bangs (Air Group 10) plays the part. “Vexen” in the background.” Date: December 5th, 1943.

U.S. Marine Corps​

Christmas Eve in Bougainville was a Holy one. Here, Marines kneel in prayer in a cemetery, where their buddies who fell in combat are buried. Church services are held, following the memorial service. In the background, Marines can be seen wandering among the graves, looking for their lost friends.” Photographer: Kettler. Date: December 24th, 1943.

Merry Christmas is the title of Chaplain Rabun’s sermon as he delivers it to the men of the 1st Battalion, 9th Marines while standing under the sign Merry Christmas made by the 1st Battalion Marines. Bougainville.” Photographer: Sgt. R. Robbins. Date: December 25th, 1943.

U.S. Army Air Corps​

While still on alert duty, S/Sgt. J.A. Muller, Cpl. John W. Coleman, and Cpl. L.B. Thomas of the 16th Fighter Squadron, 51st Fighter Group, consume their Christmas dinner on the field at a base somewhere in China.” Photo by: 7th Photo Tech. Squadron, 8th Reconn. Group. Date: December 25th, 1942.

Banshee pilots with their Christmas present to Hirohito – a gaily decorated bomb attached to the wing of a 10th Air Force fighter plane. Burma.” Date: December 24th, 1944

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[DaveM]

CAF A-26B Invader Night Mission Update

By Gary Daniels and Zac Yates

The A-26B (s/n41-39427/N240P) is the namesake for the Commemorative Air Force A-26 Invader Squadron, which was formed in February 2009 to restore the aircraft to flying condition. Once known as Spirit of Waco, after the extensive work reported by Vintage Aviation News was completed the aircraft was finished in the Korean War color scheme of the B-26B of Captain John S. Walmsley, Jr, the United States Air Force’s only bomber pilot Medal of Honor recipient during that conflict. The aircraft is based at Fort Worth Meacham International Airport in Texas, sharing hangarage with the Vintage Flying Museum (VFM).​

In Spring 2021 the unit’s leader Steve Swift, one of Night Mission’s pilots and a trained A&P mechanic, formed a team to perform a precautionary teardown on the Invader’s left Pratt & Whitney R-2800 engine. During the work, the team found some issues and sent the engine to Anderson Aeromotive in Grangeville, Idaho. During engine removal, a left nacelle structural member was also found to be damaged so a new unit was fabricated by Ezell Avionics in Breckenridge, Texas.

Steve and fellow A-26 pilot Pat Mahaffey told Vintage Aviation News that the team took advantage of the opportunity presented by the vacant firewall to install new hoses, and the oil cooler is ready to be refitted.​

Night Mission is one of three Invaders on the CAF’s inventory, the others being A-26B 41-39230/N9682C Lady Liberty (the 130th of the type off the production line and the oldest airworthy example) flying with the Lady Liberty Squadron at Long Beach, California; and A-26C 44-35643/N626SH Lil Twister, operated by the Sierra Hotel Sponsor Group of Guthrie/Edmond Oklahoma Municipal Airport, Oklahoma, which after more than 21 years of rebuild work flew again in November 2020 (as reported by Vintage Aviation News). There are believed to be about 20 airworthy examples of the type worldwide.​

It is also one of two Invaders housed at the VFM, the other being the B-26K Counter Invader 64-17679/N4988N Special Kay, and for some time folks in the hangar would get confused between them. Steve and Pat explained that when discussing the two aircraft theirs would be referred to as “the black airplane”, and so they jokingly nicknamed it “BUBA” – the Big Ugly Black Airplane!

The repaired R-2800 is now back at Meacham and will be re-hung on the airframe in January or February, to fly again sometime in Spring 2024. Further inspection of the airframe and engines will be carried out in early Winter 2024.​

To support the Commemorative Air Force A-26 Invader Squadron click HERE.​

Night Mission taxies in after another successful sortie at the 2016 Fort Worth AirPower Airshow, a sight enthusiasts should get to see again this coming airshow season. Photo by Gary Daniels

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[DaveM]

Christmas With The Mighty Eighth

Christmas in the 8th Air Force during World War II would have been a mix of both challenges and attempts to bring some holiday cheer to the servicemen stationed in Europe. The 8th Air Force, part of the United States Army Air Forces, played a crucial role in the strategic bombing campaign against Nazi Germany.​

Christmas at the 385th Bomb Group. From the Herbert O. Hamilton Collection, National Museum of the Mighty Eighth Air Force

Mission continuity, the 8th Air Force was heavily engaged in combat operations during the winter months of the war. December 1944, for example, marked the Battle of the Bulge, a major German counteroffensive. Pilots and crew members were often on high alert, and missions were conducted regardless of holidays.​

The adverse weather conditions didn’t help. Winter weather in Europe could be harsh, with cold temperatures and inclement weather affecting flying conditions. Operations during winter posed additional challenges for aircrews. The single biggest problem of the 8th Air Force Bomber Command during World War II was not German fighters, nor German anti-aircraft fire, nor American equipment or personnel or command; it was bad weather. Read our recent article about the Experimental Scouting Force.​

The P-51 Mustang (serial number 44-14783) flown by Captain Andrew Fuller, of the 3rd Scouting Force. The green and yellow chequered pattern on the nose, denotes that the 3rd Scouting Force was attached to the 55th Fighter Group. Photo via NARA

Despite the challenges, efforts were made to celebrate Christmas. There were attempts to provide a festive atmosphere on the airbases. Decorations, Christmas trees, and holiday meals were organized to boost morale. Servicemen often received care packages from home, which might have included small gifts, letters, and treats. These packages were a source of comfort and connection to loved ones during the holidays.​

The Christmas tree adds a festive note to the party given for British children by men of the 401st Bomb Group at an 8th Air Force base in England.” Date: December 25th, 1943

Military chaplains conducted religious services, and efforts were made to accommodate the diverse religious backgrounds of the servicemen. Christmas services provided a sense of normalcy and a moment for reflection. Special entertainment programs were organized when possible. This could include visits from USO (United Service Organizations) performers, music shows, or movie screenings to provide a break from the stresses of war. Many servicemen found solace in the camaraderie of their fellow soldiers. Sharing the holiday season with comrades helped create a sense of family away from home.​

The holiday season likely prompted reflection on the sacrifices made and the importance of their mission. Servicemen displayed remarkable resilience and dedication to their duty during challenging times.

It’s important to note that the experiences varied among individuals and units, and not every airman in the 8th Air Force would have experienced Christmas in the same way. The wartime context added a layer of complexity to the holiday season, but efforts were made to bring a sense of normalcy and holiday spirit to those serving far from home.​

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[DaveM]

CAF Highland Lakes Squadron Announces C-47’s Return to RCAF Colors, 2024 Canadian Tour

The Highland Lakes Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF), based in Burnet, Texas, has announced an initiative to restore their 1945 Douglas C-47B Skytrain, known as Texas Zephyr, to its appropriate markings from its service as a Search and Rescue aircraft of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). The Squadron is pursuing the initiative independently, though it coincides with the CAF’s annual 12 Planes of Christmas campaign that draws attention to 30 different aircraft projects, and is seeking donations to complete the project.

