Had he not chosen Ohio’s back roads over the interstate on one fateful trip from Indiana to Pittsburgh in 2014, Vintage Wings might still just be Jason Capra’s childhood dream.
Vintage Wings Takes on Challenge of Restoring C-53 Skytrooper
Key Takeaways:
- Airline pilot Jason Capra discovered a neglected WWII-era Douglas DC-3 (C-53 Skytrooper) in an Ohio field in 2014 and purchased it for $100,000 to restore its historical significance, including its rumored service for General Douglas MacArthur.
- To fund the restoration, Capra and friends established Vintage Wings as a 501c3 non-profit, successfully raising the remaining $80,000 of the purchase price within 10 months through dedicated fundraising and passion.
- The "Beach City Baby" restoration is ongoing, involving comprehensive work from gutting the interior and rewiring the aircraft to overhauling engines and propellers, with an estimated additional $100,000 needed for completion.
- Vintage Wings distinguishes itself by actively recruiting and providing hands-on training to younger volunteers, ensuring that essential aviation maintenance and operational knowledge is passed down to future generations.
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