Warbird Rescue

Mon Nov 22, 2010 8:01 pm

As you guys know Rob and I have been working at the Grissom Air Museum on the B-17. While there we started to talk about how many other aircraft there are out there that recieve little or no attention. After a long talk, and a great huge nudge by our friend Jake, we are happy to roll out http://warbirdrescue.com/ Warbird Rescue will serve as a place where people can submit aircraft that need help and we can try and track down who owns it or who is taking care of it, and put possible volunteers in touch with them. We also want to remind people just how important it is to volunteer at and support your local air museum. On the site you will also find a store to buy the Grissom B-17 shirts. Stop by and drop us a line.
Chris

Tue Nov 23, 2010 12:34 am

I like the idea Chris. Taigh Rameys recent rescue of the PV is one example that comes to mind as something that would have been a candidate. There are quite a few old birds rotting into the soil out there. Are you trying to get them into the hands of individuals who have the financial wherewithal to bring them back to life? If all we do is locate them and make people aware of their existence, then finding volunteers won't do the trick. If getting them donated to museums is in the works, then maybe something can be done at that level but right now as you know, most museums are challenged financially. I know a few individuals who would love to have the backing to restore and fly some of their aircraft but I would not consider them as negligent owners. They just don't have the money to do it. I just appreciate the fact they they cared enough to keep them out of the scrappers hands. If we can find museum owners and entrepaneurs (spelling) willing to put up the bucks, then we might be able to do some of this. I just don't want to see your sight turn into an owner bashing free for all like the recent B-25 thread regardless of the actual circumstances. Also remember, some of these aircraft might be in some type of ownership litigation which if we get involved with a bunch of questions may hamper the process. I like your thinking though.

Tue Nov 23, 2010 8:20 am

I do undestand wher you are coming from, it is not our intention to act maliciously in any way. What we are hoping to accomplish is, that aircraft owners will be able to use us as a tool to help them accomplish their end goal. Restoring an airplane is not easy, and no one should have to go it alone. We would like to give aircraft owners the tools they need to find volunteers, money, and any other type of support they may need. WIX in and of itself is a great resource in which we are hoping that we can work closely with the membership to help these owners who may feel that they are at a dead end.~Rob

Tue Nov 23, 2010 11:25 am

My T-6 project in Chino needs a rescue. Anyone want to send talent and money? :lol:

Tue Nov 23, 2010 12:25 pm

[quote="bdk"]My T-6 project in Chino needs a rescue. Anyone want to send talent and money? :lol:

[/quote]
Now THATS funny :lol:

Tue Nov 23, 2010 3:12 pm

HAHA! Now what we mean is that we don not intend to throw owners under the bus. Rather have a place where they can ask for help. We want it to be a place where someone can promote an aircraft that needs help, and it gets help. No politics, or anything like that. Just that there are planes that need help, and to connect those people with the projects. Also to encourage museums to talk about projects they need help with, and to promote beoming active in YOUR local air museum. We also are not going to become a forum just because we are WIXers true and blue. We are just trying to connect WIXers and others with the people that can make alot of good things happen.

Thu Nov 25, 2010 9:29 pm

Nice-looking site. Good luck. It sounds like a great idea.

Jim

Thu Feb 10, 2011 9:29 am

Just a heads up guys, we have submitted our paperwork to become a 501(c)3. Our weekly show will be on warbird radio tonight at 8. So far the replies have been very positive. Thanks to all for the support.