Aircraft maintenance is in full swing. The AT-19 and the member owned T-34 have completed their annual inspections. Next up is the Ki-51.
The museum has decided to trade its share in the T-6 for another aircraft. Stay tuned for more photos of the museums new aircraft. Fortunately the T-6 is entirely member owned and will be staying around the museum and is still based at the Slaton airport. The new owner completed its annual inspection and has sent it off for paint and it is expected to return by the end of April.
The paint removal on the F9F Cougar has been completed. This has been an undertaking that has lasted many years. There were up 7 layers of paint on the aircraft and we counted 12 different layers of paint on the wing. The process included grinding, paint removing chemicals, pressure washers with abrasive media and countless hours of selfless labor from many of the museum volunteers. We are waiting for the weather to become better for a final clean and then we will apply the primer paint.
The museum jet yard had some fencing work completed as the section between the middle display building and the meeting room has been completely replaced and upgraded.
In the restoration of the jeep, Ronnie Burton has begun assembly on the engine and has started disassembly of the transmission. Instead of the major repairs required to complete the tub of the Jeep, the museum has opted to purchase a new tub, with a generous donation from Dr. Jack DuBose and his family.
Our members are making great strides in flying as well. Jeff Goodrich has started the checkout process in the PT-26 and Tyler Welty is well into his private pilots license studies. Jerrett Steiwig has begun his instrument training and Brian Laing earned his commercial pilots license.
The BIGGEST change that is apparent is the completion of the new 81ft by 81ft hangar that was donated by Beck Steel of Lubbock. This space is much needed and will be used to display the museums collection of airworthy aircraft. The hangar has easy open doors on the south that let in a tremendous amount of light and an electric bi-fold door of the north side. We eventually plan on a taxiway expansion to the north side of the hangar. The concrete floor has been sealed and aircraft are allowed in the facility. The electrical work is almost complete and was donated by Childress Electric.
