Mercer Field last week

[BHawthorne]

The Mercer "airfield" borders right beside the I-75 highway and is very valuable commercial property. The owner had the bright idea years ago to turn the little grass strip into a "museum" and has saved a fortune in taxes over the years with this strategy.
Most of the USAF airplanes came from the Georgia ANG at Dobbins, the F-8 was a former NAS Atlanta airplane too.
Crying shame the F-8 wasn't just sold, I am sure there would have been plenty of people interested. The fuselage was actually in pretty good shape. In my opinion it could have been made into a decent static display airplane.

Ah, so he's sitting on the aircraft wasting away so he can get a tax break on prime real estate? Cute...

[BHawthorne]

My contact info for NMUSAF is a bit less complete than with Navy:

NMUSAF POC:
Mr. Mark Miller
(937)255-4772

Navy POC:
Helen Watson
Loan Manager
National Museum of Naval Aviation
1750 Radford Boulevard, Suite C
Pensacola, FL 32508-5402
Phone (850) 452-3604, x3133

[Kyleb]

The Mercer "airfield" borders right beside the I-75 highway and is very valuable commercial property. The owner had the bright idea years ago to turn the little grass strip into a "museum" and has saved a fortune in taxes over the years with this strategy.
Most of the USAF airplanes came from the Georgia ANG at Dobbins, the F-8 was a former NAS Atlanta airplane too.
Crying shame the F-8 wasn't just sold, I am sure there would have been plenty of people interested. The fuselage was actually in pretty good shape. In my opinion it could have been made into a decent static display airplane.

Ah, so he's sitting on the aircraft wasting away so he can get a tax break on prime real estate? Cute...

Not the case, as I understand it. The elder Mr. Mercer was the aviation buff in the family. Eventually, he ran out of flying years, sold the privately owned (flying) aircraft, and stopped being active at the field. His son is less interested in aviation, but arranged for the (public use) field to be mowed and kept in usable condition. Over the years, vandals damaged many of the govt owned aircraft, and spares (canopies and the like) are not forthcoming.

As you can see from pictures taken over time, several of the aircraft on display at Mercer have moved on to better locations, while others (the F-8 and some heli's) were scrapped. So I look at it from the perspective that without the Mercers, the F-86D, F-84, Matador (or was it a Mace), T-33, and several others would have gone for scrap a long time ago.

As to whether the land has commercial viability, it certainly didn't when the field was built. It was just a grass strip alongside the interstate in a backwater location. Today, it is being taken over by the state to build an interstate exit ramp, so the Mercers probably will make some money off of it, but I don't think that was their plan when the field was built.

[retroaviation]

BHawthorne.....PM sent.

[BHawthorne]

The Mercer "airfield" borders right beside the I-75 highway and is very valuable commercial property. The owner had the bright idea years ago to turn the little grass strip into a "museum" and has saved a fortune in taxes over the years with this strategy.
Most of the USAF airplanes came from the Georgia ANG at Dobbins, the F-8 was a former NAS Atlanta airplane too.
Crying shame the F-8 wasn't just sold, I am sure there would have been plenty of people interested. The fuselage was actually in pretty good shape. In my opinion it could have been made into a decent static display airplane.

Ah, so he's sitting on the aircraft wasting away so he can get a tax break on prime real estate? Cute...

Not the case, as I understand it. The elder Mr. Mercer was the aviation buff in the family. Eventually, he ran out of flying years, sold the privately owned (flying) aircraft, and stopped being active at the field. His son is less interested in aviation, but arranged for the (public use) field to be mowed and kept in usable condition. Over the years, vandals damaged many of the govt owned aircraft, and spares (canopies and the like) are not forthcoming.

As you can see from pictures taken over time, several of the aircraft on display at Mercer have moved on to better locations, while others (the F-8 and some heli's) were scrapped. So I look at it from the perspective that without the Mercers, the F-86D, F-84, Matador (or was it a Mace), T-33, and several others would have gone for scrap a long time ago.

As to whether the land has commercial viability, it certainly didn't when the field was built. It was just a grass strip alongside the interstate in a backwater location. Today, it is being taken over by the state to build an interstate exit ramp, so the Mercers probably will make some money off of it, but I don't think that was their plan when the field was built.

When the interstate exit ramp goes in, what are the plans for the aircraft left? I know I would like to help with the F-84F.

[Kyleb]

When the interstate exit ramp goes in, what are the plans for the aircraft left? I know I would like to help with the F-84F.

Honestly, I don't know. I think Gary Austin made an effort a year or so ago to get information about the Convair, but apparently that went nowhere. If you'd like, I can visit the Mercer's business and see what I can find out.

My understanding has always been that the jets are Air Force Museum property, and fall under their jurisdiction. If that is the case, they will have the final say.

[retroaviation]

I think Gary Austin made an effort a year or so ago to get information about the Convair, but apparently that went nowhere.

I'm embarassed to say that if I mentioned checking into that airplane, I never followed through with it. I just don't remember that at all.

Gary

[Kyleb]

I think Gary Austin made an effort a year or so ago to get information about the Convair, but apparently that went nowhere.

I'm embarassed to say that if I mentioned checking into that airplane, I never followed through with it. I just don't remember that at all.

Gary

Wouldn't be the first time I remember something wrong, either...

Kyle

[BHawthorne]

Worse case I could probably find a home for it in Wichita. Problem comes into play with the logistics of moving it. At the very least I have the capability of cleaning it up and storing it with a roof over it's head.

[Kyleb]

I passed by Mercer on the interstate on Monday and thought something looked "odd" in the brief glimpse I got.

So today, I was in the area and dropped by the field for a visit. Yep, something had changed. Someone is in the process of scrapping the Convair. The wings were cut off at approximately the aileron/flap junction, and the aft 15' or so of the fuselage had been cut off and was on the ground. Both engines were de-cowled and the props and some portion of the gearboxes had been removed. I have a few pictures and may get around to posting them later.

I realize the airframe itself probably has little or no value today. My hope is that someone is salvaging the engines and props. From what I could see in the gearboxes, there was no rust, so hopefully, the engines and props can find a home where they will be used.

I am going to try and find the owner tomorrow. I have a phone number for him (I think).

My guess is that if anyone is interested in the T-33 or F-84, you'd better get moving on 'em, 'cause they may not be there for long.

I'll follow-up in this space if I learn anything from the Mercers...

[viking73]

Sad to hear, sounds like the T-33 and F-84 aren't long for the world either. Please post your photos when you get the chance (I think I want to see them... ).

Last edited by viking73 on Fri Jul 10, 2009 7:17 am, edited 1 time in total.

[BHawthorne]

If you could inquire about the F-84F, let me know anything you can find out.

[gary1954]

Sad, sad, sad... Looks like someone has unlatched the cowlings on the T-29.

I can't help but wonder what the future of these poor birds are as they sit there dying?

Set up a good concealed sniper position and patiently wait for the vandals,crack/meth heads to show up and pick 'em off one by one, that would be a great service to mankind and airplanes

[BHawthorne]

Set up a good concealed sniper position and patiently wait for... the vandals,crack/meth heads to show up and pick 'em off one by one, that would be a great service to mankind and airplanes

One wouldn't think you'd have to be that well concealed to deal with vandals and crack/meth heads...

[gary1954]

They are sneaky characters, and your best friend when they are in eyesight. Out of sight, they go outta their minds.