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On Sunday, November 9, EAA Warbird Squadron 4 held its Annual Veterans Forum at Courtesy Aircraft’ s hanger. Thank you for all who attended and our speaker Richard Diller who talked to us about his search and rescue missions in the Skyraider during the Vietnam War.

Congratulations to Chuck Stauffer pictured with his T-34A N34PA!

Chuck Cook pictured with Ed Finnegan fresh after his checkride!
Congrats to Chuck! Best wishes with your new T-28 N215SF!

Courtesy Aircraft’s Hanger located in Rockford, IL.

Photos by Shawn Breon

Guest speaker : Joe Geraldi – B-17 Ball Turret Gunner with 35 Missions

Courtesy Aircraft Sales recently assisted the Mid America Flight Museum with several aircraft acquisitions: N151MC North American P-51D and N773RD FG-1D Corsair (pictured). These two excellent fighter aircraft joined the fleet and several other warbirds Courtesy Aircraft sold to the museum in the past few years.

Photos: Tyson Rininger

Check out these great shots taken by Moose Peterson of the beautiful Spitfire MkIXc!

This aircraft was recently sold by Courtesy Aircraft Sales to the Texas Flying Legends Museum. This great organization is dedicated to honoring past generations and inspiring the leaders of tomorrow through active display of WWII warbirds.

For more information click here.

Keep ‘Em Flying!

Courtesy Aircraft proudly sponsored the TBM Avengers Gathering this past Saturday at the Illinois Regional Airport in Peru, IL. It was great to see our customers and friends!

HEROES ON DECK: World War II on Lake Michigan, a documentary Harvey Moshman, Executive Producer has been working on for several years, will be broadcast nationally over most PBS stations this Memorial Day weekend. WTTW, our network presenting station, will run it Thursday May 26th @ 9pm & Sunday May 29th @ 6pm.

HEROES ON DECK tells the little-known story of a bold and innovative local response to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Following that catastrophic event, the U.S. Navy was desperate for aircraft carrier-qualified pilots. With enemy submarines patrolling both coasts, a radical idea was proposed: why not train pilots in the safety of Lake Michigan? Two Great Lakes passenger steamers were purchased and immediately converted into makeshift aircraft carriers, the USS Wolverine and USS Sable. Between 1942 and the end of the war, more than 15,000 aviators – including future President George H.W. Bush — were trained aboard these “freshwater flattops.”

Crashes and “water landings” often led to serious injuries and occasionally death. As a result, more than one hundred fighters and dive-bombers sank to the bottom of the lake. To date, more than 40 aircraft have been brought to the surface. HEROES ON DECK captures some of the key recoveries and restoration efforts, and celebrates the stories of the brave pilots who survived this ingenious training operation. Narrated by legendary CBS and A&E newsman BILL KURTIS, HEROES ON DECK, brings to life a vital chapter of American history.

His partners John Davies, Brian Kallies and hope you’ll have a chance to watch.

Harvey Moshman, Executive Producer

Sunday, May 22nd, Mark Clark, President of Courtesy Aircraft, had the awesome opportunity to fly a P-51 Mustang. Not just any Mustang but the exact Mustang that he first flew 38 years ago to the day. Thanks to Mike George for allowing him the great privilege. There are many people that this aircraft has touched- great restoration by Jack Rose and the caretakers along the way- John Castrogiovanni, Victor Haluska and Mike who has had the aircraft since 1990. The people who own, maintain and fly these aircraft as tribute to the “greatest generation” are very special. Mark has been honored to sell this Mustang four times. A special thank you for Frank Strickler for the great checkout so many years ago. First photo is Frank arriving in RFD winter 1977, the other photos from the anniversary flight. Mark was also was thinking about all the great people that have been a part of his life through Warbirds and our common love of aviation. Thanks for enriching his life and “Keep em Flying”.

“Mark, On deck SGJ. You made a long time dream come true. Thanks. It was good to see you!”-Eliot Cross

“Thank you for your assistance in securing the purchase of the Harvard. My late Uncle flew this aircraft in the 50’s when NATO allowed former WWII Luftwaffe Pilots to fly again. Best Regards, Ray”

The Courtesy Aircraft Staff wishes Ray the best with his new Harvard! What a wonderful opportunity for him to own and fly the same aircraft his Uncle flew. Keep ’em Flying!

“I can’t say enough great things about my experience with Courtesy Aircraft Sales. You handled every detail and made the entire process seamless, from filing paperwork to dropping off a rental car and packing and shipping aircraft skis. I sincerely appreciate all the help.” – Dan Kozak

A past customer who purchased a North American P-51 Mustang “Moonbeam” flew formation with the Patrouille de France recently. It was a fantastic flight and he thought it was a great tribute to the Mustang and especially Moonbeam. Thank you for sharing Frederic!

Photos by: Patrouille de France