Blackbird for Evergreen

Air Classics, Jan 2003 by O'Leary, Michael

One of the last remaining SR-71s has a new home

The first step to bring a Lockheed SR-71A to the Evergreen Aviation Museum began in late October when museum project manager Mike Wright and a crew of nine volunteers left for Edwards AFB to begin the disassembly process.

The SR-71 is due to join the museum in spring 2003 where it will be in company with the Hughes Spruce Goose - the world's largest wooden airplane - and over 40 other vintage and veteran aircraft.

Del Smith, chairman of the museum's board of trustees, said the movement of the SR-71 to the museum would be similar in scope to the move of the Spruce Goose to Oregon ten years ago. "The SR-71 and the Hughes Flying Boat together create the heart of the museum's aircraft collection and will put us in the position of being the only museum in the world to offer for public viewing two of the greatest innovations of aviation history," stated Smith.

Wright said the disassembly process will take at least five weeks, beginning with the towing of the SR to a secure hangar near the NASA Dryden Research Facility. Wright and the volunteers will remove the outboard wings, the rudders, inlet spikes, nose, and various other parts. Major parts of the SR, including the engines, rudders, wings, fuselage, landing gear and tires, will be trucked to Oregon with stops in towns and cities for public viewing along the way.

The Evergreen Aviation Museum's hours are 9 am to 5 pm daily except Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year's Day, and Easter. The museum is located at 3685 NE Three Mile Lane, across the road from Evergreen International Airport and three miles southeast of McMinnville, Oregon, on Highway 18. Call (503) 434-4180 for more information. Most monthly flying events begin with a seminar at 10 am with panelists who were directly associated with the featured aircraft and, whenever possible, will conclude with flight demonstrations by appropriate aircraft. Planes of Fame is open seven days a week 9 am to 5 pm (closed Thanksgiving and Christmas). Admission is $8.95 adults, $1.95 children ages 11 and under, and free for accompanied children under 5. The Air Museum also has a membership program available, with one of the benefits being the ability of the members to actually experience the wonders of flight in vintage aircraft. At each monthly special event, a drawing is held for members in attendance, including last-minute sign-ups, with the grand prize being a Warbird backseat orientation flight. Check out the advantages of membership by calling (909) 597-3722 or the website at www.planesoffame.org.