tulsaboy wrote:
seabee,
Right now, if an aircraft that is part of the NMUSAF's loan program fails in its maintenance or is no longer wanted by an organization, it is reclaimed by NMUSAF and reassigned. Sometimes that means back to NMUSAF to replace/supplement something in their present collection. Other times, it goes to a waiting museum/organization. From what I understand, there is a waiting list that NMUSAF maintains for various types. The list is long for B-17s, B-24s etc. The biggest catch is that the organization taking on the aircraft as a new loan is responsible for the cost of disassembly, transport, and reassembly. They already have that system in place.
What I have proposed is that the NMUSAF do an inventory of its sprawling collection, and then auction off the spare airframes to non-profits and museums to raise capital for the restoration of the museum's core collection, and to put the spares in the hands of organizations that can and will raise money to restore those aircraft as well. I'm not suggesting auctioning off the Memphis Belle or anything, but the extra 5 or so B-17s that the NMUSAF still owns but just has scattered around the country on outdoor display. In my opinion, the time has come for the outdoor display of WWII era bombers and fighters to end.
This would be just one way to accomplish that goal in a way that, I believe, would greatly benefit the NMUSAF.
kevin
I couldn't agree more. I would love to see any WW2 aircraft be sold to help fund the work at NMUSAF, and at the same time it would be awesome for other groups to be able to help save these birds. Just my two cent. I am on board for that idea
Travis