Nella's History: Since 2017, Nella has traveled extensively to aviation events, telling the important story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP). This AT-6 Texan is named Nella after the iconic Disney logo “Fifinella”, the mascot of the WASP. This aircraft has attended the WASP homecoming each year, adding a piece of authentic history to the event. The WASP Squadron with its  "SPUNKY" Education Program and Nella serve to engage and inspire the young and older to follow their own goals, especially in aviation.

 Since being acquired by the CAF, Nella has given rides to seven surviving WASP along with dozens of others who wanted to experience flight in a World War II trainer, the very one that  participated in the WASP training in Sweetwater Texas from June 1943 until December 1944.

"Nella" is a proud participant of the CAF Air Power History Tour. She especially enjoys sitting beside the famous B-29 "Fifi", making a symbolic representation of "Fifinella".

2021: Recovery and progress

" Thanks to contributors and lenders, and supporters from all over

"Nella" entered the year with an overhauled and fully functioning engine. 

   BUT  She entered the year with 2 loans outstanding.

HOWEVER, with a full travel/ride schedule  as part of the Air Power History Tour,

she ends the year with only loan one outstanding, plus an operating model for 2022

that will enable all bills and the loan to be paid.

AND Interest in Nella and the WASP grows on Social Media as well as in person at Air Shows and Tour stops

WHAT NOW?

2022: Nella's radios are in need of upgrading

 "Why":

• Clarity of transmission matters to the pilot and the rider,as well as ATC and surrounding aircraft
• She's touring extensively, providing rides at an unprecedented level
• She sees more traffic
• GPS can now be  integrated
• Weather always matters
• Pilots could use a power supply for their tablets, adding even more awareness/capability

"What" is the Plan:

1.  Complete the equipment "wish list", this is currently underway (complete 12/15/2021)
   • New radios (2)  GTR 200 from Garmin
   • add power supply, GSP 15 from Garmin
   • replace selected instruments with newer technology (e.g. GI 275 from Garmin)
   • remove unused gyro
2.  Solicit donations from suppliers, currently underway
3.  Define the 2022 install plan based on available funds; and defer items to followon years as needed, based on finances
4. Complete 2022 install in February.
5. Attend WASP Homecoming (flyin) April 30, 2022 all dressed with new equipment; Rides will be available

"What" does it cost:

All equipment on the projected "Wishlist"is approximately $20,000; install would bring total to approximately $40,000 without discounts

Priority 1 is new radios to enable clear communication, at all times, plus the power supply to support additional pilot devices, by itself, with install and no discounts the current estimate is $7,500.

FINANCIAL BACKGROUND

The Financial Challenge of 2021 has been overcome! 

 With ongoing performance in 2022, the bills will be paid. Plus more is being done

The Squadron Facebook page is reporting on Nella's activities and telling the WASP story each week; a story that has reached over 250,000 viewers

The Squadron Website has been updated and will soon reflect all of the Squadron's activities and purpose; along with a working Members' section

Merchandise is planned to become part of an online sales platform

YOUR help is always appreciated, even if it's just spreading the word of the WASP, Nella and the CAF.

Our thanks in advance!

              Ellie Dana

      WASP Squadron Leader

     WASPSquadron@att.net

      Nella at WASP Homecoming Sweetwater TX