KP224 as RCAF 12905 in search and rescue service. The Squadron seeks to return Texas Zephyr to these markings by spring 2024. Texas Zephyr was manufactured in June 1945 as a C-47B-35DK in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and transferred to the British Royal Air Force (RAF) in Montréal, Quebec as KP224. By the fall of 1945, KP224 was further transferred to the RCAF’s 436 Transport Squadron, with which it served transporting freight and mail in Burma. After returning to Canada, KP224 remained with the RCAF until 1976, serving with the 435 Transport Squadron, 414 Photographic Squadron, 4 Operational Training Unit, 102 Communications and Rescue Unit, 111 Communications Flight, and 429 Transport Squadron. After RCAF service, KP224 flew air charter and freight for a variety of Canadian companies as C-GGJF and C-GSCB, before being exported to the United States in 1994. Falcon Aero of Fredericksburg, Texas operated KP224, now known as N346AB, until 2007, when Karl Ritter bought her and christened her first Spirit of Hondo and later Texas Zephyr. In November 2019, Mr. Ritter donated the Zephyr, by then no longer in airworthy condition, to the Highland Lakes Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force. The Squadron completed her restoration, including two engine replacements, at Brady, Texas until May 2023, when she joined the rest of the Squadron fleet at Burnet, Texas.

Texas Zephyr, now N346AB, in her current markings. Because of the Zephyr’s long service with the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Highland Lakes Squadron seeks to return this historic World War II veteran C-47 to her original markings as KP224; the Texas Zephyr is currently in a polished aluminum scheme. In addition to the new paint, the Squadron is planning a Canadian tour with the Zephyr in 2024, with plans to visit Montréal, Ottawa, and Winnipeg in commemoration of the RCAF’s 100th anniversary and related centennial celebrations. The Squadron hopes to have her painted in RCAF markings in time for their 2024 Bluebonnet Airshow in Burnet, Texas, scheduled for March 16th, 2024. The Highland Lakes Squadron, formed in 1992, also operates an L-17B Navion and SNJ-4 Texan, with a PT-19 Cornell under restoration to airworthiness. Until 2018, the Squadron operated another C-47B, Bluebonnet Belle, which was destroyed in an accident on July 21, 2018, with serious injuries to six passengers and crew, during takeoff on its way to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. Bluebonnet Belle, known in her RAF service as KN270, also served with the RCAF 435 Transport Squadron. In spite of the serious setbacks for this CAF unit after the accident, they have pressed forward and continued their mission to commemorate military aviation history. www.texaszephyr.org | www.highlandlakessquadron.org | www.commemorativeairforce.org

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[DaveM]

Glacier Girl on Display at Lone Star Flight Museum, Special Event January 11

By Zac Yates

The most famous flying Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Lewis Air Legends’ Glacier Girl, is on museum display for the first time at the Lone Star Flight Museum in Houston, Texas.

One of six Lightnings and two Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses that force-landed in Greenland in 1942, P-38F 41-7630 was painstakingly recovered from under 268ft of ice and restored to airworthiness over a ten year period at Middlesboro, Kentucky. Nicknamed Glacier Girl and registered N17630 the aircraft flew again with Steve Hinton at the controls on October 26, 2002.​

The summer of 1992 marked GES’ monumental recovery of the vintage Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Glacier Girl, buried 265 feet below the Greenland ice cap for 50 years.

Acquired by Rod Lewis for his collection in 2006, Glacier Girl has made several airshow appearances over the past few years but has never before been on public display in a museum. However, for the next few months, the iconic aircraft will be on show at the LSFM.

The LSFM said there will be “special presentations, cockpit peeks and more centered around this iconic aircraft”, the first of which will take place on January 11 from 5.30 pm-8.30 pm. Bob Cardin, project manager of the team responsible for Glacier Girl’s recovery and supervisor of the disassembly and restoration, will be giving a talk at the museum about the aircraft’s extraordinary history.

Tickets are $40 per person ($30 for LSFM Members) and include light food and drinks. For more information and to buy tickets visit lonestarflight.org/glaciergirl.​

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[DaveM]

Hawker Typhoon JP843’s Cockpit Christmas Challenge

By Zac Yates

One of two projects to return the oft-maligned “Tiffy” to the sky (the other being centered around RB396 in the UK) Typhoon Legacy Co Ltd’s Mk.Ib JP843 was originally built with the early “car door”-style canopy and was delivered to 197 Squadron RAF at Tangmere on 22 September 1943. After being damaged in combat with Focke-Wulf Fw-190s on 3 January 1944 the aircraft was repaired and modified with the new bubble canopy and provision for rocket armament. Later allocated to 609 Sqn, it was shot down on a ground attack mission near Poussy-la-Campagne in France on 27 July 1944, killing Pilot Officer Peter March Price RNZAF. Previously the subject of a cockpit restoration by Roger Marley in the UK the aircraft was acquired by Typhoon Legacy in 2015 and moved to a dedicated workshop in Comox, British Columbia where restoration to airworthiness was begun.

JP843 project lead Ian Slater had already spent much of his life working toward achieving the goal of a flying Typhoon as a tribute to those who worked on and flew the type, including training as an aircraft maintenance engineer (specializing in sheet metal fabrication) and gathering original technical drawings. Earlier this year the team acquired a Napier Sabre from New Zealand in exchange for a restored Rolls-Royce Merlin, and much work has already been done to produce the rear fuselage monocoque and distinctive chin radiator fairing. Their current focus is the cockpit section, which Ian said was a complex assembly that required outside help and a lot of preparation.​

“The cockpit structure is the center of the aircraft to which every main component is attached; starting construction of this section will first require the manufacture of the main spar fittings. Construction for this area is the cumulation of approximately 7 years of research, reverse engineering, CAD design, and material acquisitions,” said Slater.

“Work on the spar fittings started many years ago with the reverse engineering of our surviving examples (at no cost) by our sponsor E3D Technology. With the geometry captured, the digital models were used as the basis of our cockpit design and component verification process. The CAD work on this section alone represents many thousands of hours. With the complexity of these parts, we have had to outsource the machine work to a company with specialized equipment. Costs for this process on all eight fittings will be $45,000 in Canadian funds. The necessary material has been purchased and delivered, and we have made a down payment of $8000 to get started.”​

On December 22 the team kicked off a fundraising effort to finance the all-important fittings with several donation tiers, including large format prints of Typhoon JP843 artwork by noted aviation illustrator David Bathe – measuring 95cm (37in) – and the opportunity for donors to have their name on the aircraft’s airworthy port cockpit panel.​

In the first 12 hours, donations had reached CAD$18,880 – 42% of the fundraising target. “I’m amazed and so very thankful for everyone that has contributed to this fundraiser,” Ian said.

