Airplane Sold In Unmarked Crates At Surplus Auction

ANN’s April 1st “April Fool” Special Edition

North Carolina resident Mike Parnell regularly buys U.S. military surplus items by the crate, reselling the items on eBay and Craigslist. But when he started uncrating a lot he bought in 2001, he found he was in possession of the last remaining unassembled SR-71  Blackbird spy plane. And like a spy, he kept the discovery a secret.

Until now. Parnell has completed assembly of the airplane and plans to fly it to Oshkosh for AirVenture this summer.

Parnell, a former Air Force pilot, found himself facing the most intricate homebuilt project ever attempted. “This is one of the most advanced, complicated airplanes ever built. Fortunately, it came with a complete set of plans, and engines. And the flight manual is available online. I can’t wait to get this magnificent bird in the air.”

Parnell says he has been in discussions with AirVenture organizers to get authorization to land the Blackbird at Wittman Regional Airport and park his prize in the warbird area. “I swore them all to secrecy, and they did a great job keeping it under wraps,” Parnell said.

EAA spokesman Dick Knapinski confirmed that the Blackbird will be on display at Oshkosh. “We have have some significant, privately-owned warbirds at the show, but this is going to be the creme-de-la-creme,” Knapinski said. “I can’t wait to see the airplane, and see it fly. Like most, I’ve only seen one in a museum.”

Parnell said he has made a few modifications to the airplane, including a Dynon Skyview glass panel. “It needed a couple of upgrades to make it 2020 compliant,” Parnell said.

When asked how he managed to keep his prize a secret, Parnell grinned and said “people up in the mountains tend to mind their own business. They knew I was building an airplane, but didn’t ask too many questions.”

Parnell’s not concerned about getting the Blackbird in and out of Wittman Regional. “Heck, they got an A380 in and out of there a few years ago. Lightly loaded, this should be pretty easy.”

FMI: http://www.sr-71.org/blackbird/manual/