Will Support Vital Aircraft Restoration Projects

After successfully achieving the $20,000 goal for the annual campaign, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) has set a stretch goal to raise $40,000 online as part of the 12 Planes of Christmas Campaign supporting aircraft restoration efforts.

The Restoration Grant Fund has played an integral part in restoring and maintaining several warbirds in the CAF’s fleet of historic aircraft. These aircraft are a signature part of the nonprofit’s collection and are fundamental to fulfilling its mission. With locations across the U.S., several of which include museums, the CAF has an educational impact across the country.

“We are humbled and honored by the resounding support the campaign has received in the first few weeks, and hope we can keep the momentum going to accomplish our critical mission of preserving World War II aviation history,” said CAF President and CEO Hank Coates. “We have a duty to keep these aircraft flying so that we can share this important history with future generations.”

The CAF launched the annual fundraising campaign on December 1 online. The campaign features different aircraft located across the country, with each flying artifact telling a different story.

“Over the past few years nearly $1 million dollars has been raised to directly supports the costs of restoring and maintaining these aircraft. Some aircraft in the fleet are the last, or close to the last, flying example left in the world,” said Flying Museum Chairman Alan Brooks.

Donations go toward costs such as engine overhauls, radio and radar equipment, and fabrication work. As part of its educational mission, CAF turns each aircraft into a “flying classroom” that inspires people into learning about our nation’s military aviation history. Several aircraft are airworthy today in large part due to the support from the Restoration Grant Fund. The B-17 Texas Raiders was one of the fund’s beneficiaries in 2010, returning the aircraft to airworthy status. The Texas Raiders has traveled to dozens of towns since, giving the public an opportunity to climb inside and put their hands on history.

Chris Dowell, one of the CAF’s pilots, said “During World War II, the people who flew these aircraft faced fire from anti-aircraft guns from the ground and from German fighters in the air. It was not a joy ride for them, and we owe it to them to keep the memory of what they did for our country alive.”

FMI: www.SupportCAF.org