In response to a proposed amendment from Congressman Michael Turner to the House National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 4310) that, if allowed to pass, would have a devastating effect on civilian operated historic military aircraft, the Commemorative Air Force has put together a letter that will be sent to the Committee on Armed Services. CAF officials are asking pilots and aviation enthusiasts to sign the letter.
The letter says:
On behalf of the undersigned organizations, we write to express our opposition to a proposed provision to be included in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). This provision would be devastating to the preservation and operation of historical military aircraft – commonly referred to as Warbirds – and we strongly oppose it.
The Warbird community is made up of nearly 1,000 aircraft, including those used in World War I, World War II, Korea, and Vietnam. The operation of these aircraft provides access to millions of people who would not otherwise be able to learn about the history of American Military Aviation and the men and women who built, serviced and flew these important airplanes. They are a major attraction at hundreds of civilian and military air shows around the world and educate people about the role they played in securing the freedoms we enjoy today.
Current law allows the Department of Defense (DoD) to dispose of Warbirds to certain entities that can operate them in a safe manner and in full compliance of Federal Aviation Administration regulations. Unfortunately, the provision in question would prohibit the disposition of any U.S. military aircraft to organizations intending to fly the historic Warbirds. This would curtail an activity that teaches history and reminds us of the sacrifices for freedom and enhances recruiting into today’s American Armed Forces.
We strongly oppose any effort to further restrict the disposition of Warbirds. It is bad policy and bad precedent. We urge the committee to reject this provision.
Sincerely,
Commemorative Air Force
For more information: CommemorativeAirForce.org
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