“This project has been my life’s focus, I’ll never be able to thank those who believe in my dreams and the skills of our team here at Typhoon Legacy to the extent that they deserve. We’ve made a big dent in our goal within the first 12 hours and if we can keep this going we will see a cockpit being put together before you know it! My sincerest thanks to everyone!”​

Donations can be made via PayPal at this link, and should a donor prefer to contribute through other means Typhoon Legacy can be contacted directly via their website at https://www.typhoonlegacy.com/. The project can also be followed on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hawkertyphoonjp843/. ​

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[DaveM]

EAA Young Eagles Program Flies More Young People in 2023

PRESS RELEASE

EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wisconsin — (December 28, 2023) — EAA’s Young Eagles program continued its post-pandemic recovery in 2023, as more than 57,000 young people received flight experiences from volunteer EAA-member pilots as of December 17, 2023. The total number of youth receiving a free Young Eagles introductory flight this year is the highest yearly total since 60,142 were flown in 2019. These flights were all made possible by 4,493 pilots from 616 different EAA chapters who volunteered their time to help.

“Getting the annual total of Young Eagle flights closer to pre-pandemic levels was a primary goal for the program this year and we are especially gratified for the more than 1,000 volunteer pilots flying Young Eagles for the first time,” said David Leiting, EAA Eagles Program Manager. “Our network of pilots and chapters have made this possible through singular flights, or by organizing Young Eagles Rallies for their local communities to participate.”

EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023 also marked the conclusion of the 30-for-30 challenge, marking the yearlong celebration of Young Eagles’ 30th anniversary. There were 477 pilots who completed the challenge to fly 30 Young Eagles during the 30th anniversary year. Pilots who reached this milestone were awarded a commemorative polo shirt. In 2023, the Young Eagles program surpassed a total of 2.3 million free introductory flights since its launch in 1992 and continues to be the largest aviation education program ever created. It also serves as the foundational program for EAA’s many other youth aviation education programs, ranging from the AeroEducate online resource to the EAA Air Academy summer residence camps. The EAA Young Eagles program is presented by Phillips 66 with additional support from Sporty’s, United Airlines, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Garmin, Lightspeed, Academy of Model Aeronautics, and Global Aerospace. Pilots interested in flying Young Eagles can visit EAA.org/YEPilots for more information.

About EAA

The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) is based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, and embodies The Spirit of Aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 270,000 members and 900 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building, and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA as well as its many resources and programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.eaa.org.​

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[DaveM]

National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Opens New Exhibit Honoring the Enlisted Force

PRESS RELEASE

DAYTON, Ohio – The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force has completed installation of a new exhibit highlighting the Department of the Air Force’s enlisted personnel.

The Enlisted Force Exhibit is the museum’s newest permanent exhibit and honors the highly skilled, trained, and talented enlisted force that has been the backbone of daily operations of the U.S. Department of the Air Force throughout its 76-year history.

To mark the exhibit opening the museum hosted a private ceremony to honor exhibit contributors, museum staff and volunteers, and other special guests including Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force JoAnne S. Bass, Chief Master Sgt. of the Space Force, John F. Bentivegna, and former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force and Air Force Museum Foundation Vice Chair Gerald R. Murray.

“The men and women of our enlisted corps are not merely participants in the chronicles of our nation’s defense, but they are architects of history,” said Bass. “Our heritage is rooted in the ideals of integrity, service, and excellence. A tapestry woven with the threads of sacrifice and valor.”

Today, enlisted airmen and guardians represent approximately 80% of the Department of the Air Force and provide a solid foundation for operations in air, space, and cyberspace.

The Enlisted Force Exhibit took more than three years to develop and contains more than 40 elements that are thoughtfully placed throughout the museum at locations near the era or artifacts that correlate to their specialty.

Elements of the exhibit include:

A display in the WWII Gallery featuring the story of Staff Sgt. James Meredith who was one of the first Black airmen to serve in an all-White squadron. An introduction to Enlisted Maintainers who work in all conditions at all hours to troubleshoot urgent repairs, overhaul complex systems and closely inspect parts to prevent future problems in any number of areas including aerospace propulsion, electrical systems, weapons systems and more. Insight into Musical Ambassadors who serve as musicians, arrangers and audio engineers in the U.S. Air Force bands, providing inspirational performances to honor veterans and connect the public to the Department of the Air Force through music. The uniform worn by Sgt. Benjamin Fillinger, one of 15 airmen from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base who transferred into the U.S. Space Force in 2020. Space Force guardians are top performers in the fields of information technology, cyber security, communication systems and space systems operations. “Today’s Space Force is small. It’s just like the museum when it started as an engineering study collection – very small,” said Bentivegna. “But Guardians are creating our Space Force history each and every day. And 100 years from now, the Enlisted Exhibit in the National Museum of the U.S. Air and Space Force, will be overflowing with that history that we’re making today.”

The Enlisted Force Exhibit is open to visitors daily from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

This new exhibit was made possible by generous contributions from the Air Force Museum Foundation (Federal endorsement not implied).​

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[DaveM]

Cavanaugh Flight Museum To Close After 30 Years

The Cavanaugh Flight Museum of Addison, Texas, noted curators and caretakers of one of the nation’s foremost airworthy collections of historic aircraft, announced its impending closure via Facebook today, effective January 1st, 2024. The Museum, founded in 1993 by businessman Jim Cavanaugh, had recently experienced conflict with authorities at their home base of Addison Airport (ADS), though in the announcement, the Museum did not provide any additional details. Vintage Aviation News is following this story and hopes to glean greater clarity soon.

The Museum’s collection of historic airplanes from both World Wars, Korea, and Vietnam, established Cavanaugh’s stature on the warbird scene with a retinue of legendary Allied fighters and bombers, as well as less common types such as the CASA 2.111, a variant of the Heinkel He 111. We anxiously await further details about the future of the museum and their historically significant collection of warbird aircraft.​

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[sikatri]

I wonder what’s going on there.

