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!