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Collings Foundation F4U-5NL Corsair Flies Again!

Posted by Ryan Keough on Tue Nov 18, 2003 01:48:39 PM

The Collings Foundation is happy to report re-commencement of flight testing on Chance-Vought F4U-5NL Corsair BuNo. 124692 after repairs were made to damage sustained in a forced gear-up landing on September 25th, 2003 caused by failure of the right main landing gear to fully extend. The first flight since the September 25th incident happened on Friday, November 14th and flights continued through the weekend in New Smyrna Beach, FL. American Aero Services owner Gary Norville said that the aircraft, being flown by test pilot Dale "Snort" Snodgrass, has been performing well and has been checked out in all flight maneuvers. The American Aero Services crew should be commended for the accomplishment of repairing the aircraft in less than a month and a half and returning it to the skies!

The aircraft is scheduled to continue testing and post-restoration troubleshooting and will be available for the 2004 Airshow season.

Through the winter restoration season, American Aero Services will be additionally concentrating on the repair and refurbishment of the Collings Foundation Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress "Nine O Nine" in preparation for the 2004 Wings of Freedom National Tour starting in March. The B-24 Liberator and B-25 Mitchell operated by the Collings Foundation will be touring Florida from late January through mid-March while the B-17 undergoes repairs.

For in-flight photos of the Corsair, please visit American Aero Services (see link below).

For further information, schedules, and photos, please visit the Collings Foundation website at www.collingsfoundation.org.

American Aero Services - Corsair Photos

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