DALLAS, Texas — The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) has launched its “12 Planes of Christmas” campaign, which helps restore vintage World War II aircraft to flying condition.
Each year, 12 aircraft from the CAF’s fleet are selected to be featured during the “12 Planes of Christmas” campaign, which runs through Dec. 31.
The 12 planes chosen for this year’s campaign include:
- P-40 Warhawk
- C-45 Expeditor
- TBM Avenger
- PT-17 Stearman (two aircraft)
- AT-11 Kansan
- F8F Bearcat
- PT-19 Cornell (two aircraft)
- B-17 Flying Fortress
- PBY Catalina
- Fairchild PT-23
The 12 airplanes selected for the campaign are not only historically significant, they are also chosen for their impact in their respective communities, according to CAF officials.
“When contributing to the 12 Planes of Christmas, donors are directly supporting the CAF in a very tangible way – helping to maintain and return aircraft to the skies,” said RozeLyn Beck, CAF chief relationship officer. “With the variety of aircraft showcased and the stories these aircraft represent, our hope is that many individuals will be inspired to contribute.”
The CAF does not receive government funding to restore and preserve these iconic aircraft. The airplanes are funded by ride revenue, aircraft appearance fees, but mostly by donations from individual and corporations.
As part of the “12 Planes of Christmas” campaign, donations can also be directed to the CAF’s Restoration Grant Fund. Established in 2008, this matching grant fund doubles individual donations, helping return aircraft back to the skies faster. Through this fund, the public can help create tributes to the famed Flying Tigers and the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP), among other efforts. Since 2008, the Restoration Grant Fund has supported more than 50 aircraft across the nation, many of which have returned to flight.
Individuals can learn about the campaign, select an aircraft to support, and make a donation at www.SupportCAF.org.
The selected aircraft for this year’s campaign come from 12 different CAF units across eight states:
California
- F8F Bearcat (CAF Southern California Wing, Camarillo)
Colorado
- TBM Avenger (CAF Rocky Mountain Wing, Grand Junction)
Georgia
- P-17 Stearman (CAF Dixie Wing, Peachtree City)
Kansas
- PT-19 Cornell (CAF Heart of America Wing, Kansas City)
- Fairchild PT-23 (CAF Jayhawk Wing, Wichita)
Mississippi
- PT-19 Mississippi Queen (CAF Mississippi Wing, Madison)
New Mexico
- AT-11 Kansan (CAF Lobo Wing, Albuquerque)
Texas
- P-40 Warhawk (CAF P-40 Sponsor Group, Dallas)
- P-17 Stearman (CAF DFW Wing, Lancaster)
- B-17 Texas Raiders (CAF Gulf Coast Wing, Conroe)
- C-45 Spirit of Texas (CAF High Sky Wing, Midland-Odessa)
Wisconsin
- PBY Catalina (CAF Lake Superior Squadron, Superior)