This is the place where the majority of the warbird (aircraft that have survived military service) discussions will take place. Specialized forums may be added in the new future
Thu Mar 09, 2017 6:18 am
Hi all,
The good news on PBY-5A C-FNJE (Fairview,ALberta - ex Buffalo A/w) with a f/f after restoration expected this summer
made me consider the status of other ‘work in progress’...
Like-
The blue Martin Mars from Vancouver Island to ...
Lufthansa Starliner from Auburn,Maine to Germany
Ground transport, pending completion of budget, Warning Star from Chanute Aerospace to Yankee Air Museum
Any other projects we know of, propliners and/or big warbirds being moved or regaining airworthiness this year?
Please share!
Ruud
Thu Mar 09, 2017 12:00 pm
While not as large as those you name...It is a multi-engine warbird:
A Grumman Goose is set to fly later this month. Ex-RAF, it will fly in USN three-tone camouflage.
Thu Mar 09, 2017 1:06 pm
How bout an N-number for that HU-16, and location?
Today I also learned of CV440 ZS-BRV for Breitling making good progress.
Rudi
Thu Mar 09, 2017 1:50 pm
The F-82 out of Georgia should be completed any day now, if it hasn't been already.
The C-97 that the Berlin Airlift Group (that flies the C-54) is close I think.
Thu Mar 09, 2017 11:36 pm
RuudLeeuw wrote:How bout an N-number for that HU-16, and location?
Grumman
Goose...G-21A...N95467...Spokane, Washington, USA
https://scontent-ort2-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/ ... e=5935B0B4
Fri Mar 10, 2017 5:34 am
Ah yes, I read the BAHF is fiduring out a crewing issue, the acft was set to fly out Bennett Field this year.
That Spokane Goose is new for me, interesting!
Thanks,
Rudi
Fri Mar 10, 2017 7:28 pm
Rudi...
I'll try to keep you updated on the Goose. Last time I saw it, about a week ago, everything was in place and they were doing gear tests and weighing for CG. This aircraft was acquired from a museum, placed there (IIRC) on the death of its owner halfway through a restoration. As such, it was structurally empty and the wings were for static display only. A lot of work has gone on with the electrical, hydraulic, and fuel systems as well as rebuilt engines and proper wings. The interior is furnished with six lightweight leather chairs for passengers as well as the two pilot seats. The furnishings have been kept simple/light/utilitarian as the owner plans to fly friends and grandchildren to the many large lakes in the region.
A nice touch is the Grumman logo has been laser etched into the thin Verneer on the cabin to cockpit bulkhead. The other side is similarly done with a map showing area lakes and airports. The aft galley/toilet compartment has been left empty to serve as a changing room.
The Goose is one of those types that were once common (or I should say relatively common considering the few built...at least by WWII standards) and many think there are more flying than there actually is.
The end of May will mark the 80th anniversary of the aircraft's first flight.
Fri Mar 10, 2017 10:07 pm
As far as heavies go, I would think Air Heritage's C-47 "Luck of the Irish" is probably pretty close.
Fri Mar 10, 2017 11:45 pm
Castle has a few statics I anticipate will be out this year.
F-16A #80543. This one is done, just waiting for our ground to dry so we can tow it out.

Mig-21. Don't have a # on it yet. This is a flyer being donated and is in great shape. In and out, will keep you posted.
Maybe our F-105B #57837. More likely next year, but one never knows.

We've got
many others in line, but none I can imagine being being finished this year.
Sat Mar 11, 2017 8:16 am
Thanks John B. - looking forward to hear and spread the news of this glorious Goose!
And Matt, thanks for the C-47. Would be great if it could join in 2019 the 75th Anniversary of the D-Day landings in northern France,
celebrating and commemorating the landing and Battle for Normandy.
Rudi
Sat Mar 11, 2017 3:11 pm
Our Spit IX will fly this summer.
Sat Mar 11, 2017 3:53 pm
Dave Hadfield wrote:Our Spit IX will fly this summer.

Beautiful, Dave. Any chance she'll make some visits south of the border (to help us yanks celebrate that whole sesquicentennial thing with you)?
Sun Mar 12, 2017 5:50 pm
A-26K Counter Invader Special Kay had her first taxi test the other day at KFTW. First flight can't be too far off. Like JR says, all they lack is finishin' up!
Mon Mar 13, 2017 12:35 pm
kalamazookid wrote:As far as heavies go, I would think Air Heritage's C-47 "Luck of the Irish" is probably pretty close.
As soon as the 123 finishes up Annual, the C-47 will be run up and brought in to start its first annual.
The props will come off and sent out for inspection and repaint, new tires mounted and balanced, finish the little bit of painting we have to do and do some last minute inspections then put it back together for test flying and hopefully some training flights by Mid summer.

Tue Mar 14, 2017 10:02 am
Dan K wrote:Dave Hadfield wrote:Our Spit IX will fly this summer.

Beautiful, Dave. Any chance she'll make some visits south of the border (to help us yanks celebrate that whole sesquicentennial thing with you)?
Dan,
We'll stay close to home for the first season probably, while we work the inevitable bugs out. For the first 15 hours or so it's wise to stay near the toolbox.
Dave
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