The P-51C “Thunderbird,” one of the most recognizable Mustangs from the post-war era, recently had its first flight after its restoration. Warren Pietsch, a founding board member of the Dakota Territory Air Museum and a famed warbird pilot, hired AirCorps Aviation to complete the restoration of his P-51C. Pilot Bernie Vasquez returned the 1949 Bendix race winner to the air in early June 2023.
News
Georgia high school team wins Aviation Design Challenge
“GAMA continues to be inspired by the effort and creativity we see put forth by all the teams competing in the Aviation Design Challenge,” said Pete Bunce, GAMA president and CEO. “We congratulate McIntosh High School and Gonzaga College High School for the insightful work they put into the challenge, especially as both teams were first time entrants.”
New owner for Finnoff Aviation Products
The private equity firm that also owns Blackhawk Aerospace and AVEX Aviation is the Broomfield, Colorado-based company’s new owner.
First flight for Diamond’s aerobatic trainer
The maiden flight lasted 30 minutes and covered all basic maneuvers, including performance and handling checks.
Grant funds upgrades at 95IL
According to Recreational Aviation Foundation Illinois Ambassador David Warner, volunteers are using the funds from the grant to install a new windsock, a RAF fire ring, apply lime, and roll the runway to improve the surface of the 2,410-foot runway at the private airfield.
Work begins on new Signature FBO at KHSV
At Huntsville International Airport in Alabama.
First steps taken for permanent tower at KJYO
The second busiest general aviation airport in the Virginia, Leesburg Executive Airport was the site of a remote tower program until June 14, 2023. The remote tower program was canceled by the FAA, which is paying for a mobile tower and air traffic controllers through the end of September 2023.
Jet Aviation FBOs get upgrades at four airports
The FBO chain’s locations in Scottsdale, Arizona, Bozeman, Montana, Houston, Texas, and Teterboro, New Jersey, have been expanded or refurbished.
Flying to Oshkosh?
FBOs are launching specials for pilots flying to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2023, from discounts on fuel to complimentary food and camping.










