Warbird Information Exchange

I would fly one for free!!

I was actually being sarcastic in my first post. Museums rely heavily on "volunteer pilots" usually because of their ability to travel for free on the airlines if they are airline pilots.
Truthfully, the best economic value is to have a small hired staff that are paid a "living wage." The fly the airplane, and help maintain it, and know every rivet and mechanical malfeasance. SImilar to a crew chief in the military. They have a strong sense of responsibility, and loyalty to the aircraft and to the owner. Unlike an airline pilot, this is the most important airplane they are responsible for. Salary could be distributed like a school teachers, over 12 months or 10 months with a couple months where the airplanes are parked.
Another more limited option is to use contractors like me. They come in a few times a year, say a week or two at a time. They "take ownership" of "their airplane" get it to the wash rack, help perform the annual, fly it, give media rides, flight instruction, whatever leading up to the big air event. After the event, the contractor, washes the aircraft, writes up squawks if any, makes the "to do" list for the next event, puts it back in the hangar. Turns in invoice and finds own way home.

I would get the hours and the check off and fly it myself.

TM

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