Warbird Information Exchange

Can either of you guys tell me of any changes that have come down or are expected regarding the supposedly new policy changes from the new leadership at NHC. I know when all of that leadership changed a while back that the proverbial "flood gates" were supposed to open allowing the recovery of many Navy aircraft again.

Col. Rohr, I know you've been working for quite some time on this issue. What has changed? Can you give us a perspective on the current mood there and what you see for the future? I know that a few more Lake Michigan aircraft have been recovered just this year, which is a positive sign. What are the chances that the Navy will allow civilians to recover and obtain title to these abandoned Naval planes? Is that still just a pipe-dream?

What about abandoned Marine aircraft? Are they controlled by the NHC as well?

Thanks guys!

I'm not Taras or Rob, but I've been involved in some of this, maybe I can shed some light.

Congress passed a law that said you must receive a permit from the controlling branch prior to recovery. Failing to do so opens you up to severe penalties.

The permit application is sent to Maxwell AFB for the USAF. They pretty much rubberstamp for older wrecks.

The Navy you apply to the NHC. The hardline people, " they're all ours, no matter how long or where they are crowd " are gone. You send your permit in and you state what aircraft you plan to go get by BuNo and its supposed location. If they don't deem that specific aircraft as historically significant to the USN a permit for recovery will be issued. This is a huge change in policy, before there was NO mechanism for recovery unless you were working for the NMNA.

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"You cannot invade the mainland United States. There would be a rifle behind each blade of grass..."
Admiral Isoruku Yamamoto

RickH,

Thanks for the positive information. Does the "permit" require the compliance with all of the old NHC recovery policies? The single most costly I believe is the ($250,000. +) impact survey, and that alone would stop most recoveries.

Thanks,
Lex

Welcome back Col.!!!!!!!!

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An ego is no match for gravity.