N802HV is a Navy T-34B trainer.  The Air Force and Navy were looking for a more economic trainer to use for both the US Air Force and US Navy.  Walter Beech’s T-34 proved to be just the thing that the services were looking for. First flown on December 4th, 1948, the Mentor proved to be a great replacement for the aging T-6 Texan trainer that was used by the military services.  The T-34A was used by the US Air Force and a slightly different version (T-34B) was used by the US Navy. 

Our T-34 was manufactured and accepted into the Navy inventory in January 1956.  It served as a trainer at Naval Air Station Saufley Field in Pensacola, FL.  After it’s retirement it was sent to the Dominican Republic Air Force.  Upon it’s return to the United States it was owned by a private owner for several years before it was donated to the Commemorative Air Force.  Following major repairs, the aircraft was flown to Fort Worth in January of 2016.  In January of 2017 the aircraft was completely painted in the official training squadron paint scheme of the 1970’s.  The Coyote Squadron assumed control of the aircraft December 01, 2018.

Since that time, we have flown the aircraft to many air shows for both display and to conduct ride flights. We conduct rides for those who are 12 and over to show them what the young men of the 1950’s through the 1970’s flew during their training time in the US Navy.  This was the first aircraft that young me flew to gain the skills that would be necessary to eventually fly larger and more complicated aircraft following the Korean War.  Many a Navy, Marine Corp and Coast Guard pilot learned to fly in the Mentor before they served their country in Viet Nam during the 1960’s. 

Now approaching her 70th birthday there are things that need to be updated to keep this aircraft flying for the foreseeable future.  As with last year’s campaign upgraded avionics continues to be a priority at the moment.  Our existing communication and navigation system is no longer supported and must be replaced in the near term.  We hope to be able to have sufficient funds available when this system is no longer usable.  With your help we can purchase a communication and navigation system that will keep us flying so that we can continue to fulfill our goals of Educate, Inspire and Honor through flight the next generations of young Americans. 

Our goal is $10,000.  Any amount that you are able to contribute will greatly help us with this goal.