Warbird Information Exchange

...from Kermit Weeks!

From Airventure he wrote:

I got a chance to hook up with an old friend, the World’s Greatest Aircraft Collection’s DeHavilland Mosquito! We were very fortunate it was on display at the EAA Museum and not in Miami when Hurricane Andrew hit in 1992. It has been many years since it has flown (1989) and once I get some additional hangars built at Fantasy of Flight, I intend to truck it back to Florida where we will go through it and get her flying again.


Blog from which this was extracted:

http://blog.kermitweeks.com/

_________________
It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

That is encouraging news, but don't get too excited, as Kermit can't even start on the hangars for another two years. Add the rebuild/restoration/annual time and it could be a few years before we see the Mossie flying again.

I'm just wondering how Kermit will keep the Mossie from deteriorating in the hot, humid conditions in Florida. Unless he keeps it in a climate controlled hangar and never flies it, I don't see how that is possible. That Mossie has all of the original wood and glue and it surely is prone to delamination like the wartime variants were. I know the British had a rough time with the Mossie's glue not holding up in Southeast Asia during the war due to the heat and humidity.

This is the last time I saw the Mosquito at Miami It was getting ready to take off. In the late 80's early 90's.





Mark F.

Understood. I posted simply because Mr. Weeks was even entertaining the thought of a rebuild to flying.

And nothing against the restoration crew at FoF, but it seemed odd that one of the current Mosquito rebuilders wouldn't be contracted to do the work.


From three weeks ago (Still an impressive beast):

_________________
It was a good idea, it just didn't work.

Hi Guys,

What a sight to see. Kermit's and Jerry Yagens in formation at Oshkosh...or better still....Thunder Over Michigan ????


Paul

_________________
Dammit Jim, I'm an Airplane Inspector/Mechanic not a Doctor !