Warbird Information Exchange

I believe some of you are getting to know me a bit, hopefully in a good way. Yes, I have a small temper and an ego, but really I'm not that bad ... hahaha, as far as you know.

I have an interesting, (possible) situation. Just came to mind today. I would like to hear some feedback from you WIX folks. I'm taking a risk here because probably some could take this in a wrong direction, so I will try to explain as best I can on the internet. Here it goes ....

As some know, my father passed away a few months ago. I won't brag anymore, I've already done that, but dad flew Hellcats and Corsairs in the Navy during and after WWII. My dad flew before the war (WW2) and after the war (until age 84) he has owned several airplanes in his years and the last plane he had/has is a Globe Swift. Very nice airplane, but needs some work. I've flown it a few times, but not for a long time. It's in Michigan in a hanger.

Here's the situation.

I have two older sisters who are having a difficult time with dad being gone. They have zero interest in aviation or warbirds, but they have been thinking about completely restoring dad's Swift to new condition and hangaring it for ... who know's what reason???? .... The girls are fine, no one needs the money from selling it.

Here's what I feel ..... restore the Swift to a nice condition, sell the Swift for 30, 40, $50.000 possibly .... donated a GOOD amount to a Hellcat or Corsair owner, museum, etc. .... perferably a flyer ..... and I personally feel that would create a wonderful tribute to my father .... and hopefully put closure on the whole dad thing. I'd feel good about that.

OK, can I ask all of you who have an interest in this post to simply respond with positive or constructive posts. I'm not looking for a shoulder to cry on. Just want to know what you would think about the idea. I personally feel my dad would be much more satisfied with the thought of his small contribution to keeping a Hellcat or Corsair in the air than to have his old Swift sitting in a hangar as a shrine of some sort.

This is just a simple thought on a Sunday, I really don't want to get anyone all excited about anything until I could possibly figure this out practically. remember, I have two sisters in this thought process.

Hopefully those of you who read this post can understand and give some logical imput. Sounds like a nice thought? ... or not?

I guess what I'm asking of you all is what or how would you feel about this thought?

OOPS! ... forgot the most important part. If I could donate the Swift, what would you think would be better? .... Acquire the aircraft, restore it, and then sell it? ... and then figure out the value and what would be donated? ... or sell it "as is" and take what you get? .... this part of the whole story would need some thought.

Mark

Mark,

Don't know what kind of shape its in, but if it needs alot you probably won't make it back. Are you not interested in keeping and flying it?
What engine does it have? I've flown 'em from 125 to 210hp, but the sweetest was 145.

Steve G

Hi Steve, some info listed in the vintage hanger a while ago. When I really didn't know what to do with it.

As previously posted, you won't get your money out of a restoration. You'll do better selling the aircraft as is, or (if it isn't flying), by doing the bare minimum to make it fly.

As far as donating the money, that's your decision. Personally, I can't see donating the money to an individual aircraft owner. I would think an aviation related scholarship or a donation to an aviation related museum might be a good choice. Another idea would be to use the money to create a display for a museum that would educate a museum visitor in the experiences of a Naval airman in WWII. Perhaps your father left some personal diaries, pictures, flight logs, etc. that would contribute to the display.