'Provider' Would Compliment The Museum's Collection Of Aircraft Built In Hagerstown

The Hagerstown Aviation Museum is raising money in an effort to bring a Fairchild C-123 Provider aircraft to the facility for permanent display. The Fairchild company built the airplanes, along with the C-119 Flying Boxcar and C-82 Packet in Hagerstown from 1954 to 1958.

The particular airplane to be acquired, which the museum website identifies as N681DG, is currently in Fort Lauderdale, FL, according to a report from radio station WTOP in Washington, DC. Based on the "N" number on the museum's website, FAA records show that the plane is currently registered to Fly High Holdings International LLC of Lewes, DE. However, the museum reportedly approached the U.S. Treasury Department about purchasing the airplane, which was approved. The model was extensively used during the Vietnam war as a troop and supply transport aircraft with the ability to operate from unimproved airfields.

According to the museum website, the airplane would be displayed beside examples of the C-82 and C-119 already in its possession. Of the 19 aircraft the museum owns, 13 were built in Hagerstown. The museum says its ongoing mission is to preserve Hagerstown’s unique ninety-year aviation heritage.

The museum has put out an appeal for the $70,000 it says it needs to acquire the Provider and fly it from Florida to Maryland. The Hagerstown Aviation Museum, Inc. is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, making contributions towards acquisition of the airplane tax deductible.

(C-123K USAF image from file)

FMI: http://www.hagerstownaviationmuseum.org/