How long will they keep on flying?

[Chris]

Don't know if it's true, but I did hear a rumor that if either Hillary or McCain get in the White House that they intend to introduce some type of legislation that would prevent ANY civilian from flying an ex military aircraft. Anyone else heard something similar?

[mjanovec]

Don't know if it's true, but I did hear a rumor that if either Hillary or McCain get in the White House that they intend to introduce some type of legislation that would prevent ANY civilian from flying an ex military aircraft. Anyone else heard something similar?

They are both senators already. They can introduce legislation now, if they wanted to.

[ww2John]

oh boy



so, first, they take away my BT13...

then, they take away my Kroeger's card?

...yikes...what next???

[airnutz]

Don't know if it's true, but I did hear a rumor that if either Hillary or McCain get in the White House that they intend to introduce some type of legislation that would prevent ANY civilian from flying an ex military aircraft. Anyone else heard something similar?

Ain't heard that one yet. I wouldn't put it past Hillary, but find it hard to
believe McCain would have anything to do with such legislation since he
has, on at least one occasion, helped an owner get his jet(F9F-3P) back
from Navy seizure.(edit..Tho not a flyer F9F)

As for dangers to Warbird ownership, one of them over time will be the
retirements of the old-timers in the regulatory agencies who know the
aircraft. Imagine trying to get your WACO or O-47 approved by young'n
who mainly knows composites, turbines or pancake engines?

[Raven]

It's not, and never has been a democratic party politics issue in real terms in any country operating warbirds. If it counts for votes or someone stuffs-up royally by putting a warbird into a school, the colour of the country's leader's party will be irrelevant.

[henning]

Yeah I'd agree with raven... if it were to happen it'd have been done
previously and I think the bigger risk is in accidents and insurance and
other costs being the bigger threats... this country is armed to the teeth
and to take away our warbirds would make deer hunting in WI look
rather tame.. and many places close school for that!

[Bill Greenwood]

Another factor is the aging of the Warbird supporters, both owners , contributors and sponsors. The great veterans of WWII are passing and I think spectators may be moving on also. The CAF, long a resource for these great old planes, has changed their policy last year. It think it is driven by economics, but they are going to the Korean War and Vietnam next. It may not be financially succesful in the long run. Are individuals or even museums going to own or operate many F-86s or B-52s.

[retroaviation]

The CAF, long a resource for these great old planes, has changed their policy last year. It think it is driven by economics, but they are going to the Korean War and Vietnam next. It may not be financially succesful in the long run. Are individuals or even museums going to own or operate many F-86s or B-52s.

With all due respect, Mr. Greenwood, and perhaps I've misinterpreted the above comment, but the CAF has indeed changed their policy to include Korean and Vietnam era airplanes, but not to abandon the WWII era. I would think that our efforts on FIFI, the PBJ, Texas Raiders, Lady Lodestar, and so on to get them back in the air and flying with the rest of our WWII fleet are good indications that we have every intention to continue to honor the vets that are responsible for our freedoms and teach the youngsters about their sacrifice and heroism. Just like you do with your Spitfire.

I agree that the costs of owning or operating F-86's or B-52's would be difficult at best (which I don't think is our current plan), but I think it's fair to say that those very words were used when the WWII generation aircraft were available to people. That is one of the reasons that there are so few of them today and why there are so many aluminum cans.

Organizations such as the CAF, the Collings Foundation, the Doc Restoration Team, EAA Warbirds, etc., and individuals like you should understand more than anyone what will happen to all of these Warbirds, from WWII to Vietnam, if we don't preserve them in some way.

I don't know how we, at the CAF, will go about handling the preservation and display of the later era aircraft (not really my area to make those decisions here), but I fully support ANY activity that keeps them from the smelter.

Sorry for the rant, that is just my two cents worth.

Gary Austin
Crew Chief, B-29/B-24 Squadron
CAF

[Bill Greenwood]

To Gary Austin, 1.I'm aware of CAF policy, as they state it, since I have been a life member for over 20 years 2. I joined because this was the 1 group that preserved WW II planes and memories. I think the original idea that Lloyd, Lefty,etc. had was important and I'd like to continue.I'm know financial pressure is pushing this change, but what if the switch to the 60s-70s doesn't draw enough public support? Then all we have is a diluted CAF stiill with limited resorces. 3. Do you really believe the original Warbirds will continue to get fulll support? I've already seen changes, look at the schedule for the show. Morning and midday is given to acro planes.The Warbirds fly late when it's hotter, dustier and the crowd is leaving. 4. I'd like to read what other forum users think, who else is not in church this am? Finally your opinion is not a rant, but I do have a first name. Do you prefer Mr. Austin? Keep up the good work on Fifi. Bill

[retroaviation]

Bill,

As I mentioned in my personal message to you, I apologize if my earlier post sounded acidic. I only called you by Mr. Greenwood because I was trying to display respect. However, I have no problems with a first name basis.

I do believe that the Warbird movement will continue to get support. Full support? Unlikely. I agree that the interest has certainly fallen off recently. I'm sure the WWI enthusiasts have previously experienced what we're going through right now. Perhaps it's just wishful thinking on my part (and everyone here on WIX) that any support will continue. But I'm still going to try to make things work out. I, just like most everyone on this website, have been interested in and around Warbirds all of my life. It's more than just a hobby to me, it's my livelihood. So maybe it's just difficult for me to picture a world without Warbirds...new and old.

Thanks for the kind words on my work with FIFI. I sincerely appreciate all of the support and "atta-boys" from everyone in this forum.

Gary