Warbird Information Exchange

Uncertain future for 2 jets on display
January 29, 2012 5:16 PM
ALI HELGOTH / News Herald Writer
Twitter: @AHelgoth
PANAMA CITY — The city has informed the National Museum of the United States Air Force of its intention to return two F-101 aircrafts, but in the short-term they’re staying put.

The planes, one located at the downtown marina and the other at Gulf Coast State College, have been on display for about 35 years.

In 1976 the city entered an agreement with the NMUSAF for both planes. The Plans & Programs Division of the NMUSAF received a letter dated July 14, 2010, that stated the City Commission approved removal of both F-101s in March 2008.

When the division receives such letters, they send “offers to other organizations that have expressed an interest in those aircraft,” said Sarah Swan, who works in the public affairs division.

The city and the college have said the decision to move the aircraft is a practical matter.

The city made the decision to have the plane removed as part of a discussion about renovations to the Downtown Marina. It didn’t fit with the plans that were created at the time.

“It certainly is not to be interpreted that the city does not continue its very avid support for the Air Force and all the military facilities that we have here,” City Manager Ken Hammons said.

It was also a matter of finances.

Regular maintenance of the planes isn’t a large expense, said Hammons and Chris Thomes, communications director at Gulf Coast State College.

But the plane in front of the college requires about $70,000 in repairs.

Thomes said the plane has begun to rust and there is other damage. Pictures of the plane were sent to a company that said the paint on the plane must be stripped, corrosion issues addressed and some additional body work completed. In addition, the base of the structure must be fixed. Thomes said it would cost an estimated $70,000 to $75,000 to repair.

Previously it was reported that was annual cost, but Thomes said that was a misstatement.

Thomes said there has been some discussion of a private donor providing money for the repair, but he did not provide additional details.

If the city chooses to return the planes to the museum, the city must pay for transportation costs. But if the city waits until another location for the planes is found, transportation costs are paid by the receiving entity.

Swan said Plans and Programs Division representatives have spoken with other organizations regarding the planes, but final placement has not yet been determined.