Earlier Attempt Called Off Due To High Winds

It took four hours -- and three months -- but the vintage Chance-Vought FG-1D Corsair that has greeted visitors to Sikorsky Memorial Airport (BDR) in Bridgeport, CT since 1971 is now berthed in a hangar, awaiting restoration.

The Connecticut Post reports crews successfully dismounted the plane from a pedestal at the entrance to BDR Tuesday afternoon, and transported the World War II fighter 300 yards to the Three-Wing Aircraft hangar, where it will undergo a complete refurbishment.

"Nobody living today appreciates the durability and the reliability of this plane than the guys who actually flew them," said WWII veteran and former Marine pilot Art Miller, who flew 111 missions in Corsairs. "We've been very interested in seeing this thing refurbished -- it serves as a source of pride to the entire community."

As ANN reported, an earlier attempt to move the Corsair was thwarted by strong winds. Given the plane's current state of disrepair, crews were afraid the winds could have dislodged the plane, causing it to crash down and break apart.

The plane will be refurbished by volunteers in the Connecticut Air & Space Museum.

FMI: www.ctairandspace.org, www.mcldeptct.org