For the first time since 1956 the B-29 bomber known as 'Doc' has moved under its own power-VIDEO! - Page 2

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[ARCHIVED THREAD] - For the first time since 1956 the B-29 bomber known as 'Doc' has moved under its own power-VIDEO! (Page 2 of 3)

Posted: 5/20/2016 11:03:19 PM EDT

[#1]

I worked on this B-29 when It first came to Wichita. It was fresh from the desert and we had a bunch of junk to clean up, sort out and start working on. Everything had been half buried in sand for years, it was a massive job just figuring out exactly what we had. I saw it again about 2 years ago, the difference is amazing, they let me crawl all over it, inside and out. They were about 3/4 complete with polishing the external skin. She's a beauty for sure, I'd like to see it fly someday.

All this almost didn't happen. The restoration was sort of sponsored by Boeing. The work was done by volunteers, in a Boeing hangar. The Boeing Wichita facility was sold to Spirit Aerosystems and Doc had to find a new home. Then the plan changed and it was going to be restored as a static display for Kansas Aviation Museum. The hangar where the restoration started was torn down in favor of a new parking lot. BTW that hangar is in the old Jimmy Stewart movie, Strategic Air Command. The scene where he goes to see the new secret jet bomber has a B-47 in that hangar.

Anyway, the right people got involved and the flying restoration got back on track. And now we are getting close to seeing Doc fly again.

Posted: 5/20/2016 11:08:09 PM EDT

[#2]

DOC'S ASSIGNMENTS

Mar 45	To Birmingham Modification Center, Birmingham, AL
Apr 45	To Barksdale Field, LA
Nov 45	To Pyote Field, TX
Feb 46	Tot 414st Base Unit, Pyote Field, TX
Oct 50	To 2753rd Aircraft Storage Squadron ( Air Material Command), Pyote AFB, TX
Nov 50	To San Antonio Air Material Area, TX
May 51	Redesignated TB-29
Jul 51	To 7th Radar Calibration Squadron (Air Defense Command), Griffiss AFB, NY
Sep 52	To 109th Radar Calibration Squadron (ADC) Griffiss AFB, NY
Dec 52	To 1st Radar Calibration Squadron (ADC) Griffiss AFB, NY
Mar 54	To 4713rd Radar Evaluation Flight (ADC) Griffiss AFB, NY
Mar 55	To Arco Manufacturing Corp., Berry Field, TN for work
May 55	To 17th Tow Target Squadron (ADC) Yuma County Airport, AZ
May 55	To 4750th Air Defense Wing (ADC) Yuma County Airport, AZ
Mar 56	Dropped from the USAF inventory by transfer to the US Navy

"Doc"
was transferred from the Air Force to China Lake on Oct. 15, 1956 to be
used as a ballistic target for air combat training. It was one of 50 to
be used for that purpose.
Four times over the decades, "Doc" was used as a sitting target;
four times, missiles missed. Then the Navy fed its mothballed B-29s to
the shredder. "Doc", tucked away on the test range, was spared.
By the late 1980s, the Navy agreed to give up Doc, but only if Tony found
a B-25 -- another World War II plane -- and restored it for a Naval museum
in Florida. That brought a whole different set of hassles.

http://b-29.org/b-29-doc/restoration-doc.html

In a hangar at Boeing Wichita, a "polishing party" brings
together aficionados of the World War II Superfortress to nurture this
one back to health.

Esther
Gemas was 18 when she was a sheet-metal worker helping to help build B-29
heavy bombers at Boeing Wichita during World War II. On Monday, Gemas
worked alongside her daughter-in-law, Mary Jo Gemas, as part of a team
of volunteers who spent much of their day at a "polishing party," buffing
the exterior of "Doc," a vintage B-29 Superfortress undergoing restoration
in a Boeing Wichita hangar.

"It
brings back old memories," said Gemas, as she worked on the tail section.

