LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Airmen from the 94th Aircraft Maintenance Unit will repair the replica Nieuport 28 aircraft which was destroyed in a storm earlier this year.
Winds from the storm launched the Société Pour L'Aviation et ses Dérivés, or SPAD, 100 feet from its display pole into a truck on May 24.
According to Chief Master Sgt. David M. Brown, 94th AMU superintendent, the squadron decided to restore the replica rather than purchase a new one.
"We want to restore the SPAD because of its historical significance on base," he said. "It represents the birth of U.S. airpower."
Upon initial review of the damage, the 94th AMU planned to complete the project in time to unveil it on Aug. 20, the 94th birthday of the 94th Aero Squadron. However, the unit faces several obstacles, including fundraising, finding space to perform the tear down and rebuild of the aircraft, and recruiting experienced volunteers in wood and metal work.
The estimated cost of repairing the aircraft is $15,000, depending on the degree of structural damage. The squadron does not yet have a timeline for the completion of the work.
"We hope the project will not take longer than a month, but we are planning for two months," said Chief Brown.
The 94th Fighter Squadron and AMU raised approximately $2,000 in donations to date, and several squadron members with wood-working experience offered their off-duty time to the project.
Jon Goldenbaum, a former 94th FS operations officer and 71st FS commander, pledged to provide $5,000 worth of fabric, coatings, paint and specialty products to get the Nieuport back in shape.
In addition, Ken Kellett, the Orlando, Fla., antique aircraft restoration expert who first built the replica in 1983, has volunteered his technical expertise for the project.
"The replica was built specifically for the 94th FS and has only left Langley for repairs," said Mr. Kellett.
The SPAD was the first aircraft flown by the 94th Aero Squadron when it was activated on August 20, 1917 at Kelly Field, Texas. It has been an image of pride and history, and has been displayed in ceremonies throughout its history at Langley.