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 stumbled upon a historically significant, neglected WWII DC-3, leading him to purchase it and establish Vintage Wings, a 501c3 organization dedicated to its restoration.
- Named "Beach City Baby," the DC-3 boasts a rich history, including service in Operation Torch and reportedly transporting General Douglas MacArthur, which inspired Capra and his team to raise funds for its rebirth.
- Through dedicated fundraising and volunteer efforts, Vintage Wings successfully acquired the plane and is now meticulously restoring it, tackling everything from rewiring to engine overhauls, relying on donations and in-house expertise.
- A core mission of Vintage Wings is to actively engage and train younger volunteers in the restoration process, ensuring that critical aviation maintenance skills and the legacy of these historic aircraft are preserved and passed down to future generations.
See a mistake? Contact us.
