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The Outside Air

This post was put together by Matt Myklebust. Thanks Matt!

The MAPS Air Museum in North Canton, OH is currently working on restoring a rare Martin B-26 Marauder (40-1459) back to air worthy condition. She was the 99th B-26 built by Martin and crashed landed in British Columbia, Canada, on January 16, 1942. The project was started back in the mid 90’s and doesn’t look like it’ll be done any time soon. However; when it’s finished, it’ll will be one of only two flying B-26’s in the world today.
(Photos Thanks to Various Sources)

Around the Hangar

Work around the hangar has been punctuated by a couple of parties the last few weeks. The Wing received the Llyod P. Nolen Unit Achievement award for 2010. This is the highest award given by HQ to a Wing or Squadron. We have accomplished a lot in the last year, and it was wonderful to be recognized for it! The Wing hosted pizza, cake and coffee for members for their achievement! Roxie Legg celebrated a birthday last Saturday at the hangar, and that brought sloppy joes and cake for the members, hosted by Ron Legg. Two weeks in a row of food and cake! Work didn't slow down much however, as you can see!
(Photos Thanks to Brian Strom and Keith Struck)

(Matt Myklebust attaches the P-51 gear door to the gear)


(Carol Lovaas imagines the next display for the museum)


(Mark Strausser and Brandan Penaz repair the PT-22's cowling)


(Andrew Salih, Randy Hendrickson and Matt Stone disassemble the 1943 Willys Jeep)


(... While George Colaizy tears down the engine)


(Tim Gunter preps panels for paint, say that 5 times fast)


(John Schmidt helps reassemble the L-5)


(Earl Teporten finds the issue with the nav lamp on the P-51)


(About as torn down as a jeep gets! The 1943 Willys tub is ready to be repaired)


(Al Morphew adds dope and fabric to the B-25's rudders)


(Bill Atchison paints the 1941 Willys gas tanks)


(The Wing celebrates the Llyod P Nolen Unit Award with pizza and cake)


(Congratulations and great work!)


(The award from HQ)


(One party leads to another... this time to celebrate Roxie Legg's birthday)


(Again, cake was served... though Amy Lauria got to it first)


(A view of the Hangar, just as spring is about to break)

Winter Staff Conference

The Wing Staff visited Midland Texas late February for the Winter Staff Conference, hosted by CAF HQ. All of the Staff felt that the experience was very positive, and learned quite a bit. Ideas were generated, and are already taking shape at the hangar. The conference also hosts the awards dinner, and newly formed CAF's Got Talent contest.
(Photos Thanks to Kim Pardon)

(HQ Staff introduced themselves through dance this year)


(A Sunny and Cher impression at CAF's Got Talent)


(Steve Brown made an attempt to wow the crowd)


(Bob Stenevick performed a wonderful Andy Kaufman for the crowd)


(To which the judges responded very favorably [Yes, That's Amy Lauria as a judge])


(Bob was incredibly excited to win)


(The MN Wing Staff enjoys a drink at the end of the night)

Blog Update - 19 February to 18 March

All,
Good Evening and congratulations on making it through another Minnesota winter! As usual, the coming of spring means that the maintenance season is ending, and flying season is about to begin! This weekend was the B-25 ground school, and soon all the pilots will be getting recurrent. The work that people have put in over the last month is astounding. People have come out of the woodwork to help, and are excited at the prospect of their FIRST airshow season. For those of us who have done this for so many years, it is exciting to see all of the anxious anticipation for what will likely be a lifelong memory for people.

Although maintenance season is ending, that does not mean work will not be taking place. We are not able to do weddings or events at the hangar this year, so this gives us an opportunity. We can make a mess..... but only for the sake of cleaning up! I fully expect to see items spread around the hangar... cataloging of parts, tools and museum items. Straightening up our filing systems and creating a slick running, organized and visually appealing maintenance/museum space. We will needs lots of help with this, so let me know if you are available!

The Motor Pool just got a brand new vehicle tomorrow! Well, not new, but new to us! A 1942 Dodge WC-21 1/2 ton vehicle was approved for trade with our 1953 Willys Jeep. The vehicle needs some work, but is in excellent shape! Its engine and transmission have been rebuilt and are very strong, and its body is free of rust rot. This will be a great new project for the motor pool, and they are looking to get it completed before 2012.

We have the Grape escape coming up in one week. Get tickets or sign up to help now! It should be an excellent event, with great wine and great music! Thank you to everyone who has helped sponsor this event or is helping put it on! Hope to see you there!

I am personally very excited about a new educational program that we have been working on. We are partnering with Girls With Wings to host Aviation Inspiration Day, a girl-centric event with an interactive educational seminar by GWW founder Lynda Meeks, tours of Wipaire and the CAF, lunch sponsored by Wip and hosted by us, and EAA Young Eagle flights. We are getting as many ideas together as we can to inspire young women to follow their dreams of flight, and are hoping to have a large turnout. It will take place on May 28th at Fleming Field. If you'd like more info, or would like to help plan or work the event please contact Amy Lauria at wingleader@cafmn.org