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SUMMARY
Air Group One's dedicated volunteers are working hard on the
restoration of their assigned L-5 Sentinel, Betsy. Nearing
completion, this important - yet underrated - WWII warbird will soon
take to the skies as she did over 70 years ago. Once airworthy,
Betsy will be the focal point of our ASTEM & Rides
Programs. Our volunteers are a great group of warbird enthusiasts who
are passionate about telling the story of how the L-5 was the
"flying Jeep" of the war. Please support our efforts by
contributing to Betsy's restoration and sharing this campaign
with your friends and family!
HISTORY
The L-5 was developed at the start of WWII by the Stinson
Aircraft Company and is one of only two liaison aircraft types
manufactured that was purpose-built for military use (there is no
civilian counterpart). Capable of operating from short, unimproved
airstrips, the L-5 Sentinel saw service performing VIP transports,
resupply missions, and critical intelligence gathering photo
reconnaissance missions. They were also utilized to lay communication
wires, transport prisoners, deliver important messages and transport
wounded servicemembers to rear area field hospitals.
Betsy started her career in 1943 with the 163rd Liaison Squadron based out of Cox Field in Paris, Texas. She prepped many a pilot for the rigors of overseas service at bases throughout Texas and Oklahoma until she was decommissioned in 1948. She then passed through the hands of many grateful owners and served several purposes from glider towing to civil air patrol. Unfortunately, the years were not kind to Betsy and she was discovered decades ago in derelict condition in Van Nuys, California.
PROGRESS
After her discovery in Van Nuys, Betsy was assigned to
Air Group One and originally restored in 1976. She was a favorite at
air shows and local aviation events until the need arose for a second
restoration. Using blueprints from more than half a century ago, our
volunteers have devoted many hours to her restoration. As part of the
restoration work, we rebuilt the wings with wooden components
manufactured from scratch using precision tools created by our skilled
volunteers - this was by no means a small task! We took inspiration
from one of the most decorated squadrons in the Pacific Theater when
choosing her nose art and colors. Betsy is painted in the
colors of the 25th Liaison Squadron that was based in New Guinea
during World War II and named after one of their
L-5's, the Bouncing Betsy II.
TASKS AHEAD
To complete the restoration, an in-depth engine overhaul must be
performed as well as the installation of avionics and other small bits
and pieces. Momentum is continually gaining on this project and your
generous support will help Betsy take flight for the first
time in over a decade.
VISION
On returning to service, Betsy will fly throughout
Southern California educating warbird enthusiasts with her story and
providing living history flight experiences. She will also be used to
overfly parades, veteran memorials, and other community events to
fulfill the CAF's mission to Educate, Inspire, and Honor. Your support
of Betsy and the dedicated volunteers of Air Group One is
greatly appreciated!
ABOUT 12 PLANES OF CHRISTMAS
Each year the CAF holds an annual fundraiser to help support and highlight aircraft projects for planes in need of restoration, maintenance or repairs. Donors may contribute to a specific aircraft project or to the CAF’s Restoration Grant Fund.
Don’t want to donate online?
Call 877-767-7175
or mail check to: CAF Headquarters, P.O. Box 764769 Dallas, TX, 75376
The Restoration Grant Fund
The Restoration Grant
Fund is a dollar-for-dollar match program created to help aircraft
projects with the most need get back into the air faster.
Giving to a Specific Aircraft Project
If you
have a particular affinity for an airplane, you can make a direct
contribution to the aircraft.Scroll downto see all the
projects looking for support.
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