With
the big band sounds of the 1940s playing in the background, volunteers
used cheesecloth, a special polish and lots of elbow grease to rub off
years of oxidation on the plane's exterior, returning it to its original
shine.

Posted: 5/20/2016 11:14:17 PM EDT

[#3]

More good news! As of today, the FAA has issued an Airworthiness Certificate to Doc the B-29. All that's left now is the first flight.

http://www.b-29doc.com/2016/05/20/faa-deems-b-29-doc-airworthy-first-flight-imminent/

Posted: 5/20/2016 11:21:14 PM EDT

[#4]

Erection........activated!

Posted: 5/20/2016 11:33:31 PM EDT

[#5]

Quote History

Quoted:
That's awesome!

FBHO should use it as AF1 for his visit to Hiroshima

View Quote

Posted: 5/20/2016 11:40:51 PM EDT

[#6]

Quote History

Quoted:

Greenland, 1995.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
should have had a fire department or 17 there after what happened to... whatever it was, drawing a blank here

Greenland, 1995.

Is that the one that the crew that got it running sat there and watched it burn?

Posted: 5/20/2016 11:42:37 PM EDT

[#7]

Beautiful!

Posted: 5/21/2016 12:28:54 AM EDT

[#8]

Quote History

Quoted:
DOC'S ASSIGNMENTS

Mar 45	To Birmingham Modification Center, Birmingham, AL
Apr 45	To Barksdale Field, LA
Nov 45	To Pyote Field, TX
Feb 46	Tot 414st Base Unit, Pyote Field, TX
Oct 50	To 2753rd Aircraft Storage Squadron ( Air Material Command), Pyote AFB, TX
Nov 50	To San Antonio Air Material Area, TX
May 51	Redesignated TB-29
Jul 51	To 7th Radar Calibration Squadron (Air Defense Command), Griffiss AFB, NY
Sep 52	To 109th Radar Calibration Squadron (ADC) Griffiss AFB, NY
Dec 52	To 1st Radar Calibration Squadron (ADC) Griffiss AFB, NY
Mar 54	To 4713rd Radar Evaluation Flight (ADC) Griffiss AFB, NY
Mar 55	To Arco Manufacturing Corp., Berry Field, TN for work
May 55	To 17th Tow Target Squadron (ADC) Yuma County Airport, AZ
May 55	To 4750th Air Defense Wing (ADC) Yuma County Airport, AZ
Mar 56	Dropped from the USAF inventory by transfer to the US Navy

"Doc" was transferred from the Air Force to China Lake on Oct. 15, 1956 to be used as a ballistic target for air combat training. It was one of 50 to be used for that purpose.Four times over the decades, "Doc" was used as a sitting target; four times, missiles missed. Then the Navy fed its mothballed B-29s to the shredder. "Doc", tucked away on the test range, was spared.By the late 1980s, the Navy agreed to give up Doc, but only if Tony found a B-25 -- another World War II plane -- and restored it for a Naval museum in Florida. That brought a whole different set of hassles.

http://b-29.org/b-29-doc/restoration-doc.html

In a hangar at Boeing Wichita, a "polishing party" brings together aficionados of the World War II Superfortress to nurture this one back to health. Esther Gemas was 18 when she was a sheet-metal worker helping to help build B-29 heavy bombers at Boeing Wichita during World War II. On Monday, Gemas worked alongside her daughter-in-law, Mary Jo Gemas, as part of a team of volunteers who spent much of their day at a "polishing party," buffing the exterior of "Doc," a vintage B-29 Superfortress undergoing restoration in a Boeing Wichita hangar.

"It brings back old memories," said Gemas, as she worked on the tail section.

With the big band sounds of the 1940s playing in the background, volunteers used cheesecloth, a special polish and lots of elbow grease to rub off years of oxidation on the plane's exterior, returning it to its original shine.

View Quote

It warms my heart to read about a woman who polished the original planes when they were being built, breaking out the cheesecloth and showing those young whippersnappers how it's done.

