American Wings

For those of you who are not aware, we are losing a fellow aviation museum in the Twin Cities. American Wings in Anoka will likely have to shut its doors due to the MAC raising rent. I have an inside source (a workmate who is Maintenance Chief at AWAM) who informed me that the MAC want the building, have been bold enough to say so, and that even if they got the money, American Wings would be kicked out. If this is true, shame on the MAC. I for one am very happy that we do not have to deal with the MAC and can stay local to the Twin Cities! I'm sorry to all the members, it's heartbreaking to see this happen.
-Jim L.
News Article

Maytag Messerschmitt

Ok, I couldn't help dedicating another post to our newest aircraft, the Ryan PT-22. This aircraft has emerged from it's cocoon to become a butterfly! This week, the fitting of the cowling showed the lines of the aircraft, and she got moved to center stage in the hangar, if only for a short time.

Weekly Update - 23May to 29May

This is the first of an attempted weekly update. Not to say we won't be posting things as they happen, but a weekly goal will keep the random acts of Blogging down a bit. This week has been very eventful, especially with prepping for the dance, the B-25 going to Ellsworth AFB (they should be in the air as this is being typed), the museum continuing it's expansion, and the PT-22 getting closer and closer to completion. Come see for yourselves at the Hangar Dance tomorrow!!! Thanks to all for the hard work and dedication!

P-51C "Tuskegee Airman" Red Tail Project

The CAF MN Wing's Red Tailed Angel, the P-51C "Tuskegee Airman", is nearing the finish of it's restoration. It was lost in 2004 due to engine failure, and claimed the life of long time member, and good friend, Don Hinz. The Red Tail team has done a superb job of restoring the aircraft into a beautiful example of what perseverance, hard work, and an ideallic goal can accomplish. We are proud to have volunteers to help accomplish such things. A special Thank You to Tri-State Aviation, Cindy Beck, and the late Gerry Beck. Keep checking our blog and the Red Tail website, http://www.redtail.org/, for up-to-date information.

Prepare for the Hangar Dance!

Our hangar dance is fast approaching! Please join us, either as a MN Wing volunteer, or as an attendee. If you would like to be a volunteer, we have many opportunities... please contact Amy Lauria at twilightsoaps@yahoo.com. Hope we see you there!!!!

Museum Expansion

Our museum has undergone some major changes! We've moved the museum wall closer to the West wall of the hangar, allowing for artifact expansion. We've added the Link Trainer and Dehmel Trainer to our museum. Expect to see more large items to the museum, including an early model Willy's Jeep, some WWII vintage aircraft engines, and some dioramas of significant happenings. Thank you to all who have helped with the expansion. It's taken a LOT of support and we are honored to have all of you involved!

PT-22 Update

Our Ryan PT-22 is getting closer and closer to complete!!! We've been lucky to have so many great volunteers, under the watchful eye of Doug Olson, PT-22 Crew Chief. Last Wednesday the wings were attached. It has a suprising wing span! Soon we will be mounting the engine! Here are some pics:

Welcome to the Commemorative Air Force, MN Wing Blog!

You will find posts from the Staff and volunteers as well as on going projects! Have something to share? You have come to the right place!