 

[DaveM]

2023 In Review Through Vintage Aviation News’ Articles

2023 has been another great year for vintage aviation, with many significant events and first flights taking place. We at Vintage Aviation News have endeavored to keep our readers informed of as many developments as possible, with exclusive reports of major milestones in the warbird, vintage, and aviation museum community. Although we couldn’t cover everything, it has been a remarkable year of growth for us here too culminating with a record 3 million unique visitors to our website from all over the world. We are always looking for new leads, as well as writers/photographers who can provide coverage. With your help, we can have an even better 2024, and be sure not to miss any important first flight this year! Below are some of the highlights from 2023…​

January​

Historic Aussie Mustang Flies Again!​

Mustang A68-104 lifts into the air for the first time in fifteen years. (photo by David Jones)

Appropriately on Australia Day, January 26th, 2023, an Australian-built and restored Mustang Mk.21 took to the skies again after a long-term rebuild. The former Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) fighter, serial number A68-104, made its first post-restoration flight from Essendon Fields Airport in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Read more…​

Click HERE to read about other events in January 2023.​

February​

Kermit Weeks’ A-26 Invader Flies​

Kermit Weeks’ Douglas A-26B Invader as she appeared in early February 2023 while sitting outside Aero Trader’s workshop in Chino, California. The aircraft made its first post-restoration flight on February 20th. (photo by Adam Estes)

Kermit Weeks’ Douglas A-26B Invader (41-39401) made its first successful post-restoration flight on February 20th, 2023, making a thirty-minute hop from Chino Airport in Chino, California. Aero Trader performed the comprehensive restoration of this aircraft, which saw the aircraft return to its original, single-pilot configuration along with the installation of much-period military hardware. Read more…​

Click HERE to read about other events in February 2023.​

MARCH​

Cierva C.4 Autogiro Replica Flies in Spain​

The replica of the Cierva C.4 lifts off. (photo by Jose Manuel Gil García)

Just two months past the centenary marking the first successful autogyro flight, a modern replica of that same aircraft, a Cierva C.4 Autogiro*, flew on March 29th, 2023, in Ocaña about forty miles east of Toledo, Spain. Read more…​

Click HERE to read about other events in March 2023.​

April​

Operation M.C.72 – Recreating a World Speed Record Holding Seaplane​

The construction of this full-scale, static replica is due to a partnership between the Comitato Idroscalo Desenzano del Garda (Desenza del Garda Seaplane Base Committee), the Desenzano Air Force Association, and the Desenzano Town Council. Read more…​

Click HERE to read about other events in April 2023.​

MAY​

Dakota Territory Air Museum’s P-47D Flies!​

The Dakota Territory Air Museum’s P-47D Thunderbolt is flying once more following a nearly decade-long restoration effort at AirCorps Aviation in Bemidji, Minnesota. (Photo courtesy of AirCorps Aviation)

On a beautiful, sunny day in Bemidji, Minnesota, the Dakota Territory Air Museum’s Republic P-47D-23 Thunderbolt 42-27609 roared into the skies for the first time since its wartime accident at Dobodura airstrip in New Guinea on September 18th, 1944. Read more…​

Click HERE to read about other events in MAY 2023.​

JUNE​

C-121A “Bataan” Airborne​

Photo via Lewis Air Legends

On June 20th, Air Legends Foundation’s Lockheed C-121A Constellation took off on its first post-restoration flight from Chino Airport around 7:30 pm. The Connie’s crew was composed of experienced warbird pilots and restorers, Captain Stewart Dawson, first officer Steve Hinton, flight engineer Jeff Whitesell, safety overseer Jim “JD” Dale, and safety observer John Hinton made sure that the test flight was a success. Read more…​

Click HERE to read about other events in JUNE 2023.​

JULY​

Flying Legends North – “Like Duxford, Only Better”​

Following a four-year hiatus the Flying Legends Air Show took place again on July 15th and 16th, 2023, albeit at a new location, the former RAF Church Fenton airfield now known as Leeds East Airport near Tadcaster in Yorkshire, England. Read more…

Click HERE to read about other events in JULY 2023.​

AUGUST​

100 Year-Old Fokker Takes Flight​

Photo via Owls Head Transportation Museum
On August 1, the Owls Head Transportation Museum‘s 1923 Fokker C.IVa took to the skies above Owls Head with the help of aircraft volunteers, pilot Brad Carter, and aircraft conservator Dave Carter. This special moment celebrates a century of transportation history in motion. Read more…

Click HERE to read about other events in AUGUST 2023.​

SEPTEMBER​

Savoia Marchetti Historical Group Unveils S.55 Replica​

On Saturday, September 23, at the Volandia Museum, Milan, Italy, the Savoia Marchetti Historical Group unveiled the full-size reproduction of the S.55X seaplane used by Italo Balbo in his famous cruise. Read more…

Click HERE to read about other events in SEPTEMBER 2023.​

OCTOBER​

Rare ‘Tommy Morse’ Flies​

A rare Great War era American fighter, the Thomas Morse S4C Scout 38898, N3307T, has taken to the air once again in the hands of Andrew King at the 2023 Ala Doble fly-in, on 28 September 2023. Our reporter, Nigel Hitchman, was there and brought us the full story. Read more…

Click HERE to read about other events in OCTOBER 2023.​

NOVEMBER​

Kiwi Mustang Flies Again After 66 Years​

With Sean Perrett at the controls NZ2423 flies again, the culmination of a three-year restoration program. The Biggin Hill Trust

Sixty-six years, five months, and twelve days after making the final flight of the type in Royal New Zealand Air Force service, P-51D NZ2423/ZK-BHT made her first post-restoration flight at RNZAF Base Ohakea, landing after a trouble-free 24 minutes. Read more…​

Click HERE to read about other events in NOVEMBER 2023.​

DECEMBER​

Fokker F VIIb ‘Southern Cross’ Replica Flies in Australia​

Photo by Clinton J Down Photography

After over 20 years on the ground, the Fokker F.VIIb Replica VH-USU ‘Southern Cross’, operated by the HARS Aviation Museum, of New South Wales, flew again in Australia on Tuesday 5 December 2023, departing off Shellharbour Airport‘s runway 34. Read more…

As 2023 comes to a close, we want to take the opportunity to say thank you, to our readers. We would also like to thank our loyal sponsors for their constant support: AirCorps Aviation, Platinum Fighter Sales, GossHawk Unlimited, United Fuel Cells, Barnstormer USA, Django Studios, and Warbird Adventures. As always…KEEP ‘EM FLYING!​

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[DaveM]

CAF Lake Superior Squadron’s PBY Catalina Restoration Update – December 2023

By Luc Zipkin

The Lake Superior Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force’s ongoing restoration to airworthiness of their Consolidated PBY-6A Catalina, BuNo. 64097, has been selected once again to be a part of the CAF’s annual 12 Planes of Christmas giving campaign. As only a dozen or so Catalinas remain airworthy today, the Squadron has been working diligently for many years to return another example of this historic military aircraft to the skies. Through the 12 Planes campaign, the Lake Superior Squadron is specifically seeking to raise $25,000 to recondition the interior of their PBY.​

The CAF Lake Superior Squadron’s Consolidated PBY Catalina, seen here before the wing was dismounted for overhaul. The aircraft is currently undergoing a major restoration to airworthy condition. (image via CAF)

BuNo. 64097 was acquired by the CAF as N7179Y in February 1994 and briefly operated by the CAF Minnesota Wing of St. Paul, Minnesota, before wing damage from a violent storm in 1998 grounded her. From 1998 to 2009, the Minnesota Wing stored BuNo. 64097 in Duluth, Minnesota, when the project was reassigned to the newly formed Lake Superior Squadron. The Squadron began the restoration in 2009 at Duluth, before relocating to their new home in Superior, Wisconsin in 2018. The restoration includes the ambitious mating of the wing section from another PBY, BuNo. 64092, to BuNo. 64097, which the Squadron says has never been attempted before by civilians.