Doc is really shiny, and I'll bet she enjoyed helping with the project.

Posted: 5/21/2016 10:35:48 AM EDT

[#9]

Quote History

Quoted:

Is that the one that the crew that got it running sat there and watched it burn?

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
should have had a fire department or 17 there after what happened to... whatever it was, drawing a blank here

Greenland, 1995.

Is that the one that the crew that got it running sat there and watched it burn?

once the fire got going, they couldn't do much

Kee Bird

Posted: 5/21/2016 10:51:19 AM EDT

[#10]

Quote History

Quoted:
That's awesome!

FBHO should use it as AF1 for his visit to Hiroshima

View Quote

They would never be able to get that stench out of the airplane.

Posted: 5/21/2016 10:54:47 AM EDT

[#11]

Quote History

Quoted:
Cool. My grandfather flew FiFi for years with the Confederate Air Force.

View Quote

That's is fucking awesome!

Posted: 5/21/2016 10:57:36 AM EDT

[#12]

I want to see Doc and FiFi flying together, in formation, with an escort of P-51s.

Posted: 5/21/2016 11:00:33 AM EDT

[#13]

Nice!

Glad to hear they're getting another one back in the air!

I was on Fifi's flight deck about 15 years ago. What a beautiful bird!

Posted: 5/21/2016 11:03:39 AM EDT

[#14]

Love the sound of those engines.

Posted: 5/21/2016 11:05:34 AM EDT

[#15]

A worthy project if ever there was one. Simply awesome.

Posted: 5/21/2016 11:15:09 AM EDT

[#16]

Quote History

Quoted:
I want to see Doc and FiFi flying together, in formation, with an escort of P-51s.

http://img.pandawhale.com/post-58290-stop-my-penis-can-only-get-so-awjF.gif

View Quote

Posted: 5/21/2016 11:15:50 AM EDT

[#17]

Quote History

Quoted:

That's is fucking awesome!

View Quote View All Quotes

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Cool. My grandfather flew FiFi for years with the Confederate Air Force.

That's is fucking awesome!

In the movie "The Right Stuff" he is flying FiFi and sitting behind him is Chuck Yeager.

His name is Bill Becker. He flew in the Air Force during Korea and trained pilots on the B29. He also flew for Eastern Air Lines up until they went under.

Posted: 5/21/2016 11:21:57 AM EDT

[#18]

Quote History

Quoted:
'Merica!

View Quote

This.

Amazing to see.
With all the money our government spends on stupid shit, we really should maintain a heritage air force with a couple of airworthy examples of pretty much everything that we have fielded.
IMO, it would be a great PR/recruiting tool.

Also: Battleship.

Posted: 5/22/2016 10:48:54 AM EDT

[#19]

Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines

Posted: 5/22/2016 11:54:21 AM EDT

[#20]

Quote History

Quoted:
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines

View Quote

they have been very slow and methodical for a reason

FiFi has been solo in the spotlight too long

Posted: 5/22/2016 12:56:14 PM EDT

[#21]

Quote History

Quoted:
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines

View Quote

To the APU that started the fire.

Posted: 5/22/2016 12:57:25 PM EDT

[#22]

Quote History

Quoted:

To the APU that started the fire.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines

To the APU that started the fire.

My very soul is still crying

Posted: 5/22/2016 1:04:45 PM EDT

[#23]

Quote History

Quoted:

lessons learned from Kee Bird are being applied.

View Quote

Good. That was tragic.

Posted: 5/22/2016 1:06:33 PM EDT

[#24]

very cool

I wish we could get some more B-17s and B-25s moving again (if there are any non-flying survivors left)

Posted: 5/22/2016 1:07:57 PM EDT

[#25]

Quote History

Quoted:
I worked on this B-29 when It first came to Wichita. It was fresh from the desert and we had a bunch of junk to clean up, sort out and start working on. Everything had been half buried in sand for years, it was a massive job just figuring out exactly what we had. I saw it again about 2 years ago, the difference is amazing, they let me crawl all over it, inside and out. They were about 3/4 complete with polishing the external skin. She's a beauty for sure, I'd like to see it fly someday.

