Warbird Information Exchange

Rudi,
There is a company based there that runs air-freight.
I think the just got "put out to pasture" literally while they were replaced by other aircraft.
Mark

_________________
World War II Airborne Demonstration Team Foundation
www.wwiiadt.org

As I recall, and I'll tell you up front that I may have some of this wrong, Mr. Maples had a air freight service and he used several DC-3s. I remember flying down there with one of my instructors in the late 70s, he was looking to apply for a job flying for Mr. Maples. Last time I was there, the ramp was full of FedEx Cessna Caravans so I'm thinking the DC-3s were replaced by them and put out to pasture. I'm sure somebody else on WIX can fill in details or correct this story.

_________________
Albert Stix Jr.
"Work is the curse of the drinking class"

My friend was walking toward the DC-3s on Saturday but he was waved away by one of the folks from the airport. His wife used to work for Lee many years ago so he said he would call over there one day this week and see if he can get permission to take some photos of all of them. He did tell me that it looked like at least two of them had suffered partial gear collapse. Lee has saved them this long so I'll bet he will try not to let them go to the grave just yet. I'll post photos if they become available.

_________________
Albert Stix Jr.
"Work is the curse of the drinking class"

Another WIXer, Greg Vallero, got some photos and emailed them to me. I'll ask him to post them. He indicates they will probably be salvaged.

_________________
Albert Stix Jr.
"Work is the curse of the drinking class"

People are probably protective, waving visitors away, afraid for people taking parts away for souvenirs or whatever.
I phoned the company but only learned that the DC3s were no longer used and knew nothing about them; I'm always amazed by people who show so little interest in their surroundings esspecially working at a modest airport and know that certain things belong to the company they work for.
Anyway, I was told to call back and ask for Ed but haven't been able to yet.
Certainly be interested in seeing more pics!

Greg Vallero said I could pull these images off of his email and post them here. I'll get some specifics from him on Monday via phone but from his email, I'm not so hopeful about the future for these birds. Darn shame to see something survive 60+ years and then wind up as beer can fodder.

_________________
Albert Stix Jr.
"Work is the curse of the drinking class"

Well, at some point a museum may be interested. Or a company with DC-3 roots. Parts for other restorations. Could still be some money in them. Maybe that company Maples Aviation may want to restore one, remembering their roots..?
Any chance I can use these pics on my website:
http://www.RuudLeeuw.com/tmp-photos-11.htm ?
Credit Greg Vallero.
An exact date of these photos would be helpful o'wise I would use "Jan.2008".
Let me know?
Ruud 'Rudi' Leeuw