When Vintage Aviation News last updated readers on the restoration project in December 2022, the Squadron had completed new hangar doors to enclose their workshop, as well as major structural work on the aircraft’s center section, where its two Pratt & Whitney R-1830 radial engines are mounted. They had begun work on flight controls and the cockpit, reinstalled hydraulic and fuel lines and new wiring for the electrical systems, and were fundraising for an overhauled R-1830 engine. In December 2023, Vintage Aviation News Publisher & Founder Moreno Aguiari spoke to the Lake Superior Squadron’s Wing Leader, Bill McMahan, about their progress on this ambitious project. McMahan highlighted the efforts of Richard Kahoon, one of their volunteers, to restore the cockpit roof and windshield sections of the aircraft that were damaged in the aforementioned 1998 wind storm. “That’s a little bit of a puzzle,” McMahan notes. From there, they moved forward to the cockpit and nose section, with the goal of restoring the PBY’s combat turret, which had been modified to an enclosed nose during BuNo. 64097’s subsequent civilian service. “We have to fabricate everything there from scratch from the plans,” McMahan says.​

For the 12 Planes of Christmas campaign, the Lake Superior Squadron is highlighting their efforts at stripping the interior to bare aluminum and restoring the interior to its wartime configuration; the Squadron says that their $25,000 goal will cover about half of the material costs for the interior restoration. Alongside the planned interior restoration, they have already rebuilt one of the wing leading edges, and plan to install rebuilt landing gear and complete the restoration of the nose section for 2024. McMahan says that his unit is doing well, having recruited more A&P mechanics to complete complex sheet-metal and structural work, and is also making progress on their restoration of their Stinson OY-2 Sentinel. With the help of the 12 Planes of Christmas campaign, it seems that the Lake Superior Squadron is well on its way to returning another historic Catalina to airworthiness.

The Lake Superior Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force’s ongoing restoration to airworthiness of their Consolidated PBY-6A Catalina, BuNo. 64097, has been selected once again to be a part of the CAF’s annual 12 Planes of Christmas giving campaign. As only a dozen or so Catalinas remain airworthy today, the Squadron has been working diligently for many years to return another example of this historic military aircraft to the skies. Through the 12 Planes campaign, the Lake Superior Squadron is specifically seeking to raise $25,000 to recondition the interior of their PBY.​

BuNo. 64097 was acquired by the CAF as N7179Y in February 1994 and briefly operated by the CAF Minnesota Wing of St. Paul, Minnesota, before wing damage from a violent storm in 1998 grounded her. From 1998 to 2009, the Minnesota Wing stored BuNo. 64097 in Duluth, Minnesota, when the project was reassigned to the newly formed Lake Superior Squadron. The Squadron began the restoration in 2009 at Duluth, before relocating to their new home in Superior, Wisconsin in 2018. The restoration includes the ambitious mating of the wing section from another PBY, BuNo. 64092, to BuNo. 64097, which the Squadron says has never been attempted before by civilians.​

CAF PBY Catalina Wing Replacement

When Vintage Aviation News last updated readers on the restoration project in December 2022, the Squadron had completed new hangar doors to enclose their workshop, as well as major structural work on the aircraft’s center section, where its two Pratt & Whitney R-1830 radial engines are mounted. They had begun work on flight controls and the cockpit, reinstalled hydraulic and fuel lines and new wiring for the electrical systems, and were fundraising for an overhauled R-1830 engine. In December 2023, Vintage Aviation News Publisher & Founder Moreno Aguiari spoke to the Lake Superior Squadron’s Wing Leader, Bill McMahan, about their progress on this ambitious project. McMahan highlighted the efforts of Richard Kahoon, one of their volunteers, to restore the cockpit roof and windshield sections of the aircraft that were damaged in the aforementioned 1998 wind storm. “That’s a little bit of a puzzle,” McMahan notes. From there, they moved forward to the cockpit and nose section, with the goal of restoring the PBY’s combat turret, which had been modified to an enclosed nose during BuNo. 64097’s subsequent civilian service. “We have to fabricate everything there from scratch from the plans,” McMahan says.

For the 12 Planes of Christmas campaign, the Lake Superior Squadron is highlighting their efforts at stripping the interior to bare aluminum and restoring the interior to its wartime configuration; the Squadron says that their $25,000 goal will cover about half of the material costs for the interior restoration. Alongside the planned interior restoration, they have already rebuilt one of the wing leading edges, and plan to install rebuilt landing gear and complete the restoration of the nose section for 2024. McMahan says that his unit is doing well, having recruited more A&P mechanics to complete complex sheet-metal and structural work, and is also making progress on the restoration of their Stinson OY-2 Sentinel. With the help of the 12 Planes of Christmas campaign, it seems that the Lake Superior Squadron is well on its way to returning another historic Catalina to airworthiness.​

To support this restoration project, click HERE.​

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[DaveM]

Five Aviation Museums Every Enthusiast Must Visit In 2024

“Vintage Aviation News staff did not write this article; the content comes via our partners who wish to help support our website.” If you love Aviation Museums, we know you already share our passion for aviation. Our multi-national team loves bringing you the best news, gossip, and advice of its kind online. And here, we cover a subject very close to our hearts, aviation museums.

It’s the vital connection between the glory days of aviation and the science of the future. These museums cause bright young sparks to marvel at aviation and wonder about the future. But where can you find the best aviation museum worldwide? There are many contenders to that crown, much more than we expected when planning this article. But we were pleasantly surprised.

Whether you love old birds or have a soft spot for modern planes, an aviation museum trip will improve your understanding. Followers of this fascinating sector come in many shapes and sizes, from plane spotters in fields to those playing aviator bettor games at MyTopSportsbooks or aviation console games. This page has something for everyone.

How we compiled our list

Creating a list, we could confidently present to our readers was no mean feat. We aim to deliver a selection of the best aviation museums you could visit on a day trip and those you may want to try and fit around a vacation.

There are many great museums in popular destinations, too many to list, but we’re confident those that made the cut are the cream of the crop. If you visited one of the museums featured in this article or have a worthy addition you’d like us to consider, feel free to message us. We’re always looking for new and exciting information on aviation.​

Carolinas Aviation Museum

We’ll start with one of our favorites and an aviation museum we know you’ll love. The Carolinas Aviation Museum is in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the reason why we know you’ll remember this visit is it holds the Airbus A320.

Made famous by the “Miracle of Hudson,” US Airways Flight 1549 landed in the Hudson River following engine failure. After a thorough legal investigation, the plane’s final resting place attracts thousands of yearly visitors.

