Warbird Information Exchange

Anybody know anything about this? Are these Warbirds, & where from?





Phoenix sets funds to buy vintage aircraft


Ginger D. Richardson
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 15, 2005 12:00 AM

PHOENIX - The City Council on Wednesday directed its staff to start negotiations on buying a collection of vintage aircraft, with the hopes that they might someday be displayed at Sky Harbor International Airport.

The action, which was approved by a 6-2 vote, doesn't mean the city will definitely spend the $9 million it has set aside to purchase the planes, but it does indicate a majority of the council is seriously considering buying some or all of the 15- to 20-plane collection and supports the idea of an aviation museum.

Vice Mayor Michael Johnson and Councilman Tom Simplot voted against the measure because of concerns about the process and the number of unanswered questions. Councilwoman Peggy Bilsten did not attend the meeting.




Phoenix's desire to buy the planes is raising eyebrows because the city has not yet begun to research key questions about the plan, including how much it would cost and whether it is even possible to build such an exhibit at the airport. The idea would be to locate the as-yet-unfunded museum in a new terminal that would eventually replace aging Terminal 2.

Phoenix officials say they plan to do a feasibility study to determine if the proposed museum would be a financial success, or if it would harm the airport's operations by causing overcrowding.

The city said it also plans to address other questions, including how much it will cost to maintain the planes. The money would come from the city's Percent-for-the-Arts Program, which allows 1 percent of construction projects to go toward enhancing public spaces.


Regards
Robbie

_________________
Fly Fast Make Noise!

Oh, no...

Here come the Louis Myers collection rumors again...?

Did any MAPS people ever make an official statement on that whole thing by the way?

Not that I heard. It just kind of fluttered off

I wouldn't hold my breath on this one. There have been two attempts to start new aviation museum's in the Phoenix area since Champlin closed. Both died on the near total lack of public support in the area for this kind of museum. From what I've been told there is some question of whether spending the money the council wants to use is even legal. Apparently the money in that fund is supposed to go to public art projects and supporting local artists. If they try to go ahead I'll bet there will be law suits filed real quick. I've also been told that the aircraft in question are at Tillamook. I've no clue if they are really interested in selling anything or if it is all wishful thinking on someone's part.

James

The local artist can paint pictures of the planes and sell them

TGIF
Tim