F-4H1 Phantom restoration to fly? ! ? !

[Ztex]

Seems that I have missed this story. Anyone here close to this group that could get us the low down?
Way cool!

http://www.wingsandrotors.org/F4-2.html

http://www.fencecheck.com/forums/index. ... #msg259900

Seems that I have missed this story. Anyone here close to this group that could get us the low down?
Way cool!

http://www.wingsandrotors.org/F4-2.html

http://www.fencecheck.com/forums/index. ... #msg259900

I remember seeing something about this quite a while back. The supposedly recent photos from Fence Check seem to suggest that this F4H-1F/F-4A Phantom II may be ready for "taxi" tests in June (June 2011?). If this happens it sounds like if it does fly in 2011 that it may be too late to have much of an impact on Centennial of Naval Aviation air shows. The VF-101 markings look interesting, and according to information I found in my copy of "McDonnell Douglas Aircraft since 1920: Volume II," Rene J. Francillon, Naval Institute Press, 1990, VF-101 was one of two "replacement training squadrons" that flew the F4H-1F's/F-4A's. Apparently they were sometimes designated as "TF-4A's" due to the fact that these early Phantom models were not up to full operational standards.

I would love to see this Phantom fly and be able to come to the Thunder Over Michigan show and EAA Air Venture Oshkosh shows, both in late July next year. If it does fly next year, but too late for those shows maybe it can make some of the late year Centennial shows in Sept/Oct./Nov.

In any case, next year or not, hope this Phantom will make it back in to the air some day. And I hope someone out there can give us some updated info.

[RandolphB]

One of my lab partners from my A & P class is working on this aircraft. Last year, before she completed her testing, she said there were wing spar issues to be dealt with. The staff included folks who worked on F-4's in Veitnam, and they were sorting out the best way to complete an airworthy repair.

She had stories of being popular, as she was small enough to get inside the aircraft to do things older, heavier folks could no longer access. Last time I spoke to her was just over a year ago, and she said there was a plan to get it airworthy, fly it for a special event, and then park it in the museum. I hope things change on that aspect...but it is actually a very rare, pre-production aircraft; so I can understand where the desire to not chance it's damage in any way comes from also.

They are a small organization, but last year they managed to get two Hueys cross-country to attend a Vet's event on the East coast. Murrieta is off the freeway between San Diego and the Riverside area, so folks heading to see March could easily stop by here. They are on the same feild as this rather more noted around here organization: http://www.platinumfighters.com/

[whistlingdeath77]

that would be great!