Warbird Information Exchange

Just received an e-mail back from China Lake NWS in regards to the derelict aircraft sitting in the desert that were once used as target practice. The higher ups at China Lake stated that any aircraft whether complete, partial, or just hulks are now the property of the Naval aviation musuem in Pensacola. Any type of recovery has to be approved by the museum and the organization pursuing any aircraft is responsible for any and all testing to insure there is no threat from radiation. There are numerous aircraft sitting there including a couple B-29 partial airframes, but enough to have a darn good start on a rstoration. Anyways, if any aircraft is to be salvaged it would remian the property of the museum but be on loan to a reputable museum/organization. I sent a letter to Pensacola to see what the chances are of salvaging on of the aircraft.

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A&P/I.A., A.A.S./Aviation Maintenance technology
Warbird salvage/recovery
One day I'll get that P-40!

Very cool.

Please keep us posted on their response!

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S.

But of course.

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A&P/I.A., A.A.S./Aviation Maintenance technology
Warbird salvage/recovery
One day I'll get that P-40!

Hehe....good luck with Pepsi-Cola! If you do get permission....you still gotta deal with the local base guys. Be prepaired to trade something to the local museum or to Pensacola as well.

Getting out to the ranges to "go shopping" isn't easy....especially one that's active almost 24-7. Most likely, somebody will bring your prize to the gate (for a fee of some sort. To cover employee time, range time, equipment useage yada-yada). Then send you on your way with it....well, most of it anyway. If you are allowed out "there" get ready to pony up $$$ for a security escort who will make sure you only get what's authorised. Oh, and the required range fee.

At least this was how it was many moons ago.

If it's Echo Bird your after, that's likely to cost big money...that range is VERY expensive and in constant use. Nobody rides for free out there.

be prepaired to get ignored by those who control things too....they're busy and museum folks aren't real high on list of priorities.

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Rob