“The Goose transaction went very smooth with your help and expertise. The airplane was everything we had hoped for in terms of a structurally sound Grumman G21A Goose project for me and my family. I was very pleased with the negotiation process and the fairness on the part of the Palm Springs Air Museum and yourself. Your reputation as a straight shooter rings true. Now we get busy and start to breath new life into this treasure over the next few years.” – Addison Pemberton
Jan 2012: Click Here to Listen to Mark Clark interviewed by Matt Jolley on Warbird Radio
Topics discussed:
Current Warbird Market and the National Warbird Operators Conference
Courtesy Aircraft Featured in January 2012 General Aviation Issue! CLICK HERE TO VIEW
Courtesy Aircraft Sells Aircraft Worldwide:
T-33 Returns to the Sky’s of Norway!
See Photos to view this remarkable Trans-Atlantic trip!
A special thank you to our partners- Heritage Aero, Avionics Place and International Jets for making this possible.
Start: Rockford, IL USA- Quebec City, Canada – Goosebay, Newfoundland- Narsarsuac, Greenland – Kevlavik, Iceland – End: Norway
NEW T-6G OWNER!
N726KM SOLD AUGUST 2012
New Owner of N27775 North American SNJ-4
Congrats to Steve!
Guest Speaker- George Kaiser was a radar navigator on a B-17 in the 8th air force, 452th bomb group, 729th squadron. On his 26th mission, his squadron was attacked by ME 109’s, 190’s, and 262’s. The 109’s rammed 2 of the B-17’s as they were out of ammo. He gave his presentation to us at the Veterans’ Forum and it was a treat!
We hope to see you again next year!
Click Photos Below to Enlarge
Passed his T-28 Checkout and now Flying his New North American T-28C back Home!
Pictured, (Left) Kyle McQueen and (Right) Examiner Ed Finnegan
Today on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, we had an opportunity to witness a Wildcat being pulled from the cold waters of Lake Michigan.
U.S. Navy to recover a historic World War II aircraft from Lake Michigan
WAUKEGAN – A World War II Fighter that has been sitting at the bottom of Lake Michigan off the Chicago shoreline for more than 65 years will be brought to the surface this week.
The National Naval Aviation Museum with the Naval History and Heritage Command initiated the undertaking. The Naval Aviation Museum Foundation is sponsoring the location, recovery, restoration, and eventual display of a World War II Eastern Aircraft FM-2 Wildcat Fighter from the depths of Lake Michigan. The Foundation will complete the recovery portion of the effort this week using a crew from A and T Recovery. This recovery has been made possible through a generous donation from Mr. Charles Greenhill, of Mettawa, Illinois.
This effort will lead to another important World War II aircraft being presented to the American public that shows the significant history of the Greatest Generation, whose courage and dedication to our country preserved America’s and the world’s freedom, stated Capt. Ed Ellis, JAGC, USN (Ret.), Vice President of the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation. The Naval Aviation Museum will work for display of the Wildcat in the Chicago area in a venue, such as, the Glenview Hangar One Museum.
On December 28, 1944 the weather forecast for Chicago read, Fair and continued rather cold today. At 1151 hours FM-2 Wildcat Bureau Number 57039 crashed into Lake Michigan in about 200 feet of water. Her pilot at the time was Ensign William E. Forbes. Ensign Forbes was in the process of making his third take-off of his aircraft carrier qualification off the USS Sable. Apparently the engine checked out O.K. However, on the take-off roll the engine began to pop and then quit completely. 57039 rolled off the bow of the ship and sank. The accident was determined to be 100% material (engine failure).
This airplane crashed in Lake Michigan during aircraft carrier qualification training, which was conducted on Lake Michigan during the early to mid-1940s. More than 17,000 pilots completed the training including LTJG George H. Bush, later to become U.S. President. The aircraft carriers used for training docked at Navy Pier in Chicago and the airplanes and pilots flew from Glenview Naval Air Station at Glenview, Illinois.
A and T Recovery, in conjunction with the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation, the National Naval Aviation Museum, and the Naval History and Heritage Command, has been responsible for the rescue of approximately forty World War II aircraft from the depths of Lake Michigan. These aircraft are now on display in museums and airports around the United States, including Hawaii. Two notable examples are currently on display in Chicago, a Grumman F4F-3 Wildcat Fighter on display at O’Hare International Airport and a Douglas SDB Dauntless Dive-bomber at Midway Airport.
