C-97 Update 12/27/2014 UPDATED WITH VIDEO LINK

[BK]

First post restoration flight set to take place next Monday Nov 6 at Floyd Bennett Field, NY. According to this gentleman https://www.facebook.com/berge.jermakia ... nref=story

[menards]

First post restoration flight set to take place next Monday Nov 6 at Floyd Bennett Field, NY. According to this gentleman https://www.facebook.com/berge.jermakia ... nref=story

Isn't FBF closed?

[TAdan]

First post restoration flight set to take place next Monday Nov 6 at Floyd Bennett Field, NY. According to this gentleman https://www.facebook.com/berge.jermakia ... nref=story

Isn't FBF closed?

Yes, but the Parks Dept is letting the BAHF fly out since they started the restoration before the airport closed.

Is NJ still the destination?

Could be the last large fixed wing flight out of FBF. I think NYPD uses the old sea plane ramp side for their helicopters.

[CAPFlyer]

The understanding I had was that FBF is "closed", however because the BAHF is based there, they are allowed to make a certain number of operations each year out of the field under coordination with the Parks Service. The only reason I know of for going to NJ with the C-97 is because they need to do training and flight certification, something they can't do at FBF, but that once that is complete, the plane will still be housed at FBF and return for winter maintenance and such just as the C-54 does.

[BK]

The understanding I had was that FBF is "closed", however because the BAHF is based there, they are allowed to make a certain number of operations each year out of the field under coordination with the Parks Service. The only reason I know of for going to NJ with the C-97 is because they need to do training and flight certification, something they can't do at FBF, but that once that is complete, the plane will still be housed at FBF and return for winter maintenance and such just as the C-54 does.

The C-97 will be the last fixed-wing aircraft to take-off from FBF as it will not return. The Park Service nullified their agreement after deciding to change use of the hangar, the C-54 hasn't been there for several years.

[CAPFlyer]

Well that sucks. Figures that eventually someone would go full idiot and do something stupid.

[WIXerGreg]

Were't they moving to Tom's River?

[kalamazookid]

Great news on the C-97! Best wishes for a successful test flight! That will be incredible to see on the airshow circuit. I remember when I saw Spirit of Freedom for the first time, probably 20 years ago, and talking with the crew and hearing about the C-97. It's been a long time coming.

I thought I read somewhere that the C-54 is now based at Smith-Reynolds Airport in Winston-Salem, N.C. That could have been a temporary home, however.

[K5DH]

Gosh, I haven't seen a C-97 flying since I was a boy. I grew up 3.4 miles off the end of Runway 27 at New Castle Airport (KILG) in Delaware. That was, and still is, the DE ANG base. They flew C-97s until 1971 when they transitioned to C-130s, which they still operate. As if it was yesterday, I can vividly recall the thunderous roar of those heavily-laden C-97s as they passed over the house on their climb out. Sometimes they seemed to be at tree-top level!

I hope to see BAHF's C-97 fly some day!

[Airlift48]

We have postponed the flight until Tuesday due to forecast low ceilings.

We are only stopping at Toms River, for a quick MX check and fuel. Then we are going to RDG. Hopefully, all in the same day.

The C-54 is still technically based at MJX We have been wintering in Winston-Salem due to weather.

We will have a livestream going on Facebook.

Crew training and being fully operational status requires much money. If you want to help, please do. We will be launching some fund raising efforts to help in this area once we have moved the airplane.

[Airlift48]

We have postponed the flight until Tuesday due to forecast low ceilings.

We are only stopping at Toms River, for a quick MX check and fuel. Then we are going to RDG. Hopefully, all in the same day.

The C-54 is still technically based at MJX We have been wintering in Winston-Salem due to weather.

We will have a livestream going on Facebook.

Crew training and being fully operational status requires much money. If you want to help, please do. We will be launching some fund raising efforts to help in this area once we have moved the airplane.

[TAdan]

RDG? Excellent I was planning a trip to visit the MAAM in a few weeks anyway.

[florida.warbirds]

live feed is up via facebook.

[TAdan]

And she is in the air! Congratulations BAHF!

Edit, and now she's back on the ground in Toms River, NJ. A successful flight.

[dred]

Great news, congratulations!!