INTRODUCTION

Nella, the AT-6 flown by WASP at Avenger Field 1943-1944, will require an overall in late 2025; without a backup engine she will be out of service for a year. Her spreading of the WASP Legacy would be impacted as would her flying audience of approximately 325 passengers per year. Your contribution will help keep her flying and delivering on her mission.

MISSION

Today, the story of the Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) is becoming well known,  80 years after the fact. Continuing to spread the story/legacy is the duty carried out by Nella, the Commemorative Air Force’s (CAF) WASP Squadron’s AT-6 that has had the honor of flying over a dozen of these women, both as cadets and as retired graduates.
“Nella” refers to the WASP mascot Fifinella, a Disney gremlin. Her name adds depth to the WASP story, as she tours with the Air Power Squadron’s B29 FIFI

More info about the WASP, Nella and the Squadron can be found here WASP Squadron website.  Follow us on Facebook and Instagram as CAF WASP Squadron 

The WASP Squadron operates Nella, as part of fulfilling its mission to Honor the legacy of the WASP, Educate others on their accomplishments and Inspire the next generation  to achieve success, possibly in aviation. Each appearance and every Squadron pilot tells the story,  contributing to the success of that mission.

The WASP were innovators, and created evidence for others to follow: that they too could accomplish what they set their minds to, even it seems impossible. The evidence allows the succeeding generations to “see what they want to be”. 

Throughout the year, Nella and the WASP Squadron continue to share the evidence (some even newly discovered)  of the WASP, encourage young women (and men) to consider aviation, and recognize women in aviation, through research and connecting with the public. This reinforces and spreads the Legacy of the WASP  

The NEED

In late 2025, an engine  overhaul, which will cause Nella to be inoperable for 12 months, is required UNLESS a second engine is available.   Given her current attentive and appreciative audience, to be gone for 12 months would not only disrupt the spreading of the WASP Legacy, it would cause a loss of interest and support 

Nella has become well known, she is in demand, consistently flying 250 hours  per year, accommodating at least 325  passengers as well as appearing at WASP related events. 

She is busy, she attracts crowds.  She is well maintained mechanically, with ongoing preventative actions and upgrades, plus further  attention to appearance and safety  

A significant engine issue that  would cause her to be set down for a prolonged period would have a similar impact  

The SOLUTION

Have a second engine ready to be installed when needed.

Creating the second engine (there is nothing “off the shelf”) means sourcing the best possible parts and assembling them to create what is needed. The cost of the project is estimated at $100,000  

PROGRESS
In 2024, The Squadron committed $15,000 to secure an engine core. It has been sent for assessment to begin building a the second engine. 
         Efforts to identify an available quality engine, were not successful  

Financially, the Squadron has managed Nella’s  time and rates, to minimize unpaid flight hours, while simultaneously managing expenses for maintenance and all Squadron activities. So many have been so generous with their donations of time, talents, and money.  As of today the Squadron needs only $50,000 to achieve the goal  

and NOW

The  2025 Tour season will contribute approximately $30,000, leaving only $20,000 to be raised. Your contribution today will go to reduce this need  

With finances in place, the second engine can be created and swapped for the old in late 2025  

Nella already has a place in line at the overhaul shop, meaning she will have the shortest possible down time for the engine swap, and be ready to fly for the 2026 Tour season.