All this almost didn't happen. The restoration was sort of sponsored by Boeing. The work was done by volunteers, in a Boeing hangar. The Boeing Wichita facility was sold to Spirit Aerosystems and Doc had to find a new home. Then the plan changed and it was going to be restored as a static display for Kansas Aviation Museum. The hangar where the restoration started was torn down in favor of a new parking lot. BTW that hangar is in the old Jimmy Stewart movie, Strategic Air Command. The scene where he goes to see the new secret jet bomber has a B-47 in that hangar.

Anyway, the right people got involved and the flying restoration got back on track. And now we are getting close to seeing Doc fly again.

View Quote

thanks for sharing

Posted: 5/22/2016 1:12:08 PM EDT

[#26]

Quote History

Quoted:
very cool

I wish we could get some more B-17s and B-25s moving again (if there are any non-flying survivors left)

View Quote

Oh yes; hundreds and hundreds of not-currently-airworthy airframes on static displays in museums, etc
Takes a LOT of time and money to keep the airworthy ones flying, much more to resurrect one

Which is why I'm so excited (blessed, thrilled, pick your own adjective) to see Doc fly

I'm spoiled rotten to have a CAF wing not far from my place

Posted: 5/22/2016 1:14:04 PM EDT

[#27]

That is one beautiful plane.

Posted: 5/22/2016 1:22:56 PM EDT

[#28]

Not sure why I didn't have this thread tagged already

TAG

Posted: 5/22/2016 3:35:08 PM EDT

[#29]

Quote History

Quoted:

Is that the one that the crew that got it running sat there and watched it burn?

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
should have had a fire department or 17 there after what happened to... whatever it was, drawing a blank here

Greenland, 1995.

Is that the one that the crew that got it running sat there and watched it burn?

Kind of hard to do anything about it since the only way in was by helicopter.

Posted: 5/22/2016 3:37:41 PM EDT

[#30]

Quote History

Quoted:
Please check the fuel lines

View Quote

Just buy a fucking Honda generator, a converter and a couple of really big fire extinguishers.

Posted: 5/22/2016 3:48:39 PM EDT

[#31]

I know exactly jack shit about planes, but that one is fucking badass and sounds even better than it looks.

Posted: 5/22/2016 3:55:03 PM EDT

[#32]

Quote History

Quoted:
I know exactly jack shit about planes, but that one is fucking badass and sounds even better than it looks.

View Quote

Check out the website, lots of really good info

As of right now, there is only one other B-29 Superfortress in the world that is still airworthy.
Doc will make it two

Posted: 5/22/2016 7:27:27 PM EDT

[#33]

Quote History

Quoted:
very cool

I wish we could get some more B-17s and B-25s moving again (if there are any non-flying survivors left)

View Quote

It is becoming increasingly difficult to do. The AirForce and especially the Navy are getting very pissy about any of these aircraft in private hands. I have read about several birds being raised from the Great Lakes and the Navy then claiming them as US government property and demanding them back. Someone here has posted that a roadblock for restoring some of the modern era jets is doing so may violate international treaties.

Posted: 5/22/2016 8:44:44 PM EDT

[#34]

Quote History

Quoted:

It is becoming increasingly difficult to do. The AirForce and especially the Navy are getting very pissy about any of these aircraft in private hands. I have read about several birds being raised from the Great Lakes and the Navy then claiming them as US government property and demanding them back. Someone here has posted that a roadblock for restoring some of the modern era jets is doing so may violate international treaties.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
very cool

I wish we could get some more B-17s and B-25s moving again (if there are any non-flying survivors left)

It is becoming increasingly difficult to do. The AirForce and especially the Navy are getting very pissy about any of these aircraft in private hands. I have read about several birds being raised from the Great Lakes and the Navy then claiming them as US government property and demanding them back. Someone here has posted that a roadblock for restoring some of the modern era jets is doing so may violate international treaties.

fuck, everyone in the world (~) is violating the law and/or treaty except for the common American

why are we always the ones getting shat on?

