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The Commemorative Air Force is hosting its annual 12 Planes of Christmas fundraiser to showcase a fleet in need of support for restoration, maintenance and repair projects. The fundraiser highlights 12 planes, hosting an individual campaign for each aircraft with background, restoration or maintenance progress and the tasks ahead. Donors may contribute to the specific aircraft of their choosing or the restoration grant fund. A dollar-for-dollar match program was created to help the projects with the most need to get back into the sky faster. Learn a bit about the 12 planes of Christmas and their campaigns and donate to the CAF for the holidays to keep vintage aircraft flying.
PT-22 Miss Cherie
The campaign for the Ryan PT-22 Miss Cherie is asking for $5,000. The aircraft's engine is nearing the end of its recommended time before overhaul and the Razorback Wing team is asking for support to purchase and install an overhauled Kinner R-55 engine. Now, Miss Cherie has a polished aluminum fuselage with the U.S. Army Air Force Training Command yellow nose, wings and tail with a red, white and blue rudder. Razorback Wing members shared that "she trained the pilots that would win the War."
Miss Cherie is in flying condition, but its current engine was last rebuilt in the early 1990s and is nearing the end of its recommended life. The Wing has identified an overhauled engine for sale and aims to raise the money necessary to buy and install it on Miss Cherie. The Razorback Wing is based in North Little Rock and acts as the only CAF unit in Arkansas and as such, the group has a large territory to cover and many events and flyovers to perform. Miss Cherie is currently on the CAF rides program, offering passenger flights so others may enjoy the feel of flying in a real PT-22. With an overhauled engine, Razorback Wing can ensure they can safely share the joy of this aircraft and a warbird experience for years to come.
The PT-22 is a low-winged, radial-engine monoplane with an open cockpit and tandem seating. This aircraft was used to train pilots during WWII and was the U.S. Army Air Corps' first purpose-built monoplane trainer. About 14,000 U.S. Air Force pilots started flying in a PT-22 before moving on to more advanced trainers and the fighters and bombers that went on to help win the war. Ryan Aeronautical Company produced less than 2,000 of these aircraft in the 1940s.
B-24A Diamond Lil
This B-24A is currently the only flying example of the U.S. Military History's most-produced aircraft, the Liberator. Between all the variants, 20,000 B-24s were produced. More military service members served on these aircraft than any others in WWII. Diamond Lil is a cornerstone of the CAF's AirPower History Tour. The goal of the tour is to reach and present this important aircraft to as many people as possible, sharing the story of the Liberator and remembering the brave people who fought in the service of our country.
The most crucial project for the Diamond Lil is changing out the engines. AirPower History Tour volunteers can remove, prepare and install one of its Pratt andamp; Whitney R-1830s in days and even in remote locations. This year the B-24 used the last spare engine and this campaign will raise money to replace it, allowing Diamond Lil to fly in the upcoming 18-week 2024 tour season. The campaign wants to raise $20,000 to change out the engines and have Diamond Lil ready to fly in 2024.
Fairchild PT-23
The New England CAF is looking to keep its Fairchild PT-23 Primary Trainer flying across the region, educating the next generation of aviators and aviation enthusiasts. To stay in the sky over New England, this PT-23 required aircraft parts. The campaign is looking to raise $10,000 for landing gear springs and knuckles, engine cylinders, mag switches and a Wobble pump.
C-60 Goodtime Gal
The C-60 Lodestar Goodtime Gal is a fixture of the Houston Wing. Unfortunately, her time in Houston has largely been spent on the ground. Houston Wing members are maintaining the plane, including replacing the oil, rotating the propellers, cleaning the interior for a tour and minor repairs. To return to the sky, Goodtime Gal needs an avionics upgrade beginning with the transponder and including the new ADSB encoder requirement, two new batteries to be bought and installed, and both propellers need a 5-year Airworthiness Directive.