Museo del Air

Fancy some aviation history to break up a summer vacation in the Spanish sun? The Museo del Air has you covered. Located in the Spanish capital of Madrid, also home to Spain’s oldest airport, it’s a must-see if you’re traveling Europe or in Spain on business.

More than 200 aircraft and countless pieces of fascinating aviation history and stories are on show. The galleries concentrate on what Spain has given to the aviation world, from history to modern Spanish fighter jets still used today.

Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum

If you’re ever lucky enough to find yourself in the beautiful Alice Springs, Australia, you may think quenching your thirst for aviation history is impossible. But that’s not the case. There’s something to catch your eye at the Royal Flying Doctor Service Museum. It has found a home in the former radio house and has been open since 1928. A fascinating way to spend a few hours on vacation or, if you have more time on your hands, all day. You can even catch a break at the in-house theatre.

Red Bull Hangar-7

Owned by the popular energy drink Red Bull, this addition adds some much-needed modernism to aviation museums. It’s packed with delights, including Flying Bull Stunt Planes, Cessna C337, Boeing-PT17, Alpha Jets, and more. You could spend all day here and still not see everything you planned.

When you’ve had your fill of aviation history and evidence of Red Bull’s investment in the industry, why not browse the museum’s Formula 1 racing cars and motorbikes?​

Wings Over the Rockies Air and Space Museum

We’ve saved the best for last and recommend any like-minded aviation lovers have this museum near the top of their to-see list. This welcoming and fun museum focuses on military aviation, which is always a crowd-pleaser, but there’s something for everyone and a destination for the whole family. There are demos and talks from the experts and guests. Check the website for the updated schedule and to book. Finally, don’t forget to see the Being Blue Sky Aviation Gallery while visiting this gem in Denver, Colorado.​

“Vintage Aviation News staff did not write this article; the content comes via our partners who wish to help support our website.”

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[DaveM]

Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum to Return to El Toro

By Adam Estes

While there are many museums dedicated to the history of military aviation across the United States, only one, the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum based at Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar, California, can claim to be the sole museum dedicated to the preservation of aircraft and artifacts associated with the air arm of the United States Marine Corps. Unfortunately for Marine veterans and the general public alike, the museum had to close its Miramar location on March 28, 2021 due to budget cuts to the Corps, but thanks to the museum foundation’s tireless efforts and widespread public support, the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum is set to return to its roots at the former site of MCAS El Toro in Irvine.​

The story of the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum begins in 1989, when Brigadier General David V. Shuter, commanding general of MCAS El Toro in Irvine, California, proposed the idea of establishing a museum foundation dedicated to Marine Corps Aviation to local retired and reserve officers, leading to the formation of the MCAS El Toro Historical Foundation, which was formally recognized as a non-profit corporation on June 30 of that year, with Brigadier General Jay W. Hubbard as chairman. Over the next two years, volunteers worked to prepare exhibits for the opening of the museum, which was eventually established at El Toro on June 7, 1991, as the El Toro Historical Center and Command Museum, with its official recognition as a command museum arriving on January 6, 1993. Throughout the 1990s, the collection would steadily grow, with several aircraft being loaned by the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida, and others coming into the possession of the foundation itself. Many of the museum’s aircraft were displayed in Hangar 244, one of the base’s WWII-era hangars, with a nearby warehouse serving as an annex for the collection. Meanwhile, other aircraft were displayed outdoors around both El Toro and at the gates of nearby MCAS Tustin.

But as the museum was growing, both MCAS El Toro and MCAS Tustin were shrinking. With the collapse of the Soviet Union and the ending of the Cold War, numerous bases across the country were being brought before committees to determine if they had any future use. It was determined that both El Toro and Tustin, having been in operation since 1942, were no longer necessary and would be decommissioned in 1999. At the same time, the newly-renamed Jay W. Hubbard Command Museum was to find a new home some 65 miles southeast of El Toro at MCAS Miramar, north of San Diego.​

The move to Miramar was in large part possible thanks to the organizational efforts of Major Generals Bob Butcher and Frank Lang. The museum’s collections were brought down Interstate 5 and reopened in 2000 on the north end of Miramar as the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum. However, new security protocols in the wake of the September 11th attacks would severely restrict access to museums on military bases for the general public, and the museum at Miramar was no exception.​

In 2006, a gate to the museum from Miramar Road eased access to visitors, who could visit the museum free of charge but were encouraged to donate to the museum’s foundation, the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation. During its time at Miramar, the FLAM welcomed several new aircraft into the collection, such as CH-46 Sea Knight Bureau Number 154803, known as Lady Alice 09, the very helicopter that, under direct orders from President Gerald Ford, took American ambassador to South Vietnam Graham Martin from the rooftop of the US Embassy in Saigon just as North Vietnamese ground forces were taking the city that is now called Ho Chi Minh City. Meanwhile, a restoration annex on the base saw volunteers get to work on restoring priceless aircraft, including Douglas SBD-1 Dauntless Bureau Number 1612, the oldest surviving Dauntless in the world after being recovered from the depths of Lake Michigan, which had served with Marine Scout Bombing Squadron 142 (VMSB-142) at Miramar back when the site was occupied as Camp Kearney in 1942.

The beginning of the 2020s would see a rough patch in the story of the FLAM through no fault of its own with two major factors. First, there was the COVID-19 pandemic, which in 2020 restricted visitation to the museum. Secondly, at the beginning of 2021, with the Marine Corps as a whole going through budget cuts, MCAS Miramar was forced to withdraw support for the museum, leaving it closed and in need of an alternate location. At this same time, several aircraft on loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum were reassigned to new museums across the country, with the FM-2 Wildcat doing to the Hickory Aviation Museum in Hickory, North Carolina, the F-5E Tiger II to the Pima Air and Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona, the SBD-1 to the Air Zoo in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and the AV-8C Harrier to the Fort Worth Aviation Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. Many enthusiasts online feared that the sole collection dedicated to Marine aviation would be scattered to the winds. But a glimmer of hope appeared in the form of a return to the museum’s roots.​

Photo via Hickory Aviation Museum

Since the decommissioning of MCAS El Toro, the former base went to the city of Irvine, California, who began work on converting the site into the Orange County Great Park, a multi-purpose project with housing, parks, entertainment, sports facilities, and art galleries. The site already features an exhibition dedicated to the history of MCAS El Toro in the form of the FLAM’s old home of Hangar 244, which provides a home for a North American SNJ-5 Texan and a Naval Aircraft Factory N3N-3. The FLAM’s efforts to reach an agreement with Irvine and the Great Park were spearheaded by museum CEO and retired Brigadier General Michael Aguilar, a former Marine helicopter pilot, with flight time in the museum’s Bell AH-1J Sea Cobra, BuNo 157784.