Posted: 5/22/2016 8:49:52 PM EDT

[#35]

Quote History

Quoted:

My very soul is still crying

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines
Please check the fuel lines

To the APU that started the fire.

My very soul is still crying

I watched that video once. I don't think I could handle a 2nd viewing.

And sad too, about the guy that literally died trying to make it fly again.

Posted: 5/22/2016 8:52:34 PM EDT

[#36]

I am beside myself with excitement

This may not happen again in our lifetimes; the resurrection of such an awesome aircraft

Posted: 5/23/2016 8:11:18 PM EDT

[#37]

Quote History

Quoted:

It is becoming increasingly difficult to do. The AirForce and especially the Navy are getting very pissy about any of these aircraft in private hands. I have read about several birds being raised from the Great Lakes and the Navy then claiming them as US government property and demanding them back. Someone here has posted that a roadblock for restoring some of the modern era jets is doing so may violate international treaties.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:very cool
I wish we could get some more B-17s and B-25s moving again (if there are any non-flying survivors left)

It is becoming increasingly difficult to do. The AirForce and especially the Navy are getting very pissy about any of these aircraft in private hands. I have read about several birds being raised from the Great Lakes and the Navy then claiming them as US government property and demanding them back. Someone here has posted that a roadblock for restoring some of the modern era jets is doing so may violate international treaties.

The Department of the Navy (Navy and Marines) has never relinquished control of any of their aircraft unless they were specifically sold.
After Navy and Marine aircraft are stricken from the records they then belong to the Naval Museum of Aviation in Pensacola.
The Navy didn't follow their own rules for many years until some fucktards started wheeling and dealing US Navy C-130's that were supposed to have been used for CIA ops and fire fighting.

Remember Iran-Contra? Eugene Hasenfus?

"They" wheeled and dealed C-130's, C-123's and H-1's under the guise of fire fighting and museum aircraft.

For the Navy it came to a head when they Naval Aviation Museum sold 11 EC-130Q's to an individual (complete with engines and avionics) for a total of $200,000 dollars.
A certain museum director was the one who started it all, he was (illegally) wheeling and dealing aircraft to get rare aircraft for the museum.
After he was caught with his hand in the cookie jar he then pulled out the Navy's instruction on mishap aircraft and started to go after the guys who were pulling them out of the water and restoring them.

A few of the restorers were allowed to keep the aircraft they had recovered by either trading another aircraft or agreeing to recover, salvage and rebuild historic aircraft.
Some could not afford to do so, some refused to do so. They lost their planes or else ended up in long drawn out court cases.

Posted: 5/23/2016 10:07:23 PM EDT

[#38]

Quote History

Quoted:
More good news! As of today, the FAA has issued an Airworthiness Certificate to Doc the B-29. All that's left now is the first flight.

http://www.b-29doc.com/2016/05/20/faa-deems-b-29-doc-airworthy-first-flight-imminent/

View Quote

That is awesome! Can't wait!

Posted: 5/24/2016 8:58:09 AM EDT

[#39]

Quote History

Quoted:

The Department of the Navy (Navy and Marines) has never relinquished control of any of their aircraft unless they were specifically sold.
After Navy and Marine aircraft are stricken from the records they then belong to the Naval Museum of Aviation in Pensacola.
The Navy didn't follow their own rules for many years until some fucktards started wheeling and dealing US Navy C-130's that were supposed to have been used for CIA ops and fire fighting.

Remember Iran-Contra? Eugene Hasenfus?

"They" wheeled and dealed C-130's, C-123's and H-1's under the guise of fire fighting and museum aircraft.

