UAL T38 Phlyer

I had heard the Collings Foundation was trying to get permission to restore an F-105G, similar to their F-4D and TA-4F. Looked on their website, and they were asking for folks to call Rep Ike Skelton to register support for a bill. It said the fate was being decided in the next week.

There was a link to read the letter the Foundation had sent to Congress, signed by 15 Medal of Honor recipients, and 120 former POWs.

This action was a result of the Air Force formally being opposed to the project.

This info was dated 29 April 2010. Anyone know the outcome/any updates?

If any organization should be authorized to do this, it is Collings. There is fear the Air Force will quickly scrap any remaining airframes capable of restoration if the current effort is denied.

If you have any interest in flyable historic aircraft, check Collings' link below, and follow-through.

http://www.collingsfoundation.org/en...r_105.2010.htm

ryan1234

Any particular reason the Air Force is so opposed to it?

There's already F-4s, F-104s, Sea Harrier, and several other jets like those flying on the civilian circuit... that everyone enjoys.

UAL T38 Phlyer

The only civil F-4 on the circuit is the Collings airplane. The others are part of the QF-4 program at Tyndall, and called the Heritage Flight.

I can't cite a CFR number, but apparently, there is a law (dating from about the late 1950s/early 1960s) that states no nuclear-capable jet aircraft can be sold/transferred to a private party. In part, that is why it actually took "an Act of Congress" for Collings to get permission to fly their F-4 and A-4.

A 'famous flying person' used his political connections to assist in getting those bills passed. But, when he fell out of favor with the Foundation (for reasons I would rather not publish in public), he tried to use his connections to stop the Foundation. He almost succeeded. Could he still be holding a grudge and be lobbying against them? Hard to say.

Additionally, I think you will find the Air Force and Navy are reluctant to release their former jets as: 1). They fear some sort of liability repercussions if there is a crash, and 2). They want to be seen as the sole-operators of prestigous aircraft. (It's hard to justify to Congress you need hundreds of millions of dollars to keep the Blues and Thunderbirds going if people are willing to sweat at an airshow to see a private F-4 or F-105).

The F-104s on the Starfighter demo team came from Italy (and maybe one or two from Denmark or Jordan; there's one registered in Phoenix). The Sea Harrier came from the UK. Foreign-owned jets were a loop-hole in the acquisition process, so some years back (not sure how many, but let's say post 9-11), a new law was passed, making it VERY difficult to import foreign military aircraft, whether of US or foreign manufacture.

You'll see it on Trade-a-Plane, saying, "...pre-Moratorium aircraft." I admit I don't understand the details nor implications.

USMCFLYR

UAL T38 -

When I left Collings in May there was no further update than what you posted in your OP. Basically they were still working VERY hard to make the F-105 a reality and to even get some of the old NASA T-38s (you might have to volunteer your time !)

I wish the Collings Foundation the best of luck in all of their efforts to find, restore, and fly these aircraft. My time with them (and their instructors - some of which are on this forum) was wonderful, and what a bunch of class act professionals!

USMCFLYR

N9373M

I would hope not. If I'm thinking of the same 'person', and that is the case, he truly has forever turned to the dark side. There is no room for politics in government.

UAL T38 Phlyer

USMC:

I have a vested-interest: I have my toe in the door (not the whole foot, just my toe) for the Phantom....I'm hopeful. If they get T-38s as well, I might have an 'in' there (current, and would have over 3000 T-38 hours by the time I could fly for them). I don't know if there are any F-105 drivers who could still pass the physical or be interested. Yes, I'd volunteer for the Thud!

N9373M: That's hilarious!!

III Corps

The line would be long to fly the Thud with guys doing whatever they thought necessary to sit in that cockpit. While the F-4 has its following, the Thud is almost a cult and with reason. It took the load north.

I stood on the ramp at Eglin at summer camp way back when and as we were practicing for the July 4th 'games' and parade, some guy kept loafing across the football field and track we were running on in a -105. The Thud was low and slow (300-350) kept drifting over the field. Our Tac-Officer tried the first few times to remind us that in formation we were not supposed to look up at passing aircraft. The third or fourth time the Thud came by, he gave up.

ryan1234

You should hear Art's story sometime if you haven't already - it was quite an amazing thing to acquire and operate the only civil Sea Harrier (aka the SHAR) out there - Art is one amazing pilot.

FIIGMO

You have an "IN" there?

Ftrooppilot

USAF Aircraft on display at museums are "on loan" with yearly condition reports submitted. The USAF does not give aircraft to museums and foundations. No aircraft "on loan" can be flown.

If "aircraft ownership" is transfered (like the F-105), it would have to be done by congress.

I believe one of the F-104 demo aircraft was a CF-104 purchased from EAA.