“Return to Glory”

Chandler, AZ  Memorial Airport
UNITED STATES AIR POWER MUSEUM

AIRCRAFT ENGINE & AIR FRAME MECHANICS WANTED

Aircraft Restoration Projects are available for those who ready enjoy being around airplanes. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer and help restore a World War II aircraft, pick up the phone and call 559-291-1239.

The United States Airpower Museum (“USAM”) is a California not-for-profit corporation, in good standing, and is registered non-profit charitable entity holding a valid 501 © (3) status. USAM main office is located at 4877 E Norwich Ave, Fresno, California 93726. 559-291-1239 www.aycsnetwork.com /editor@veteransmagazine.com

RESTORATION PROJECT #1
Fairchild PT-23

The Fairchild PT-23 was a WW-II trainer and contemporary of the Stearman. "PT", as many readers know, stands for "Primary Trainer".

The Fairchild PT-19/23 series have a fabric covered, welded steel tubular fuselage. The wings are wood construction, with fabric covered mahogany plywood sheeting. One does a pretty serious termite check inside when beginning a restoration!

The M-62C, PT-23, is the same airframe but with a Continental W670, 220-HP, 7-cylinder radial, a full sliding canopy. These aircraft cruise at about 110-mph and stall at half that. About 8,000 of the M-62 series were built. Brand new, N62476 was formerly owned by "Pappy" Brubaker, from the Dover, Delaware area and sat for some years before Mel bought it. On the FAA registration the manufacturer is listed as "Fairchild (Howard)". Many of these aircraft were built for Fairchild by others and 349 PT-23's

RESTORATION PROJECT #2
Lockheed PV-2 Harpoon

Make: Lockheed                  
Model: PV-2 “N”
Number 7086C
Serial Number 151410     
Year Manufactured 1945 
Type of aircraft: Fixed wing
Multi Engine Type: Reciprocating R-2800 series

1. This aircraft has been in storage in the dry climate of the desert for 14 years. The exterior shows no noticeable corrosion in the metal and no major structural or airframe damage. The fabric has deteriorated from the heat and sun on the left rudder.
2. The aircraft windows are not deteriorated.
3. The cockpit was inspected visually. All flight instruments have been removed without cutting wires, flight controls are in place and workable, both instrument panels dash on both sides are in place, Interior of aircraft is in good condition.
   
4. No APU available.
5. The wheels and tires show deterioration and are flat.
6. R-2800 engines are in place, propellers move and have freedom, and both the propellers are attached.
7. Accessory area behind the engine shows deterioration due to the dry climate.
8. The aircraft current value can only be tied therefore to the potential that it is restorable to flying condition with full maintenance inspection of the aircraft.

This aircraft has no parts missing other then described.

RESTORATION PROJECT #3
AERMACCHI MB 326

AERMACCHI MB 326 G first time it flew was in the spring of 1967. The main structure was stronger than the others and could carry twice of weapon loads, so some countries like Argentina (Argentinean Navy with eight examples), Zambia (20 examples ), Zaire (17 examples) ordered the version MB 326GB. With the Viper 11 a new and stronger wing was created from Macchi and called MB 326E and ordered from Italian Air Force in twelve examples. But the country with the biggest order was Brazil that with the version MB 326GC (similar to GB) and with the Brazilian designation of AT 26 Xavante made by license this plane, sold also to Ghana Air Force with three examples. Last Italian MB 326 served with 9th Wing in Grazzanise AB.

Other projects available: PV-2 Harpoon 1945 Twin R-2800 Engines, Italian Air Force: Jet Aircraft AERMACCHI MB 326, Swedish Air Force: SAAB Lansen 32 Jet Fighter / Trainer.  C119 Flying Boxcar available. A-26 Intruder Twin R-2800 Engines WWII, Korea, and Vietnam.  Presently a Fire Bomber in flying condition. Trades are available Call 559-291-1239.