For the Navy it came to a head when they Naval Aviation Museum sold 11 EC-130Q's to an individual (complete with engines and avionics) for a total of $200,000 dollars.
A certain museum director was the one who started it all, he was (illegally) wheeling and dealing aircraft to get rare aircraft for the museum.
After he was caught with his hand in the cookie jar he then pulled out the Navy's instruction on mishap aircraft and started to go after the guys who were pulling them out of the water and restoring them.

A few of the restorers were allowed to keep the aircraft they had recovered by either trading another aircraft or agreeing to recover, salvage and rebuild historic aircraft.
Some could not afford to do so, some refused to do so. They lost their planes or else ended up in long drawn out court cases.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:very cool
I wish we could get some more B-17s and B-25s moving again (if there are any non-flying survivors left)

It is becoming increasingly difficult to do. The AirForce and especially the Navy are getting very pissy about any of these aircraft in private hands. I have read about several birds being raised from the Great Lakes and the Navy then claiming them as US government property and demanding them back. Someone here has posted that a roadblock for restoring some of the modern era jets is doing so may violate international treaties.

The Department of the Navy (Navy and Marines) has never relinquished control of any of their aircraft unless they were specifically sold.
After Navy and Marine aircraft are stricken from the records they then belong to the Naval Museum of Aviation in Pensacola.
The Navy didn't follow their own rules for many years until some fucktards started wheeling and dealing US Navy C-130's that were supposed to have been used for CIA ops and fire fighting.

Remember Iran-Contra? Eugene Hasenfus?

"They" wheeled and dealed C-130's, C-123's and H-1's under the guise of fire fighting and museum aircraft.

For the Navy it came to a head when they Naval Aviation Museum sold 11 EC-130Q's to an individual (complete with engines and avionics) for a total of $200,000 dollars.
A certain museum director was the one who started it all, he was (illegally) wheeling and dealing aircraft to get rare aircraft for the museum.
After he was caught with his hand in the cookie jar he then pulled out the Navy's instruction on mishap aircraft and started to go after the guys who were pulling them out of the water and restoring them.

A few of the restorers were allowed to keep the aircraft they had recovered by either trading another aircraft or agreeing to recover, salvage and rebuild historic aircraft.
Some could not afford to do so, some refused to do so. They lost their planes or else ended up in long drawn out court cases.

maybe one day someone will make a modern day line of B-17, P-51, or the like for private sales.
Like a Cobra kit car, don't care if the electrical or powertrain is the same - the aesthetic designs are worthy of repeating, even if just in a very similar fashion. We just need a Billionaire who feels the same.

Posted: 5/24/2016 11:55:40 AM EDT

[#40]

Quote History

Quoted:

The Department of the Navy (Navy and Marines) has never relinquished control of any of their aircraft unless they were specifically sold.
After Navy and Marine aircraft are stricken from the records they then belong to the Naval Museum of Aviation in Pensacola.
The Navy didn't follow their own rules for many years until some fucktards started wheeling and dealing US Navy C-130's that were supposed to have been used for CIA ops and fire fighting.

Remember Iran-Contra? Eugene Hasenfus?

"They" wheeled and dealed C-130's, C-123's and H-1's under the guise of fire fighting and museum aircraft.

For the Navy it came to a head when they Naval Aviation Museum sold 11 EC-130Q's to an individual (complete with engines and avionics) for a total of $200,000 dollars.
A certain museum director was the one who started it all, he was (illegally) wheeling and dealing aircraft to get rare aircraft for the museum.
After he was caught with his hand in the cookie jar he then pulled out the Navy's instruction on mishap aircraft and started to go after the guys who were pulling them out of the water and restoring them.

A few of the restorers were allowed to keep the aircraft they had recovered by either trading another aircraft or agreeing to recover, salvage and rebuild historic aircraft.
Some could not afford to do so, some refused to do so. They lost their planes or else ended up in long drawn out court cases.

