To clear up any confusion and correct a few statements falling under this topic, Texas Flying Legends Museum (TFLM) and the Dakota Territory Air Museum (DTAM ) have been sister museums since TFLM was established in 2010 - DTAM was established in 1987. Both museums have shared in the operation and display of the TFLM collection for eight years. Both museums have also shared two major donors, one of which has decided to step back from the warbird industry to contribute to another foundation. The TFLM hangar at Ellington Field in Houston has been sold as well as the P-40K and TBM Avenger. The Zero, Corsair and B-25 from their collection are also for sale.
The remainder of the collection, nine airworthy aircraft, will continue to be maintained, operated and displayed by DTAM in Minot, ND. These planes include a Normandy invasion veteran Spitfire Mk IX, P40E, FM-2 Wildcat, C-47/C-53 Skytrooper “Duchess of Dakota”, Harvard Mk IV, P-51C “Lope’s Hope 3rd”, P-51D “Little Horse”, Iwo Jima veteran Stinson L-5 Sentinel and an F8F Bearcat recently emerging from restoration by Ezell Aviation in Breckinridge, TX.
http://www.ezellaviation.com The museums have had a commitment to not only campaigning flying warbirds but also to bringing them back to life. To this end, they have a long standing, close working relationship with our AirCorps Aviation,
https://www.aircorpsaviation.com/ based in Bemidji, MN. AirCorps has completed two award-winning projects for DTAM so far – the Harvard and the P-51C “Lope’s Hope 3rd”.
DTAM currently has two other projects in progress with AirCorps, a P-47D Razorback and a P-38 both Pacific theater veterans. They also have a Hurricane being finished up next year by Ray Middleton in Fort Collins, CO and a P-51D Mustang expected to come out of restoration next year restored by Casey Odegaard in Kindred, ND.
For eight years now these owners, pilots, and crew have given us the gift of displaying these aircraft throughout the U.S.. They have tirelessly moved aircraft and engaged enthusiasts, honored veterans from all service branches, flown for President George H.W. Bush and the Air Force Academy. Most importantly they have honored our prior generations while inspiring future generations.
DTAM will be updating its website later this winter so you can come back and check the site for more information at that time.
http://www.dakotaterritoryairmuseum.com/ Thanks for your continued interest.
Eric Trueblood - AirCorps Aviation