The CAF Nevada Wing is moving along on the Stinson AT-19 restoration. The 11+ year, ground -up, period-correct restoration (including the scarce British equipment) has an end in sight. The only changes that are being done are in the interest of safety, reliability and current requirements.
Our combat veteran bird was sent to the UK under Lend -Lease. Served with the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force and completed WWII as part of Southeast Asia Command in the China-Burma-India theatre. The Nevada Wing Stinson AT-19 was returned home via Jeep Class Aircraft Carrier as deck cargo. Working with a number of FBOs, the Stinsons had all the military hardware removed, all military log books, photos, assorted other paperwork removed and destroyed. All the Stinsons received a new manufacturing date of 1946. The now civilanized aircraft was put on the market and sold by the War Assets Administration.
Our bird # 496 ,out of the 500 produced, might be the highest build number remaining. About 40-50 of these birds remain, and only about half are flyable.
This Stinson AT-19 has called several states home since coming to the civilian market. The CAF acquired this bird in 1991 and assigned it to the Utah Wing. The Utah Wing flew this wonderful bird and later decided a complete restoration was necessary. The airframe was cleaned and prepared and a fresh coat of epoxy primer applied, but further restoration was halted.
The Nevada Wing later acquired the Stinson after it sat in storage for about 10 years. Despite being a small unit with limited funds, we have managed to get this world class restoration almost to the finish line. The end is finally in sight !!
You can help greatly by your tax deductible contributions. Some items still needed for completion. Here is a list with estimated costs: 1] TRIG Avionics TN70 ADSB out complete with WAAS antenna kit ($2200); 2] ADSB installation and certification ($1250); 3] Appareo Stratus 3 ADSB ($1100); 4] assorted small parts and supplies ($450) OurTeam Goal is $5000.00. Your assistance is greatly needed and appreciated !!
Thank You!!
