Warbird Information Exchange

April 29, 2008 (by Jon Somerville) - It appears that F-16A #78-0061 has been assigned civil registry N324DC. It is highly unlikely that this aircraft is being used by Lockheed-Martin or NASA. So who owns this aircraft?

F-16A #78-0061 when it was used for BDRT with the Alabama ANG.
Although it has not been exactly determined at this point who owns USAF serial #78-0061, but there is one logical company. Air Capitol Warbirds LLC in Newton, Kansas had acquired two unusual fast jets making history as the first true private owners of an F-16 and an F/A-18A. The history of the F/A-18 is well known. It is BuNo 161973 and at one time was the lead aircraft for the Blue Angles.

F-16A #78-0061, one of the very first early F-16s ever manufactured, has had a long history but has only ever served with two units. Its first assignment was at MacDill AFB, Florida with the 61st Tactical Fighter Training Squadron where it became an aircraft to train pilots in the F-16. Logically with its serial ending in 61, it was chosen to be the flag ship aircraft for the 61st TFTS. Around October of 1988 the aircraft moved to the Alabama ANG where it served under the 160th TFS/FS till around May of 1994. It remained with the Alabama ANG but for ground instruction for Battle Damage Repair Training (BDRT). From there it went to the Anniston Alabama Army National Guard training site where it is believed to be display as a preserved aircraft.

A client is said to have placed a $100,000 deposit on the F-16. But it is important to note that this is only speculation that the F-16 owned by Air Capital Warbirds is aircraft #78-0061. What is clear is that Air Capital Warbirds will sell the aircraft, either as it is or as restored. F-16A #78-0061 with civil registry N324DC is not the first F-16 to carry civil registration but looks like it is the first outside of major organizations such as NASA and Lockheed-Martin. Where this F-16 will end up at this point is a complete mystery.

The wreckage of F-16C #89-2110 is also owned by Air Capitol Warbirds. It was written-off in a mishap on April 24, 1992 and later went through Hurricane Andrew while stored at Homested AFB, Florida. They took possession of this airframe in 2002. It is questionable if this airframe will be restored. Perhaps will be used for spare parts. It is only speculation, but logical to take two aircraft to rebuild one.