MIDWEST AERO RESTORATIONS

Air Classics, Feb 2004 by Larson, Jim

Mike Vadeboncouer and crew are busy on several important projects

Located at Danville, Illinois, Midwest Aero Restorations is currently working away on two new Mustang restorations reports James P. Church. NAA P-51D USAAF s/n 44-63807 is being restored for owner Jon Vesly of Inverness, Illinois. This particular aircraft had seen its last military service with the Bolivian Air Force as FAB 506 before being sold to Arny Carnegie in Canada during 1977. Registered C-GXUO, the plane was sold to Ed Stingfellow in 1978. Painted in American markings with the name Tiger Lilly, the Mustang was registered N20MS and flown by Ed until he sold the aircraft to Vesly several years ago. Being completed to Midwest Aero's high standards, the Mustang is being offered for sale in completed condition for $1,480,000 with completion anticipated in the spring of 2004- The aircraft has been equipped with a Nelson Ezell-designed TF dual control kit and an updated avionics panel. The aircraft is offered for sale by Courtesy Aircraft of Rockford, Illinois (www.courtesyaircraft.com).

Also with Midwest Aero is P-51D USAAF s/n 44-74469 which had last seen military service in the Dominican Republic as FAD 1919. This aircraft had been with Cavalier as N7723C before being sold to Dominica. One of the FAD Mustangs returned to the United States in 1984 by Brian O'Farrell, the plane was sold to Jerry Miles, registered N51DJ, and restored at Chino. Sometime later, the aircraft received the registration N125ID. The Mustang has been completely disassembled for a detailed restoration which will include a complete reskinning of the airframe and installation of new longerons. The P-5ID is owned by Classic American Aircraft of Poland, Ohio.