Warbird Information Exchange

There may have been a negative balance or there may have been a request by HQ for the accepting wing to show that they could raise that much money to complete the project prior to assignment in the form of a restoration plan or even just pledges for that amount to complete the restoration of the aircraft prior to assigning it to another wing/unit. HQ has gotten more discerning about assignments lately because they want to know that they're not going to be shuffling airplanes around between units without them ever getting completed or flown as much as they need to be to stay airworthy because it's been done in the past and all that's happened is planes have rotted.

To answer a few questions.... Gary is correct. Sponsorship for a bomber is $3,500. However, one sponsor is not going to get the aircraft (using the Harpoon in this case), unless he has some very deep pockets.
Here's about how it goes.... so you want to sponsor a big bird that is open for assignment..... Do you have a plan......
1. MONEY.... I mentioned about 30K, about 9 sponsors. Does this group of sponsors have the ability to provide about another 15k each... about what it was going to take to finish the airplane.
2. Do you have at least 2 A&P or AI's on board... how many other volunteers, and last but not least, pilot's and copilot's (preferably also sponsors, that way they have a vested interest in the airplane).
3. Can you get the crew up to (in this case Wisconsin) to finish the plane, or at least get the bird ready for a ferry permit, or do you transport by ground....
4. Where will you keep the big bird. Hangar costs, ins., safety, fire protection, etc.....
5. Ready to go?????? Not yet... Now you get to go to Midland and meet with the aircraft assignment group with George Lodge and company. Now everything you have covered in the first four items will be presented by you, in detail. Big item... did I mention MONEY? Is the money pledged, or is it in a bank account with attendant bank statement in hand? Makes a huge difference!
6. The assignment group makes its recomendation to the General Staff.
7. General Staff votes and decides if you are to be granted your wish to take charge of a CAF airplane.
There is a lot more after #7, as you will become good friends with Mr Houdyshell at Midland, as your CAF aircraft insurances and fees will also need to be paid in a timely manner......Plus Eric Van Hoff, will be checking your aircraft logbooks, and Uncle Bob will be making sure you are safe!
Exagerating? Maybe just a bit, and the process is probably off just a bit, but it gives you an idea of the preparation involved. Ducking for cover...... Alan

_________________
Just call me Al.