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The North American TF-51D 44-72483 in its new livery ar Airmotive Specialties ( Photo Airmotive Specialties Inc )

The Airmotive Specialties Inc. workshop, located in Salinas, California, unveiled this week the first photos of the P-51D Mustang “Hel-eter” in its new colors. This marks an important milestone in the restoration of this aircraft, whose return to airworthy condition has been underway for several years and is expected to lead to a new first flight within the next few weeks.

The aircraft, which has been converted to the two-seat TF-51D configuration, now sports a livery inspired by P-51D 44-72577 on the Pacific theater. Bearing the code 527 painted on the fuselage, it is expected to receive the “Hel-eter” nose art on its engine cowling.

This Mustang, serial number 44-72483, has a rich history: delivered to the USAAF on January 23, 1945, it was assigned to the 354th Fighter Group of the 9th Air Force, where it carried the tactical code AJ-R. After the war, it was transferred to the Flygvapnet, the Swedish Air Force, as Fv 26087, before joining the Fuerza Aérea de Nicaragua (Nicaraguan Air Force), where it flew under the code GN85.

Brought back to the United States in December 1963, it was long mistaken for another aircraft destroyed during the conflict. It was only in 1966, thanks to the efforts of David Forrest, that its true identity was officially re-established with the FAA.

The P-51D 44-72557 Mustang Hel-Eter (Profile © Gaëtan Marie / Bravo Bravo Aviation)

The aircraft then began a new civilian life, changing hands several times before being acquired in November 1975 by Dan Martin, a seasoned pilot and well-known figure at the Reno Air Races. Registered as N151DM, the Mustang was restored and flew for more than three decades under the name “Ridge Runner III” (P-51 Mustang Survivors – P-51D-20NA 44-72843), in tribute to Major Pierce W. McKennon, ace and leader of the 4th Fighter Group. Dan Martin flew the Mustang in many editions of the Reno Air Races.

After 37 years of ownership, Dan Martin sold the aircraft in June 2011 to Pat Harker, based in Minneapolis. Harker launched a complete restoration, entrusted to Airmotive Specialties, with the goal of converting the aircraft to TF-51D standard while restoring an appearance faithful to its original military service.

Today, thanks to the meticulous work of the Salinas team and the passion of its new owner, the Mustang “Hel-eter” is preparing to take to the skies again, nearly 80 years after it was first built.

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The Fieseler Fi 156 Storch of the US Air Force Museum (Photo USAF Museum)

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, located in Dayton, Ohio, has recently reinstalled in its World War II Gallery an iconic aircraft of German aviation: the Fieseler Fi 156C-2 Storch.

Removed from display in 2017, the aircraft underwent a complete restoration between 2024 and 2025, carried out by the museum’s technical teams. This meticulous work, spread over eighteen months, has given the aircraft a new lease on life.

Built in 1940 in Germany, this Storch is one of the few surviving examples of the famous liaison and reconnaissance aircraft used by the Luftwaffe. Known for its extremely short takeoff and landing capabilities, the Fi 156 was able to operate on rough terrain and in difficult conditions.

Exported to Sweden in 1943, it entered service with the Flygvapnet under the designation S 14B. The Storch was retired from service in 1948. After being withdrawn from active duty, it remained in Europe before returning to Germany in the 1960s. It was briefly flown by Erich Hartmann, the famous Luftwaffe ace, before being acquired in 1973 by two American veterans, Lt. Col. Perry A. Schreffler and Maj. Robert C. Van Ausdell, both former World War II pilots and TWA employees. The aircraft then flew with the civilian registration N156SV.

In 1974, the two men donated the aircraft to the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, where it was displayed for several decades. At that time, it sported a livery inspired by that of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel’s personal Storch, used in North Africa. This paint scheme, although popular with visitors, did not correspond to the aircraft’s actual history.

The restoration begun in 2024 has corrected this inconsistency. The museum’s teams completely disassembled the aircraft, removing the wings, the original fabric, and inspecting every structural element. The mechanical components were overhauled, the landing gear restored, and a new paint scheme applied.

Storch Aircraft Move Aug 2025 Highlights NMUSAF

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The Collings Foundation’s F-100F 56-3844 in 2014 (Photo Christopher Ebdon (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0))

On Memorial Day 2025, the Collings Foundation’s rare North American F-100F Super Sabre, one of only two airworthy examples globally, took to the skies once again. Piloted by Rick Sharpe, curator of the Vietnam War Flight Museum in Houston, Texas, the aircraft participated in a commemorative formation flight honoring fallen service members. This significant event marked the culmination of extensive restoration efforts by museum staff and volunteers, including the installation of modern avionics to comply with current airspace regulations.

The F-100F, serial number 56-3844, boasts a rich operational history. Delivered to the U.S. Air Force in 1957, it served with the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing in Europe before joining the Texas Air National Guard. After its military service, the aircraft saw civilian use in Europe and the U.S., flying under various liveries, including the USAF Thunderbirds. Now restored and painted to honor Medal of Honor recipient Colonel George “Bud” Day, the jet stands as a flying tribute to the legacy of Vietnam War aviators.

While the jet is operated by the Collings Foundation, it is now based at the Vietnam War Flight Museum, founded in 2002 by Rick Sharpe and dedicated to preserving the history and sacrifices of Vietnam War veterans. The successful return of the F-100F to flight status underscores the museum’s commitment to this mission and highlights the collaborative efforts between the museum and the Collings Foundation in keeping aviation history alive.

Read the full story on Vintage Aviation News.

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Spitfire Mk IX MJ755 in 2006 (Photo Matteo Arrotta (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0))

Supermarine Spitfire Mk IXc MJ755, also known as the “Greek Spitfire” for its uncommon markings, flew again on Sunday 19 January 2020 for the first time since 1953.