With enough donations and public support being raised, a Memorandum of Understanding signed in May of 2022 secured a home for the FLAM at the Great Park. General Aguilar has stated that during this period of transition, the museum’s collections will be temporarily stored and restored in Hangar 297, which is currently undergoing extensive renovations in the middle of a construction site. Hangar 297, along with the adjacent Hangar 296, was once the home of Marine Air Group 46 (MAG-46), and is now located near the Great Park Baseball Complex and the newly-built Wild Rivers waterpark. Additionally, the well-known aircraft moving firm Worldwide Aircraft Recovery has been hired by the museum to disassemble the aircraft remaining at Miramar for shipment to Irvine, while Ponsford Ltd has been restoring aircraft being kept in the Miramar annex for display, such as the Bell HTL-4 helicopter and TV-2 Shooting Star (Navy/Marine variant of the T-33).​

General Aguilar has also made clear that the FLAM will be housed in a new, dedicated building classified as a Pre-Engineered Metal Building (PEMB), which will be constructed in 20-foot sections, with the ability for future expansion as funds become available. This new iteration of the FLAM will be part of the Great Park’s upcoming Cultural Terrace West, which also encompasses a wider array of public works that are also in development. So far, the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation has raised 26 million dollars for the construction funds but still requires an additional $20 million. Site preparation is expected for compilation at the end of 2024.​

The aircraft collection will largely be indoors, save for some of the larger aircraft, such as the Douglas R4D and Fairchild R4Q (Navy/Marine variant of the C-119 Flying Boxcar). In addition to the primary purpose of highlighting and honoring the history and achievements of Marine aviators, the museum’s mission will also encourage school-age children to take an interest in broader applications of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It will also explore the contributions of civilian contractors at MCAS El Toro and MCAS Tustin, along with the economic impact of the two air stations on the postwar development of Orange County, and is working with California State University, Fullerton, whose Center for Oral and Public History (COPH), has interviewed numerous veterans and civilians who once worked at El Toro, to provide public access to these collections. General Aguilar reports that the museum will seek to begin bringing aircraft from Miramar to Irvine around February of 2024 to ultimately reopen the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum at the Great Park by the first quarter of 2026, depending on ongoing developments.

To support the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum and its goal of reestablishing itself at the Orange County Great Park, please visit Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum | 9400 Activity Road, San Diego, CA, USA (flyingleathernecks.org). The author would also like to extend his deepest gratitude to Brigadier General Michael Aguilar, USMC (ret), who was generous and courteous in providing details on the ongoing development of the FLAM. Stay tuned for further updates as the story continues.

Also, a walkthrough of the original museum at MCAS El Toro films during the base’s last operational days is available to watch on YouTube here: El Toro’s Jay W. Hubbard Air Command Museum Tribute, “Long Version”. (youtube.com)​

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[DaveM]

Swan Song For The Hun?

By James Church

On a cold, December Saturday, those who had gathered on the wind-swept ramp at the Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA), Indiana, were about to witness a very special, if bittersweet event. After nearly thirty years, Dean Cutshall’s custodianship of the magnificent NAA F-100F Super Sabre, the only one of the type currently flying, may be nearing its conclusion. Citing issues with obtaining insurance for continued flight operations, as well as the advanced age of himself and the crew that maintains the Cold War-era fighter jet, Dean has rationalized that his tenure of owning and operating it may indeed be nearing its zenith.​

Two flights were conducted on Saturday, December 30th, both to give rides to very appreciative passengers. Before the first of these, Dean addressed those in attendance, appraising them of the circumstances he currently faces to keep the operation going. While it was not a definitive announcement, by any means, one could not help but feel that an era was coming to an end based on this discussion. All is not lost, however, as there is hope they will overcome these obstacles, and if so, at least one more season of flying the Hun would be the result.

However, it is always advisable to have a backup plan. With this in mind, Dean is considering approaching viable museums, preferably one that has the means to continue operating it, to which he could donate the aircraft. For now, no moves in this direction have been taken, in the hopes that it will not be necessary to find it a new home just yet. As the only currently flying example of the type, Dean is determined to see that the Hun remains in the air with whomever the next caretaker is.​

Dean first acquired the Super Sabre, USAF Serial No. 56-3948, in 1995, from Sierra Hotel Inc., of Addison, Texas, which in turn had bought it from TRACOR/Flight Systems, Inc., of Mojave, California. TRACOR/Flight Systems had ferried it, along with a C and D model (both of which have since been grounded and are on static display in museums in California) from Turkey in 1989, where they had last served with the Turkish Air Force (where it had served as 3-948). While it looked pretty, polished and in the markings of an aircraft flown by World War Two ace Francis Gabreski (F-100F Serail No. 56-3868) when he commanded the 354 Tactical Fighter Wing, based at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina from 1956 to 1960, a lot was going on underneath the skin that needs addressing.

The pretty paint job hid what was in reality, a very tired airframe, in need of much attention. Following an intensive year-and-a-half IRAN (Inspect and Repair As Necessary) and engine change, performed by Fort Wayne Air Service, the aircraft performed, and continues to do so, flawlessly. This has allowed Dean, with the help of his experienced ex-Air National Guard-trained engineers to attain an enviable record of maintainability, having never missed a scheduled event or appearance. When one considers the complexities of the F-100 and its systems, that is a truly remarkable accomplishment and one they can all be very proud of.​

Dean has been extremely fortunate to have a small cadre of specialist mechanics in the local Fort Wayne area to call on that maintained Super Sabres in the Air National Guard. Without this absolute Godsend, which brought many combined years of experience with them, Dean readily admits the endeavor to operate the Hun would not have been possible. The march of time continues unabated, however, and they, like Dean and, the Hun itself, are advancing in age as time marches on. The well-rehearsed ballet of preparing the Hun before each flight, perfected over many, many years of performing it, has become decidedly slower as the guys’ bodies are simply no longer to perform as they once did when they were younger, going through these motions for Uncle Sam, protecting our nation at a time when the Cold War could have turned hot at any moment.​

Nothing lasts forever, as they say, and the days of this magnificent aircraft operating from Fort Wayne, in the country’s heartland, are fleeting. Whether he can continue on for one more year or not, Dean has no illusions about the future. For the aircraft to continue flying in the long term, a new, willing custodian will need to come forward. Failing that, the world may well have witnessed the last-ever flight of a Super Sabre that cold day in December.​

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[DaveM]

B-29 Doc Announces 2024 Tour Season Launch Weekend in Wichita

PRESS RELEASE

The 2024 B-29 Doc History Restored Tour will kick off with a season-opening weekend March 8-10 in Wichita and will coincide with the B-29 Doc & WSU Tech Foundation Pull a Plane event, which is scheduled for Saturday, March 9.

“The upcoming 2024 tour not only marks Doc’s eighth season since its restoration in 2016 but also launches a year-long tribute commemorating the 80th anniversary of when Doc was built by the Boeing Company in Wichita in 1944,” said Josh Wells, B-29 Doc executive director. “The skilled workforce in Wichita – led by women known as “Rosie the Riveters” – built 1,644 B-29 aircraft during World War II. B-29 Doc is one of those iconic aircraft built in the Air Capital of the World and we are honored to continue to keep the legacy alive of those who designed, built, flew, and maintained these machines to project freedom.”​

Photo courtesy of B-29 “Doc”.

