Flight Time II, Jon and the CAF Stearman

We've mentioned the close relationship between the Commerative Air Force (CAF), DFW wing and the Cold War Air Museum at Lancaster Airport in the past. This relationship lets us work together to bring visitors to the airport and our museums.

As with our aircraft, maintaining and keeping their aircraft (and the pilots that fly them) current, is a full time job. Jon, one of several Cold War Air Museum directors, who is also a life member of the CAF took this opportunity to exercise his stick and rudder skill in this fine example of flying history that the CAF keeps in top notch condition.

Like us, the CAF has a dedicated and skilled crew of volunteers that take care of their aircraft. We appreciate this great working relationship and invite you to visit their web site and facility when you come visit us.

With thanks and acknowledgment to the CAF for these fine photos.

Flight Time

Flying the aircraft at the Cold War Air Museum sometimes seems like a full time job.

As someone once said, "That's the kind of problem you want to have."

Once aircraft are restored to flying condition, they need to be maintained in flying condition. Doing so requires - "Flying them"!

Jon and Sean took the "Chang" up recently because it "needed" to be flown.

It was a beautiful day for flying and the two of them enjoyed a short local flight to warm the engine up before the aircraft's annual inspection.

They had a good flight, and as always, visitors to the museum enjoyed the experience of seeing (and hearing) our associated aircraft being flown.

Most weekends, one or more aircraft are being flown at the Cold War Air Museum. Come visit us at the Lancaster Regional Airport in Dallas. Click our links for driving directions and local events.

Come see us soon!

Mi24 Bord 120, moving toward flight status

We never seem to be at a loss for projects around the Cold War Air Museum. Among other aircraft receiving attention last weekend was Mi-24 Bord 120. The second, soon to be flying, large Russian (former Bulgarian actually) helicopter based in Texas was scheduled to receive a new set of main rotor blades.

This project started with the new blades on the ground and the volunteers full of enthusiasm. The unique experience that these volunteers get working with associates on their aircraft attracts such aircraft enthusiasts.

The blades have to be hoisted about 5 meters up and aligned to the main rotor hub before they can be attached.

Don't let the look of scepticism fool you, Larry's seen this done before. I think he's just mugging for the camera. We are looking forward to doing articles on each of these associates new aircraft soon.

With a "Yo heave ho", a blade is brought over to the scissor lift that will be used to simplify and expedite the process. Improvising is no stranger to this crew.

Placed on padded saddles, each blade will be carefully raised and moved up to the hub for mating.

On approach, the crew holds her steady.

On short final, they are at the proper height and in the groove.

With minor adjustment, each blade slides easily into place. 

Hey Bruce, I've got cyclic and collective here, a blade on top and we're going up and down and back and forth. We are logging this as flight time aren't we?

Between helping and watching (with amusement), Johnny takes care of routine maintenance on Mi-2 Bord 211, cleaning the transmission filter. Johnny's motto of "Get 'er done, let's get 'em flying" is well applied here.

L29 Delfin Smiles

Some of the recent work at the Cold War Air Museum has focused on bringing one of the museum's L-29 projects up to flying status.

The group working on Bord 41 pauses in front of the aircraft to smile about how the work is progressing.

The sound of jet engines is a happy sound to the volunteers and to the airport fuel concession.

A total of four L29's were brought out, started, taxied or flown (several at the airport are already licensed and flying) over the weekend.

Following one of these engine and taxi tests, the photographer got the chance to get (almost) everyone in front of Bord 41 for the lead picture above.

Work will continue on the aircraft until it's successful airworthiness inspection, scheduled for the near future.