WRUW Saturday, March 30, 2024

[Stan Cooper]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

That is a Beechcraft AT-11 that was redesigned from the civilian version, the name of which escapes me now. It was used during WWII as a trainer for bombadiers, navigator, and gunners. It was stationed at Albuquerque Field, which is now Kirtland AFB. It belongs to the Commemorative Air Force and we at the CAF Lobo Wing in Moriarty, NM, are tasked with restoring it. I've been a member since 2009 and the work had just started on it when I joined. Two of our members donated the rebuilt engines a couple of years back and the restoration continues. We are blessed to have some very talented folks to do the technical work, several of whom have gone west, but the work, thankfully continues with new members who've come aboard in recent years.

The AT-11 "Kansan", C-45 Transport, and AT-7 navigation trainer were all derived from the Beech Model 18 commercial transport. There are still a lot of airworthy D-18s on the FAA Registry.

https://www.airplanes-online.com/at11-kansan.htm

[rolexjackson]

Going for a drive in my new Mkii

[piratfisk]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

That is a Beechcraft AT-11 that was redesigned from the civilian version, the name of which escapes me now. It was used during WWII as a trainer for bombadiers, navigator, and gunners. It was stationed at Albuquerque Field, which is now Kirtland AFB. It belongs to the Commemorative Air Force and we at the CAF Lobo Wing in Moriarty, NM, are tasked with restoring it. I've been a member since 2009 and the work had just started on it when I joined. Two of our members donated the rebuilt engines a couple of years back and the restoration continues. We are blessed to have some very talented folks to do the technical work, several of whom have gone west, but the work, thankfully continues with new members who've come aboard in recent years.

Sent from my SM-S928U using Tapatalk

That's so cool! Is the CAF like the EAA, but specifically for warbirds? When is it estimated to be airworthy?

Originally Posted by Stan Cooper

The AT-11 "Kansan", C-45 Transport, and AT-7 navigation trainer were all derived from the Beech Model 18 commercial transport. There are still a lot of airworthy D-18s on the FAA Registry.

https://www.airplanes-online.com/at11-kansan.htm

Stan, let's wait 'til Grady is done tinkering, then you drive to San Diego & we fly to ABQ to get our TRF e-friend flight-seeing tour!

[Preeble]

Wedding gift from my wife a long time ago...

[GradyPhilpott]

Originally Posted by piratfisk

That's so cool! Is the CAF like the EAA, but specifically for warbirds? When is it estimated to be airworthy?



Stan, let's wait 'til Grady is done tinkering, then you drive to San Diego & we fly to ABQ to get our TRF e-friend flight-seeing tour!

I have to confess that I'm not a pilot, nor do I possess the skills to work on the restoration at this phase. It's highly technical at this stage. I am quite active currently, after taking some time off to pursue my bowling adventure. I engage in our fund-raising activities and such, besides sponsoring our two aircraft at two levels each. We would be proud to have anyone who's interested to visit with us at any time anyone is in the area.

Sent from my SM-S928U using Tapatalk