Aircraft Ops

The Harvard spent some time in the air the last too weeks. Between training, appearances at airshows and flyovers, it has been spending a significant amount of time in the air. Along with that, the B-25 spent some time at Osceola, and then made its way to Brainerd for some history flights. It was a very successful day for the aircraft. Meanwhile, the BT-13 and the PT-22 got a little maintenance time.
(Select photos thanks to Earl Teporten and Dan Johnson)

(Scott Romuld preps for flight while Dick Leighninger stands by)


(Take off)


(Nice pass!)


(The B-25 arrives at Osceola)


(Heading off to Brainerd)


(The crew arrives home and has a celebratory drink)


(Rudy Nassif installs a hobbs meter on the PT-22)


(Nathan Timm and Rudy work on some wiring in the BT-13)

Motor Pool Update

Each week we see more and more progress with the motor pool. It's exciting to watch, since there is always a lot of work being done. The cars were prepped for a car show in Inver Grove Heights, and almost all of the vehicles were able to attend! Good work guys! If you're interested in working on old cars without computers, this is the place for you!

(Select photos by Earl Teporten)

(Roger Ruhland replacing the green jeep's leaf spring)

(Bill Atchison sands down the Ford Staff Car....)

(So he can give it a fresh coat of paint!)

(Roger works on tape removal after the paint job)

(The vehicles arrive at the car and tractor show!)

(Glenn Franke shows Bob Koelbl, Dick Leighninger and Amy Lauria his restored 1940s Tractor)

(Bill gives kids the opportunity to wear a helmet and sit in a WWII vehicle.)

(He also gives adults that opportunity)

(Amy loves driving the Ford Staff Car)

(It's a real good thing we didn't follow him, because he turned the wrong way when he exited the parking lot!)

(Winston is one of the motor pools biggest fans!)

Hangar Events

The hangar is a huge resource for us. With hangar rentals, we can make a good amount of money in a short period of time. The work is fairly minor, and the payout can be terrific! Not only does this bring in revenue, but people who come to the events are often unaware of our existance. It brings in visitors who may want to join or donate. Thanks to the volunteers who help at these events. It usually means a late night, but we always have a blast!

(Setting up for a 40th wedding anniversary)

(The hangar all lit up as the sun goes down)

(Vendors set up elaborate displays for the convention)

(It was a catered event, with very good appetizers)

(A convention from overhead)

(Bob Koelbl, Bob Wright, and Big Dave take a break from setting up for the wedding reception)

(Places are set, now all we need is people)

(The bride gets set up for some photos in front of the P-51)

Weekly Update - 05September to 17September

Okay, so it isn't exactly a week... but please bear with me! We've had a TON of events the last few week, and between hangar rentals, the fashion show, prep for the hangar dance, even a car show, it's been a VERY busy couple of weeks. We've had a wedding, a convention and a 40th anniversary party rental all within a week. A lot of volunteers worked very hard to make these happen! Thanks you everyone who helped clean, prep, setup, watch and teardown at the hangar for any of these events. It was a huge help, and is generating a lot of income! The Fashion Show, for those of you who were not able to attend, took place on Friday the 11th. It was the first year attempt, and was quite successful. The goal was to bring in a different crowd, and to show the fashions that could be worn at the Hangar Dance, or every day. Working with a number of vendors, we had models show off these different fashions. Everyone had a great time, and this will likely be an annual, or even twice annual, event in the future! Thanks for your support in getting this going! Inver Grove Heights held their annual car show on Cahill ave Sunday the 13th. We decided to bring the vehicles over to generate some interest, and maybe recruit a few new members. We were approached by many people, and will hopefully see some new faces in the motorpool because of it! All of this went on while we went about our normal activities of maintenance, restoration and airshow/flyover appreances. It made for an interesting week, but a very profitable one! Thanks again to everyone who was involved!

Funeral Flight Fotos

The funeral of Vernon Hopkins, Tuskegee Airman, was a somber event, but the photos that were gathered showed the beauty of the day. Enjoy!
(Photos Thanks to Max Haynes)

Progress in Duluth

Duluth has done tremendous work with the PBYs! Progress reports have been very fun to read... word is that they are mating the Red PBY's wing with the Blue PBY's Fuselage TODAY! Congrats to them on such great progress!!!!
(Photos thanks to the Duluth Squadron)

Around the Hangar

The hangar projects progress, and the Motor Pool is being cleaned up and patched up. Here's some shots of what's going on!

(Eric works on the Ranger Engine project)


(Mark, Doug and Iver sort through parts)


(I gave Doug a torch, which I now realize was a mistake)


(Roger helps fix the roof of the Motorpool)


(The Motor Pool is getting a bit of a makeover!


(Bill says "Be Cool, work in the Motorpool!)


(At least stop in and enjoy the beauty of these vehicles!)

Leaving on a Jet Plane.... or something like that.

Preparing for any trip in the B-25 takes some time. The crew works hard to pack, clean, inspect and load up the aircraft. It's always worth it, though! On lucky days, a member or two may show up and help out!
(Thanks to Earl Teporten for the Photos)

(Alan Miller and Larry Utter stand by with Larry's Grandson)


(Jim Gilmore and Kurt Koukkari plot the course)


(Jim, Dick Leighninger, Julius Salinas and his son, and Jason McNeil take some time to wake up)


(The crew brief just before climbing aboard)


(Larry stands as fire guard during the start)


(Off to Aberdeen!)

Weekly Update - 29August to 04September

Good Evening Everyone!
This week was very busy, but unfortunately picture taking was a low priority. Saturday the B-25 was in Aberdeen, ND. It's getting close to the end of the season for the B-25, and will be entering the maintenance portion of the year very soon. The P-51 was out to Offutt Air Force Base for a show. It arrived home early in the week. The hangar was buzzing with activity on Saturday, many many projects were worked on. The PT-22 is done save for some needed paperwork, the motor pool is coming along nicely and the museum is going to have some new displays soon. Wednesday, Steve Brown visited for a meeting with the Red Tail Project initially, and attended a barbecue for the membership to have discussions on policy, the wing, and the CAF as a whole. It was well received and an enjoyable event.

As I was writing this, I got an e-mail from Max Haynes. A flyover took place today in honor of Vernon Hopson, a local Tuskegee Airman. Max had the opportunity to use the B-25 as a camera-ship, and I'm very happy to share some of them with you!

Enjoy!