The aircraft, which was brought back to airworthiness by Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar, served on the Mediterranean front in 1944 and 1945 and was sold to Greece in 1947.

Its last flight took place on 8 September 1953, after which it was first stored and later displayed as a gate-guard in Tatoi air base. It was ultimately recuperated by the Hellenic Air Force Museum near Athens, which displayed it until 2008 when the decision was made to make it fly again.

The aircraft was remarkably complete and it is reported that very few parts needed replacement, making it one of the most authentic Spitfires flying today.

https://www.facebook.com/www.airforce.gr/videos/113648663314585/

Sources:

• Page Facebook de Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar

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Valiant Air Command, Inc.’s General Motors TBM-3E Avenger returned to flight on 11 January 2020 after an 18-year long restoration.

The Valiant Air Command Warbird Museum is based near Titusville, Florida, and is home to a large collection of aircraft dating from World War I to the present.

Source:

• Valiant Air Command Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/VACwarbirdairshow/posts/2705725282807310

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A message from the Belgian Aviation Preservation Association

The restoration of the Belgian Aviation Preservation Association’s (www.bapa.aero) B-25 Mitchell is an ongoing project, as is the search for parts and equipment to re-equip what initially was an empty B-25 shell.

After obtaining the plexiglass canopy of the dorsal turret during the shooting of the “Catch 22” series, all that was needed was what came beneath it, i.e. a Bendix turret.

This is a rare and difficult to acquire part, but we were able to locate and reserve one in Australia, for $5400. It is incomplete but can serve as the basis for a full restoration.

We are therefore calling on all B-25 Mitchell enthusiasts and those who support our goal of honoring the Belgian crews that flew on the Mitchell with the Royal Air Force.

You can help us by donating to the Fondation Roi Baudouin :

BE10 0000 0000 0404 (BIC : BPOT BEB1) with the compulsory mention: « 128/2714/00065 »

If you are a Belgian fiscal resident, any donation over 40€ will make you eligible to a tax refund.

For our foreign supporters, a donation on the bank account of our association is also possible:

BAPA bank account: BE81 3631 1427 4124 (BIC : BBRU BEBB).

Thank you to all, and a Merry Christmas !

Continue reading]]> https://www.facebook.com/Scramblemagazine/posts/3004198319606682#

Two Tupolev Tu-2S bombers were recently received by the Novosibirsk State Technical University in Russia. These aircraft served with the Chinese air force before being stored in a museum and were later purchased by John MacGuire of the War Eagles Museum in Santa Teresa, New Mexico. Staff at the University plan to restore one of the two aircraft to airworthiness, following a three-year restoration.

For more information and photos :

• Scramble Magazine Facebook page
• Sputnik Images
• Teller Report | “It will be difficult, but we will do it”: how Novosibirsk engineers are going to restore the Tu-2 bomber

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Photo © Temora Aviation Museum

From the Temora Aviation Museum’s website:

In the biggest news in recent years, the Temora Aviation Museum’s President and Founder, Mr David Lowy AM, has announced, that the Museum would start a complex project to return the Museum’s English Electric Canberra and de Havilland Vampire to flying condition, neither of which have flown for a number of years.

He said, “A main component of our mission is to preserve our military aviation history, keep these aircraft flying and enable people to learn about the veterans who flew them. This will be a very resource-intensive project that will see these aircraft fly again progressively over the next three years.”

Photo © Temora Aviation Museum

In other news at the Museum, Mr David Lowy AM, also announced the appointment of the former Chief of the Royal Australian Air Force, Air Marshal Geoffrey Brown AO (Retired) to the Temora Aviation Museum Governing Committee.

Mr Lowy said, “I am very pleased that Air Marshal Brown has agreed to join me on the Committee. His appointment will ensure that the Temora Aviation Museum continues to honour the men and women who contributed to our military aviation history.”

Two other members of the Museum’s Governing Committee, Dr David Solomons and Mr Phillip Wolanski AM have announced their retirement from the Committee. Mr Lowy thanked both for their support, service and contribution to the development and leadership of the Museum.

Air Marshal Brown will join the former Governor of the Reserve Bank of Australia, Mr Glenn Stevens AC and the current CEO of the Museum, Mr Murray Kear AFSM, on the Governing Committee. Mr Stevens will also become the Governing Committees Deputy President.

Mr Stevens thanked Dr Solomons and Mr Wolanski for their contribution and said, “I look forward to continuing their great work alongside Mr Lowy, Air Marshal Brown, and Mr Kear.”

The Temora Aviation Museum conducts regular Flying Aircraft Showcase days each month, with dates for October, November and December will be released very soon. The Museum is open 361 days a year and has just announced the dates of Warbirds Downunder Airshow to be held on 12 and 13 October 2018.

Continue reading]]> After a 25-year restoration, the first Boeing 727 is to make a final flight when it will be flown from Paine Field where it is being restored to Seattle’s Museum of Flight, where it will be displayed along with the Boeing 737 and 747 prototypes.

A special permit was required for this unique flight , which should take place on March 1st, 2016. The aircraft hasn’t flown since it was donated by United Air Line to the museum in 1991.

Source: Museum of Flight

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On December 30, 2015, the Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6 “Black 8” WkNr 440738 made its first post-restauration engine runs on the former airbase of Bremgarten, Germany. The aircraft flew with JagdGeschwader 27 when it crashed on 29 May 1944. Its restauration began in 2007 in Austria.

In 2013, it was acquired by the Air Fighter Academy in Zirchow, Germany, which continued the restoration with Meier Motors. “Black 8” will be the only airworthy Bf 109G-6.

Source: WW2 Aero