MEDIA ADVISORY: The salvaged aircraft will be removed from the water at approximately 10 a.m. Friday, December 7, 2012 at Larsen Marine at Waukegan Harbor in Waukegan, Illinois. News media coverage of this portion of the operation is welcomed, and media should call Taras Lyssenko at (305) 794-4457, [email protected], for updates. Larsen Marine is located 625 E. Sea Horse Drive at the northern end of Waukegan Harbor, and may be contacted at (847) 336-5456.
Additional contacts:
Capt. Robert Rasmussen, USN (Ret.), Director, National Naval Aviation Museum
(850) 452-3604 ext. 3119.
Capt. Henry Hendrix, USN, Director, Naval History and Heritage Command, 202-433-2210
Christine Smith, daughter of Ensign William Forbes 425-345-0608
“I am not one that go on about things but I just have to report back to you on the Cayuse OH-6A and the UH204 that I purchased through you. The machines is just stunning and didn’t miss a beat whilst we operate her intensively g the festive season at the coast. The little Cayuse was immensely popular beyond tourist and locals and was complimented by friend and foe! Thanks once again for offering and trading this machine to us! This is machine #2 bought through Courtesy Aircraft, and after the first deal on the UH204, I didn’t think I could be so satisfied again, but it proof to be wrong! Both machines is well treasured by us, and although old, they operate like new machines…and the compliments is theirs and that of Mike, who incubated them for us. All the best for you and your company for 2013 and may your company go from strength to strength…we need more of such authentic operator/outlets!! Attached find few pictures of operations of Cayuse and Huey!” -Rainier Arangies
Pritzker Military Library is producing a public TV special about the Lake Michigan carriers and the aircraft recovery operations.
This February issue also featured “A Midsummer Night’s Tale, Our Excellent Norwegian Adventure”
New SNJ-3 Owner
Courtesy Aircraft, AT&T Recovery and the Naval Aviation Museum Foundation sponsored a private 2 day event that included several behind the scenes activities and tours. Participant’s even had the option to fly and land at NAS Sherman Field.
Highlights of the 2 day tour included:
This exclusive event will increase your appreciation for past and current Naval operations. You will see first-hand the efforts to preserve the U.S. Naval Aviation History. Contact Mark Clark or Darcy Kaapke should you be interested in attending the next insider’s tour.
“Mark, Been flying the SNJ almost every day. Have about 18 hours on it and pulled cowling and changes oil yesterday. Screens were clean. You sold me a really nice airplane! Much thanks!”
-Scott
Grumman F8F Bearcat N68RW Featured in February 2013 Issue of EAA Warbird Magazine
Enjoying flying his North American T-6!
Some pictures from his in-flight photo shoot.
New Beech T-34B Owner
Picking up his new Beech D-18S
Pictured with his new Boeing Stearman!
Inspired the FAA’s recent proposal to utilize the circumference of a pilot’s neck and a body mass index measurement in the issuance of the Airman Medical Certificate.
Aircraft sold by Courtesy Aircraft
Congrats To Ryan Buerkle pictured below with his recently purchased 1980 PA-32R Saratoga!
Mark Clark had the outstanding opportunity to fly with one of the premier airshow acts “Aeroshell” flying North American AT-6 Aircraft!
Congrats to Dan Christian and his New General Avia F22C!
Mark, Thanks for getting me connected with Harvard N1811B. The condition and equipment of this Harvard was even better than advertised, and has allowed me to hit the ground running with my Harvard Extreme Air Show Act. Imagine finding a pristine Canadian Harvard in Texas. Lucky for me, your reach is world wide. I look forward to sending you some air show pics from this season.”
It was a great time at EAA’s AirVenture in Oshkosh!
Here are some great inflight videos taken during this year’s event we would like to share courtesy of Warbirds of America- Enjoy!
Warbirds of America: Sunrise Sortie #1
Warbirds of America: Sunrise Sortie #2
Warbirds of America: Sunrise Sortie #3
1945 Goodyear Corsair FG1D
Owned by Brian Reynolds of Olympia, WA
Restored by Airpower Unlimited
Congrats to A-26 Invader LLC!
Recently Sold by Courtesy Aircraft.
Follow the restoration and operation of Douglas A-26B Invader On Facebook!
CLICK LINK BELOW TO VIEW:
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.
Thanks to PeriscopeFilm channel on YouTube for this great video.
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
