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Restored Douglas A-26B Invader Returns to the Sky

The WWII-era warbird recently made a successful 30-minute test flight.

During the restoration of an A-26B Intruder, the WWII-era warbird had its cockpit reconfigured with a single control. [YouTube Screenshot]
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Key Takeaways:

  • Kermit Weeks' Douglas A-26B Invader successfully completed a 30-minute test flight on February 20 after extensive restoration, reporting only minor engine "squawks."
  • This recent flight was a major improvement from the aircraft's initial post-restoration flight last May, during which both canopies unexpectedly unlatched and flew open mid-air, creating a challenging landing for the pilots.
  • The critical canopy issue from the May flight was resolved with a historical modification before the successful February test flight, ensuring safer operation.
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Some Facebook posts are better than others, especially when they bring much-awaited news.

Kermit Weeks, the founder and owner of Fantasy of Flight, made the day of warbird enthusiasts with a post announcing the successful 30-minute test flight of his Douglas A-26B Invader that took place on Monday, February 20. The aircraft has been under restoration for several months by Aero Trader, an aircraft maintenance and sales business location at Chino Airport (KCNO).

Meg Godlewski

Meg Godlewski has been an aviation journalist for more than 24 years and a CFI for more than 20 years. If she is not flying or teaching aviation, she is writing about it. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. Follow Meg on Twitter @2Lewski.

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