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We Need Your
Help |
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Do you remember the
Experience? |
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During 2001, this beautifully restored B-17G WWII bomber flew throughout the U.S. You might have had the opportunity to climb aboard this vintage aircraft and experience the startup of the engines, the belch of smoke and the thrill of a lifetime as you flew over your city. This aircraft is one of a few WWII bombers bringing veterans, youngsters, and family members in touch with a piece of history. |
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Without a hanger, the task of
removing and transporting engines to Ellington Field (9 miles away)
fills the weekend for volunteers. Hoists and muscle coupled with tricky
balance acts is a common thread shared by these workers. The objective? To get this aircraft flying again! |
But now she is down and needs your help. Late in 2001, the owner of this B-17, the CAF (Commemorative Air Force) received an FAA Airworthiness Directive (AD 2001-22-06) to conduct a wing-spar inspection. This inspection requires the extraction of all four engines and the complete removal of the wings after supporting the aircraft. You can imagine the predicament and challenges which lay ahead for a group of volunteers who have no maintenance hanger and is presently looking at nearly $105,000 in maintenance fees. The cost will rise considerably as we remove the wings and tackle the wing spar corrosion which was found during the inspection. |
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Removal and inspection of the bolts which secure the wing to the fuselage is no easy task. GCW volunteers work with other warbird specialists to sequentially protect this vintage aircraft during each phase. |
The Gulf Coast Wing will continue to update website visitors on the progress of the AD. Volunteers who work in coordination with the FAA and the maintenance firm who is assisting in the inspection continue efforts in removing, disassembling, tagging and transporting engines, props and aircraft parts as necessary. The work is being conducted in a secure location at Hobby Airport, Houston, Texas and is coordinated through the Gulf Coast Wing of the CAF. all volunteers are CAF members, some of whom are A & P mechanics. The Gulf Coast Wing is the sponsoring CAF unit which maintains "TEXAS RAIDERS" and is one of the oldest active units in the CAF. |
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Prior to the wing removal, the fuselage must be supported and the landing gear removed. The company assisting with the disassembly and inspection has vast experience with warbird "wing-spar" engineering. |
| If you can help with a donation... and any amount you might contribute is appreciated... our organization would be most grateful. All monies/contributions are "Tax Deductible" and will be used totally toward the maintenance and support of the "TEXAS RAIDERS, B-17G". | |
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