Air Force Museum Orders Historic Aircraft Destruction!!

[Matt Gunsch]

Gary,
Maybe your neighbors are behind this, they heard there was going to be a addition to Austin Acres and they made some calls...................

[retroaviation]

Gary,
Maybe your neighbors are behind this, they heard there was going to be a addition to Austin Acres and they made some calls...................

Thanks for that, Matt. It was my second laugh of the day (peter gave me the first one, via PM...hehehe). Actually, most of the neighbors don't know or care what I have out here, as I've done a fair job of being somewhat of an ogre and don't do much as far as being sociable. I reckon I'm just the "odd, quiet guy at the end of the road." However, the few that do know about what's out here, seem to think its pretty cool.

The only thing I've really worried about out here is having the neighborhood kids trying to climb all over the PBY, and getting themselves hurt. But thankfully, my security system (gangs of really edgy yellow jackets and wasps) seems to be keeping them at bay.

Gary

[fotobass]

Gary Soplata?

[fotobass]

Matt, you're onto something here.

The call WAS from NMUSAF..

Near Mr Austin's Air Salvage Facility.


Sure hope y'all find that funny...it was a lot harder than I thought it'd be.

[SuperGuppy]

Hey Gary - sent you a PM.........

Give me a call back ASAP!

[RandolphB]

I'll contribute any effort I can from out here in California- phone calls, letters...whatever. Perhaps we can all band together to help and be ready to do more of the same for other aircraft that face stupid fates in the future. Maybe this can become a "How to save an aircraft" sticky when it's all done....

[retroaviation]

I had some communication with the folks I'm dealing with at the NMUSAF today, and unfortunately, I really don't have any new developments to report. I did send them a document that they either didn't have, or hadn't researched yet, but I'm not real sure that it will make much of a difference in the long run.

They were still very cordial and I believe were sympathetic to my pleas of help. However, they are paper pushers (not necessarily meant in a derogatory way) and will do their jobs to the tee. If one single form wasn't filled out correctly, or an "unauthorized" signature was made by someone, then we may be screwed.

Sooooo, once again, we're in the "hurry up and wait" mode. The restraint y'all have had here is impressive and very much appreciated.

Gary

[TAdan]

Good luck Gary. I hope everything works out for you and the Birds.

[BHawthorne]

If one single form wasn't filled out correctly, or an "unauthorized" signature was made by someone, then we may be screwed.

What I'm most curious about is what law states that "screwed" means they must shred the aircraft? There has to be some recourse for correction on that. If not, what laws or regulations should we be petitioning law makers to review to make sure it's fixed in the future? This seems like a policy/law/regulation issue that looks prime for peer review and change.

[tinbender2]

I've dealt with jackass power-mad USAF wing kings many times during my stint in the AF.

The one thing they fear is bad publicity. They can end up retired fairly quick if their actions bring disgrace to their service. I have used just the threat of going public with embarrassing info, to create serious change.

I would suggest lots of "before" photos, spread across every aviation website possible, letting viewers know what the NMUSAF plans to do. Ask them to send nastygrams about the proposed destruction of America's aviation heritage, to anyone with possible influence. Let them know what you think of the general in charge of the NMUSAF and demand they contact the general.

Maybe someone with money can put up a billboard outside the WPAFB main gate. I guarantee THAT will get some quick action.

If this madness doesn't get stopped now, I predict a lot more aircraft are going to get scrapped.

[warbird1]

I've dealt with jackass power-mad USAF wing kings many times during my stint in the AF.

The one thing they fear is bad publicity. They can end up retired fairly quick if their actions bring disgrace to their service. I have used just the threat of going public with embarrassing info, to create serious change.

I would suggest lots of "before" photos, spread across every aviation website possible, letting viewers know what the NMUSAF plans to do. Ask them to send nastygrams about the proposed destruction of America's aviation heritage, to anyone with possible influence. Let them know what you think of the general in charge of the NMUSAF and demand they contact the general.

Maybe someone with money can put up a billboard outside the WPAFB main gate. I guarantee THAT will get some quick action.

If this madness doesn't get stopped now, I predict a lot more aircraft are going to get scrapped.

Why don't we wait until we find out the final disposition of this thing, before we go on the warpath and start burning bridges? Gary has asked us for this, and I think we should respect that.

I guarantee you, if everything happens as the worst case scenario is being portrayed here, the aviation community will mobilize like you've never seen before. There will be no problem whatsoever generating a "grass roots" movement to put undue pressure on the appropriate person/organizations responsible for such acts.

Threatening language will do more harm than good at this point, let's just all wait patiently and see what transpires.

Does anyone remember the TSA in Stockton thread that turned out to not really be what everyone thought it was? We don't have all the information yet, so it does no one any good to go off "half-cocked" like a loose cannon with threats. That will not be conducive to the resolution of this problem.

My two cents.

[retroaviation]

Just giving a quick update here, albeit not much of one.......

I got an e-mail from the NMUSAF today that pretty much said they were indeed the owners of the aircraft in question (there was a bit of confusion about that previously). It didn't surprise me to hear them say that. They also mentioned that they were still researching the issue with the airplanes, but didn't get into any further detail.

I responded by asking them what I need to do to "make things right" here. I've spoken with them multiple times on the phone, and so far, they've been friendly enough to deal with, although it is frustrating to have to deal with the bureaucracy. I should know more later this week, but right now, it is just too early to tell if I'm going to be able to undo this whole mess that I've gotten the airplanes into.

Gary, the continually frustrated.

[Jack Cook]

if I'm going to be able to undo this whole mess that I've gotten the airplanes into.

Gary, working very hard to preserve 2 very neglected aircraft is never something to feel guilty over

[daveymac82c]

Good luck Gary.

-David

[mustangdriver]

Gary, you did nothing but good things and no matter what is said, I will defend that till the end.