NORTH AMERICAN F-86A TAKES FLIGHT IN ROCKFORD!
Photos by Shawn Breon
EAA Squadron 4 Veteran’s Forum at Courtesy!
Guest speaker : Joe Geraldi – B-17 Ball Turret Gunner with 35 Missions
RECENT FIGHTER SALES
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
Texas Flying Legends Museum’s New Spitfire Sold by Courtesy!
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!
John Swartz Flying his F-86 for the first time this past Saturday!
TBM AVENGERS GATHERING
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!
WATCH THIS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND! HEROES ON DECK:
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
Mark’s P-51 Mustang Anniversary Flight!
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”.
New Home for the Beech C-45H (Military D18)- Happy Customers Make Our Day!
“Mark, On deck SGJ. You made a long time dream come true. Thanks. It was good to see you!”-Eliot Cross
NEW HARVARD OWNER- AN AIRPLANE WITH FAMILY TIES
“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!
