A question for all

[Dan K]

Hey All,

Seeing as many of you probably passed through the town of Jackson, MI, on your way to and from YAF, here's a Jackson, MI, question for you:

I thought I knew all of the Airacobras in Michigan, but the warbird registry suggests that a Jack Taft (of Jackson) was responsible--at least in part--for the recovery of three P-400's, and that one is under static rebuild by same.

The FAA registry lists Mr. Taft as the owner of a PT-19 (M-62A in Fairchildese).

So the question is, "Who has the skinny on Mr. Jack N. Taft and any P-400's in Michigan?"

Curious minds want to know!

It is plausible that Taft does indeed have a plane or two. He's got what looks like a primitive grass landing stip on his property and buildings big enough to house them. His address is listed as a museum, but it's just his home & workshops. Nothing to see outside.

I've heard (probably third or fourth hand) that he recovered several P-400's in New Guinea in the 60's (?). One was given to (demanded by ?) the New Guinea government for payment for the others. The one that he has is apparently a long term static project.

[James Church]

He does indeed have a P-400 under active restoration to (I believe) static display condition. I've seen photos of it recently, though I have not been out to see it (yet) personaly. Jim