View Quote View All Quotes

View All Quotes

Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:very cool
I wish we could get some more B-17s and B-25s moving again (if there are any non-flying survivors left)

It is becoming increasingly difficult to do. The AirForce and especially the Navy are getting very pissy about any of these aircraft in private hands. I have read about several birds being raised from the Great Lakes and the Navy then claiming them as US government property and demanding them back. Someone here has posted that a roadblock for restoring some of the modern era jets is doing so may violate international treaties.

The Department of the Navy (Navy and Marines) has never relinquished control of any of their aircraft unless they were specifically sold.
After Navy and Marine aircraft are stricken from the records they then belong to the Naval Museum of Aviation in Pensacola.
The Navy didn't follow their own rules for many years until some fucktards started wheeling and dealing US Navy C-130's that were supposed to have been used for CIA ops and fire fighting.

Remember Iran-Contra? Eugene Hasenfus?

"They" wheeled and dealed C-130's, C-123's and H-1's under the guise of fire fighting and museum aircraft.

For the Navy it came to a head when they Naval Aviation Museum sold 11 EC-130Q's to an individual (complete with engines and avionics) for a total of $200,000 dollars.
A certain museum director was the one who started it all, he was (illegally) wheeling and dealing aircraft to get rare aircraft for the museum.
After he was caught with his hand in the cookie jar he then pulled out the Navy's instruction on mishap aircraft and started to go after the guys who were pulling them out of the water and restoring them.

A few of the restorers were allowed to keep the aircraft they had recovered by either trading another aircraft or agreeing to recover, salvage and rebuild historic aircraft.
Some could not afford to do so, some refused to do so. They lost their planes or else ended up in long drawn out court cases.

Wow, I didn't know that.
Thanks for posting it

Posted: 5/24/2016 12:04:52 PM EDT

[#41]

For the upcoming 'high-speed taxi tests'...
What all does that entail?
Rotation speed? Just this side of it?

Posted: 5/24/2016 12:50:51 PM EDT

[#42]

My uncle was an instructor pilot on B-29's in WWII, he wanted to move back to B-17's.

Flying B-17's he bombed Berlin twice, Brux (now Most), Czechoslovakia once and got shot down over France. Back in the states, out west, he flew the 29's. 29's were flown by "the book" following performance curves. B-17's were flown more by "seat of the pants". 17's were reliable, 29's were not and lots of crews died before the problems were worked out. Used to 17's my uncle was amazed by the size of the 29.

Posted: 5/24/2016 1:08:24 PM EDT

[#43]

SWEET, thanks for sharing!

Posted: 5/24/2016 1:09:46 PM EDT

[#44]

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Quoted:
That's awesome!

FBHO should use it as AF1 for his visit to Hiroshima

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Posted: 5/25/2016 12:57:21 AM EDT

[#45]

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Quoted:

you keep your shitty president the fuck away from one of two running B-29s

i don't want his pussiness rubbing off on airplanes that we used to whip wholesale ass back when we did that sort of thing

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Quote History

Quoted:

Quoted:
That's awesome!

FBHO should use it as AF1 for his visit to Hiroshima

you keep your shitty president the fuck away from one of two running B-29s

i don't want his pussiness rubbing off on airplanes that we used to whip wholesale ass back when we did that sort of thing

I was thinking we should let him use it to visit Hiroshima, I never intended to have the plane land.....

Posted: 5/25/2016 11:05:32 AM EDT

[#46]

Quote History

Quoted:
My uncle was an instructor pilot on B-29's in WWII, he wanted to move back to B-17's.

Flying B-17's he bombed Berlin twice, Brux (now Most), Czechoslovakia once and got shot down over France. Back in the states, out west, he flew the 29's. 29's were flown by "the book" following performance curves. B-17's were flown more by "seat of the pants". 17's were reliable, 29's were not and lots of crews died before the problems were worked out. Used to 17's my uncle was amazed by the size of the 29.

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any pics to share?