Wolf Aircraft?>????

[Vulture]

I have a friend that is seeking to put together an Argentina A-4. Who would be the best restorer company? someone had said wolf aviation llc ...... for what ever reason I have my reservations about them based on their site .... two dudes .... is what it seems like.... which none have exp on the A-4 that is apparent on the site... any feed back?

[51fixer]

I have a friend that is seeking to put together an Argentina A-4. Who would be the best restorer company? someone had said wolf aviation llc ...... for what ever reason I have my reservations about them based on their site .... two dudes .... is what it seems like.... which none have exp on the A-4 that is apparent on the site... any feed back?

A web site should have very little impact on making this kind of decision.
It should be based more on face to face discussions, talking with people who have had their work done at that shop, talking with people who maintain and operate that specific type of aircraft, ect.
Also, using a public forum when doing this kind of info gathering should be done carefully. Someone with a personal problem might throw out irrelevant negative attacks and maybe even a competitor might hide in the shadows of the internet to throw out a negative attack.
This type of restoration will become like a marriage in terms of commitment, highs and lows, finances and how much you are willing to work with a person during difficult times.
Chose wisely.
How capable is any outfit. There are people who never have worked on an A-4 that would probably be a great choice and maybe some who have who wouldn't. I've seen project owners who have found the right person and fronted the ability to open a shop, hangar and equipment, so that person would be able to do the project.
Also expect time to be doubled or tripled and the same for costs. The FAA will probably have some surprises to throw in as well.
The 1st step is to find people who know the A-4 and form a brain trust to help figure out the answers to the questions your friend has.
Look up using the search TA-4 that has flown after a 5 year replication process and contact Maj AKA Mike McDougal. Also Rick here on WIX has experience.

[Dan K]

...The 1st step is to find people who know the A-4 and form a brain trust to help figure out the answers to the questions your friend has.
Look up using the search TA-4 that has flown after a 5 year replication process and contact Maj AKA Mike McDougal. Also Rick here on WIX has experience.

Along those same lines, I'd think the folks at WHF might have some helpful input as well.

http://www.warbirdheritagefoundation.org/

[Vulture]

Thank you to all who have provided input. I must admit that my question was not the best question, in that what my friend was seeking was a known A-4 overhauler. After searching the web it is difficult to provide a market assessment of qualified/experienced type specific aircraft maintenance shops. I like the idea of a brain trust or user group not sure if or how it could work but the concept has merit. Is there a database that list all the maintainers of warbirds, parts and qualified people that could be centralized? I am truly not looking for an open forum flaming of people or companies (this is where I believe my question failed), just a site with known corporations that specialize or have some standards/experience in supporting aircraft with diminishing source of supply.

V

[Sabremech]

Hi V,
I have to second Rich on his recommendations to you. Maj McDougal and Rick H are the two people you should contact. Finding a restoration shop for classic jets is a difficult search. There aren't many. Sabreliner has done a few and could offer some advice in regards to real cost and timeframe numbers.
David Staffeldt
WHF Maint

[51fixer]

Hi V,
I have to second Rich on his recommendations to you. Maj McDougal and Rick H are the two people you should contact. Finding a restoration shop for classic jets is a difficult search. There aren't many. Sabreliner has done a few and could offer some advice in regards to real cost and timeframe numbers.
David Staffeldt
WHF Maint

Maj gave a call today. He was at Pt Mugo working on one and wanted to discuss the Legends incident.
I mentioned to look up this thread if he has a chance.

[MCDOUGALL DOUGLAS]

Vulture, Hi , I have been working on A-4s for about six years now. We have built a TA-4 (N518TA) from parts and I am currently working on a C model. I am traveling right now as Rich mentioned, changing an engine and doing some inspections on an two A-4Ls. Give me a call and I will be glad to help you any way I can. If you are interested in seeing pictures of the TA, use the link below. I post videos on youtube at channel skyhawk 709.
All the best,
Maj. 520 609 2238


Google photos
http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&cp=1 ... a=N&tab=wi

[coldkiwi1]

Sunrise Helicopter in Texas can help you with J52 engines. http://www.sunrisehelicopter.com/

[RNDMTRS4EVR]

oops already mentioned Mike above.

[Jeff Nelson]

I can vouch for Mike at Fighting Clssics (McDougall Douglas). All you have to do is look at his latest TA-4 project in person and you can see his quality, even in places that will be out of sight.

[skymstr02]

I watched Sabreliner in Perryville, MO, restore the four A-4L's and they have an A-4 that belongs to Doc Sudgens in work at this time.
They are not cheap, but they get the work done. They had a contract with the US Navy to perform depot level maintenance for years on the TA-4's, and also the T-2's.
I wouldn't hesitate to use them on this type of job.

My contact there is John Hampton, call 888-801-2212.

[Vulture]

Hey Gang

It seems that my friend's interest in the A-4 got turned to the F-5. I have since stepped back in assisting on his project. Thank you to ALL who have provided great feedback and offers of assistance!!! The more warbirds the better!

V