Amazing Aviation Collection Of Military And Space Artifacts Could Be Lost

Pilot Bob Oehl had a dream... to compile artifacts and pieces of history recognizing our nation's triumphs and hard-fought lessons through several wars as well as our history as a space-faring nation.

He's spent way too much of his own time and money, made incredible sacrifices, and has a dream that he'd hoped would culminate in a multi-million dollar museum facility in sleepy little Keystone, Florida.

To be blunt, it's been a struggle.

The current collection is massive -- and unique... he has put together an extensive assembly of items from our military history, and done a particularly spectacular job in obtaining extraordinary NASA artifacts, including an intact Space Shuttle External Tank, a fairly complete Shuttle simulator, a Crew Transport Vehicle and so much more. WW1 and WW2 photos, parts, equipment, aircraft, records and assemblies also comprise an impressive assembly of aviation treasures.

What he did to get this to this point, and the support he received to collect and recover these extraordinary artifacts is a story of passion, determination, and the generosity of a fleet of supporters who have helped Oehl as much as they can. And no matter what else might be said, it's a truly stunning effort.

This part of the mission is beyond impressive... but that's where the amazement ends... because problems with funding, storage, and local politics now threaten this unique collection of artifacts for which there is no replacement or equal.

His current efforts are in major peril. His museum is relegated to a small mobile office building, as well as an assortment of hangars, semi-trailers and other structures--some in serious need of repair. His earnings from a small flight school and his own commercial flight activities are pretty much the backbone for his funding mechanism, while recent political issues have reportedly inhibited his ability to do any serious fund-raising and now threaten the very existence of the Wings of Dreams program.

The Keystone Airpark Authority (KAA) has sent Oehl legal documentation that pretty much demands that he disassemble his facilities and collections and move elsewhere. While some alternatives have been offered, the locations are unimproved and will require funding and assistance Oehl simply does not have. A deadline of December 31st, 2018, pretty much required that he vacate his current location and threatened legal action, the forcible removal of the Wings of Dreams assets and collection, and even the potential of seizure.

In a recent appeal to Facebook, Oehl stated that, "Wings of Dreams Aviation museum is being forced to move our field headquarters building off it's current leased site based on a 'letter of intent' (not a lease or building plan, time line or permit yet by MHD) to build a facility for Canadian company MHD Rockland. Another location on the Keystone airport has not been identified or approved by the Keystone airport authority. All breakfast and veteran's programs, tours and youth programs are canceled as we no longer have permission to operate. The vacate date is December 31st and there's no possible way we can meet their demand. This action was done at the same time Express Air flight School (Bob's business) was given a demand to relocate the flight School building. That will be done in time, but is taking all we have to make that deadline. We will keep everyone posted on this developing story as we try to protect our national treasures housed here. We will be needing significant manpower and funding to move, even if KAA decides to cooperate."

In recent conversations with KAA, the airport takes the position that they have paying tenants for the locations currently occupied by Oehl's museum efforts, and that according to the month-by-month lease they assert to be in control of the matter, that they have the right to seek his eviction from the property and to take the requisite legal measures to insure he does so. KAA insists that all they're trying to do is maintain a small home-town airport in a cash-flow positive fashion, and that they do not have any animus toward Oehl and his dreams of a teaching museum that would preserve history for generations to come. KAA sounds somewhat credible in their statements of no animosity toward Oehl and Wings of Dreams... but then again, they have also already also required Oehl to move his small flight school building and one airport official termed his efforts to gain public support through social media as "Juvenile."

For the moment, Wings of Dreams still exists... but is in a precarious state. Each side blames the other for negative behaviors, and a lack of professionalism, understanding and/or compassion. Neither side seems to be communicating well with each other, than the issuance of Attorney letters and the like. An Airport Board meeting in a few days may allow for a face-to-face opportunity in which both sides can state their cases in a public forum, on the record, and bring some clarity to the confusion and disagreement.

Regardless; what we know is this... Oehl is an uncommonly dedicated and passionate man who wants his museum dream to be a compelling gift to future generations... what he has done to get this collection together, so far, is an uncommon treasure of aviation and aerospace history and without doubt, the collection is damned impressive. At the same time, this program is woefully short of funding and the effort, even without the threat of eviction from Keystone Airpark, needs serious help. If something/someone doesn't budge, some pivotal artifacts could be lost to public view... or worse.

ANN is planning to make the trip to Keystone on January 8th to see what transpires at the Airport Authority meeting. We'll keep you informed...

FMI: https://www.facebook.com/Wings-of-Dreams-Aviation-Museum-85751772892/