B-29 Doc Flight Experience tickets for the 2024 Tour Season Launch weekend in Wichita are on sale now. CLICK HERE to book your seat! The flights are scheduled for the following dates and times:

• Friday, March 8: 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m
• Sunday, March 10: 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.

The B-29 Doc & WSU Tech Foundation Pull a Plane event will also be a highlight within the 2024 Tour Season Launch weekend, March 8-10.

“Scheduling the 2024 Tour Season Launch Weekend to include Pull a Plane will add an exciting dimension to the launch festivities,” Wells continued. “Partnering with the WSU Tech Foundation on this event provides a unique and one-of-a-kind opportunity to area communities to come together to raise money for WSU Tech student scholarships and to keep Doc’s mission alive. WSU Tech provides scores of opportunities for the next generation of aviation workers. We need those future workers to help keep the aviation industry solid, and to keep Doc flying for generations to come.”

The Pull a Plane event for 2023 was originally scheduled for October but due to Doc’s delayed arrival back to Wichita from a tour stop in Arizona, the event had to be rescheduled.

“Our partnership with B-29 Doc continues to grow and thanks to this event, we have been able to positively impact dozens of students by providing scholarships to help launch their careers,” said Courtney Sendall, WSU Tech Foundation executive director. “The opportunities generated by this event are countless and we’re looking forward to seeing who can pull Doc the fastest in 2024!”

Registration remains open for individuals and teams to participate in the Pull a Plane event on March 9. Click here for more information.​

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[Greyfell]

On a cold, December Saturday, those who had gathered on the wind-swept ramp at the Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA), Indiana, were about to witness a very special, if bittersweet event. After nearly thirty years, Dean Cutshall’s custodianship of the magnificent NAA F-100F Super Sabre, the only one of the type currently flying, may be nearing its conclusion.

The Hun was the first, second and third aircraft models I put together. It still is near the top of my favorites list.

 

[DaveM]

The Art of Aviation: A Docuseries to Follow

In the world of aviation, there lies a realm of artistry that transcends the mechanical and dives deep into the emotional fabric of human history. Documentarian Jodi Goren-Rode’s upcoming docuseries, The Art of Aviation, promises to unravel the hidden narratives behind this art form, bringing to light the profound stories of artists who have captured the essence of aviation on canvas.​

“The Ditching”- This painting by Gil Cohen shows a downed Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress as its crew escapes into the water.

At the heart of this series is Jodi Goren-Rode’s cousin, Gil Cohen, a modern master of aviation art whose work can be found in museums and private collections worldwide. Cohen’s journey from a drafted Army artist during the Cold War to a celebrated illustrator and professor speaks volumes about the intersection of art, history, and aviation. His paintings, often depict poignant moments of human experience, extend beyond the representation of planes and provide a window into the lives of the men and women in the aviation industry. From nurses and engineers to pilots and WASP’s, Cohen’s artwork illuminates the contributions of the unsung heroes of aviation history.​

“Gil Cohen Interview” – Gil Cohen, renown Aviation Artist, pictured as he is interviewed in his studio.

Jodi’s fascination with aviation and art is not just personal but driven by a profound understanding of the importance of preserving the firsthand accounts of wartime artists. As the executive producer puts it, these wartime artists “created a window into the lives of soldiers fighting while stationed all over the world. The goal of The Art of Aviation is to immortalize these artists and their narratives before they are lost to time.”

The series promises a unique perspective on history, showcasing aviation artists who played a crucial role in documenting wartime conflicts and the history of American air supremacy. Through interviews, painting sessions, re-enactments, and live studio walkthroughs, viewers will be immersed in the art, connecting more intimately with the history these paintings recorded. The series also delves into the significant contributions of aviation artists to war efforts, including intelligence collection and combat observation.​

“Keith Ferris Interview” – Keith Ferris, co-founder of the American Society of Aviation Artists, pictured as he is interviewed in his studio.

What sets this docuseries apart is its commitment to education and awareness. By bringing in museum curators, aviation art collectors, veterans, and authors, The Art of Aviation aims to shed light not only on the artists but also on the field of combat and aviation artistry itself. Many may have encountered Gil Cohen’s art without realizing it, given his extensive career as a freelance illustrator and painter for various prestigious clients, such as Paramount Pictures, Boeing, Sikorsky, Harlequin Books, and Random House. Jodi Goren-Rode seeks to shed light on this often-overlooked aspect of history, showcasing the multifaceted role these artists played in shaping the narratives of wartime events. By exploring the stories behind their art, the series aims to forge a connection between the audience and the often-unseen heroes of aviation art.​

“Farewell Old Friends” – This painting by Keith Ferris depicts two Convair F-106A “Delta Darts” and two subsonic Lockheed T-33 “T-Birds” of the 49th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Griffis AFB, New York, meeting in a 1986 training intercept high in the cloudscape above New York.

The Art of Aviation is not just a visual journey but an exploration of the impact of art on understanding our shared history. Jodi’s passion for her subject matter is evident as she introduces the broader vision for the series. She envisions it as a platform to raise awareness for veterans and the field of aviation artistry. The series aims to be a tribute to these artists who have not only documented history but pioneered an art form.

Additionally, The Art of Aviation extends beyond the screen with an impact campaign, Canvas of Courage (WT). Recognizing the healing power of art, the campaign is in development to support veterans receiving Art Therapy. A percentage of donations will be dedicated to this cause, creating a tangible and positive impact beyond the documentary’s reach. We aim to use our contacts in the Aviation Art industry to partner with Military Art Therapy programs to provide art classes. These classes will enrich the experience of veterans and will be taught by our Aviation Artists as a supplement to Military Art Therapy, focusing on the use of colors, composition, and general painting techniques.

As we endeavor to bring these untold stories to life, we invite you to become a crucial part of our mission. We are currently fundraising for this project through our fiscal sponsors, The Greater Philadelphia Film Office and From the Heart Productions. Your support is not just a donation; it’s an investment in preserving the invaluable narratives of aviation artists who risked everything to document critical moments in history.​

“Republic F84-E Thunderjet” – This painting by Keith Ferris highlights the F-84 Thunderjet, which earned significant acclaim during the Korean War, achieving prominence initially as a fighter-bomber tasked with escorting B-29s during extended missions over North Korea.

The Art of Aviation will be more than just a docuseries—it’s a celebration of the intersection of art, history, and aviation. By bringing these artists and their stories to the forefront, Goren-Rode invites audiences to explore a realm where brushstrokes become a bridge to the past. It’s an opportunity to engage with history in a way that is both educational and emotionally resonant, making The Art of Aviation a must-watch for aviation enthusiasts, history buffs, and art connoisseurs alike.​

To support this project with a donation, click HERE.​

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