AT-6 Texan Nella
The WASP Squadron operates the AT-6 Texan Nella to honor the legacy of the WASP and educate others on their accomplishments, inspiring the next generation. This Texan inspires youth with the lasting legacy of the WASP. Each appearance and every Squadron pilot sharing a story continues their legacy and contributes to the success of the WASP Squadron mission to honor, educate and inspire.
Nella, as a well-known and in-demand aircraft, flies over 225 hours each year Between 2021 and 2023, Nella gave over 300 passenger rides. Due to her frequent activity, Nella will require an overhaul at the end of the 2025 season. Without a backup engine, the plane will be grounded for 14-18 months while the engine overhaul is underway. This would be the same case if Nella were to experience a significant engine failure. Nella requires a second engine to be ready for installation when needed. There are no immediately available running AT-6 engines with low TBOH, therefore, the team needs to source the best possible components to create a new engine. The total cost of the project is an estimated $100,000, not including the installation.
The Squadron has committed $15,000 to secure a suitable engine core and is hopeful that Nella's needs will garner support to make a second engine a reality. Thanks to previous support, Nella had an overhaul in 2020 and had radios installed in 2021. The latest Garmin Avionics, with a vintage look, were installed in 2022. Based on your donor level, you have an option to claim a reward.
Any donor of $2,500 or more will have permanent recognition at the Victory Plaza found at the CAF National Airbase in Dallas. A $25 donation gets you a set of three WASP Squadron decals; $5,000 donors (limit 10) receive a one-night stay at Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga Wyoming; $2,500 donors can choose a custom brick at the Victory Plaza (limit 20); for $500 (limit 50), donors can choose custom Nella Anniversary Gear like a bomber jacket; $100 donors (limit 50) can choose a Nella Anniversary Challenge Coin; and $50 donors can choose a Nella Anniversary ball cap.
D-Day 80 That's All, Brother to Normandy
The historic C-47 That's All, Brother is preparing for a journey across the Atlantic in June 2024 as part of the D-Day Squadron Legacy Tour. On the tour, That's All, Brother will participate in events, including flyovers and airshows, and serve as a true testament to the incredible age of aviation during WWII. That's All, Brother will join a fleet of other military transport aircraft from the U.S. and the journey will be eagerly watched by thousands of onlookers. The C-47 Skytrains will cross the North Atlantic before flying over the historic beaches of Normandy like they did 80 years before. The trip pays tribute to the heroes of WWII and reminds us of their enduring legacy. After the commemorative D-Day celebration, the tour will continue to Germany to mark the 75th Anniversary of the Berlin Airlift.
Putting together such an event requires extensive work. The international trip has high associated costs, requiring public support to continue educating the public and allowing people to connect with an important part of world history. For That's All, Brother in particular, this tour is a way to celebrate its important connection to history.RELATED STORIES:CAF '12 Planes of Christmas' raises money to restore historic aircraftD-Day C-47 'That's All Brother' on tour this fall
On June 6, 1944 That's All, Brother led the main airborne invasion of Normandy, forever altering the course of the War and humanity. After the invasion, That's All, Brother served in Operations Dragoon, Market Garden, Repulse and Varsity before its return to the States. In 2015, the CAF initiated a campaign to acquire and restore the plane to its original D-Day configuration. Through the support of generous donors and volunteers, That's All, Brother was restored to its 1944 condition and was deemed airworthy again in 2018. Since then this restored plane has become a tribute to the service members that fought valiantly on the beaches of Normandy and a part of aviation history.
This campaign is asking for $20,000. The monumental project will ready the C-47 for its trip across the Atlantic, equipping it with the necessary gear for a month-long journey.Donate to the campaign of your choice or to the Restoration Grant Fund HERE
"It is a privilege for the CAF to attend these important anniversaries to honor the American spirit to fight for freedom and aid others in need," CAF President Hank Coates said. "Attending and supporting events like this help ensure that this history is not lost and sends a message that the memory and significance of the brave actions of our heroes is still appreciated and won't be forgotten for generations to come."