The Great Plains Wing Started In The Omaha/Council Bluffs Area In 1984

Like their associates in Tampa Bay, the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Great Plains Wing has recently acquired a 1946 Fairchild PT-19. 

Purchased in 2023, the aircraft was officially assigned to the Wing, which is based in Council Bluffs, IA. The Unit, known for being the former home of the iconic P-51 Gunfighter, has been actively seeking ways to keep its members engaged and involved in aviation projects.

The Great Plains Wing has been busy with the restoration of an Ercoupe, a project that has garnered much interest and effort from its members. However, the desire for an operational aircraft to complement the restoration efforts led the Wing to request an assignment for a flying machine in February 2023.

After several months of meticulous preparation and overcoming multiple weather-related delays, the eagerly awaited day arrived. 

On May 15, 2024, the PT-19, tail number N60112, was finally flown to its new home in Iowa. The flight, which marked the culmination of extensive efforts, was documented by Chad Bosworth, who captured several stunning photographs of the aircraft and the journey.

The Great Plains Wing started in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area in 1984. It was originally chartered as the Nebraska Squadron and met at the Strategic Air Command Museum. The squadron helped to restore a C-47, B-17, B-25, and B-29. In 1986, the squadron changed it's name to the Great Plains Wing. In 1988, a new hangar was built at the Council Bluffs airport including a museum and meeting room. The Great Plains Wing Hanger houses two vintage World War II aircraft. The P-51 Mustang "Gunfighter"(Joined 1990) and a YO-55 Ercoupe (Joined 2023, In restoration). Both are usually on display undergoing maintenance in the Fall and Winter. During the period of 1988 thru the present, the Great Plains Wing (GPW) helped restore two L-3 observation airplanes and an L-5 liaison aircraft.

FMI: https://greatplainswingcaf.org/