Here's the Nebraska Chapter February 2013 Newsletter. Reminder the next chapter meeting will be this coming Sunday the 24th at the SAC Museum in Ashland, NE. See the newsletter for details of this fun event!

Back in Dec we received a phone call from Clu "Buster" Clovin, of Big Cabin, OK wanting to know if the APM would be interested in the donation of a basket case Stinson V-77. Clu stated that he had purchased this particular V-77 (sn#3) to garner some parts to help with his restoration of his V-77 (sn#2) and did not need the rest of what remained of this aircraft.

Part of our philosophy here at the APM includes saving parts and projects that may help our AAA members keep their antique/classic aircraft flying but also may help in the restoration/preservation of those said aircraft as well.

So it was with that philosophy in mind that we accepted Clu's offer.

Flash ahead to yesterday, Feb 13th, and the arrival of Clu with the V-77 in tow. With the help of some of our great local volunteers, who showed up on short notice, the V-77 was unloaded and has been temporarily stored outside (due to soft ground on much of Antique Airfield at present). As soon as conditions allow it will be moved to inside storage. "Thanks" to Buster Colvin for the donation of Stinson V-77 sn#3. "Thanks" also to the crew that helped unload it: Erik & John Edgren, Ken Marth, Mark Lancaster, Ben Taylor and especially Luke Pieper for his help and use of his skid loader.

We're hopeful that more V-77 parts/projects will be headed to the APM later this summer and may be able to put together a restorable project at some point. Keep watching the website for news.

Brent Taylor

The V-77 arrives at IA27

Mark Lancaster, Erik & John Edgren inspecting the wings upon unloading.

Clu Colvin and Ben Taylor working on getting the V-77 unloaded.

The V-77 awaits for the ground to firm/dry up so it can be moved to inside storage.

We await bids on spray foam insulation for the interior walls of the APM Restoration Center, and in the mean time we have ordered the pre-cut steel siding for the interior of the structure. That material should be delivered and on hand by the end of the month. Another volunteer work day is planned for March 23rd (weather permitting) and we hope at that time to finish the interior framing and begin hanging the interior steel.

Currently 2806 square feet (98.8%) of the available 2840 square feet has been sold in the "Buy-a-Foot" campaign to finance construction of the Restoration Center. That leaves a scant 34 square feet available. If you haven't purchased your "plot", consider buying a square foot (or more) and help us reach our goal with this most important fundraiser.

To all those AAA members, APM Donors, AAA chapters, EAA Chapters, families, corporations, foundations and trusts that have participated in the "Buy-a-Foot" Campaign, the Officers and Directors of the APM offer our sincere "Thanks."

Our latest donors are listed below.

Brent Taylor
Treasurer

• Lamar Bevil
• Clifford A. Ives
• Len J. Buckel
• Ted Camp
• Robert E. Martin
• Michigan Antique Airplane Association
• Frank R. Schelling Trust
• Lynn & Sandy Jorgensen

Here's an photo gallery from the Star-Telegram newspaper about Harry Hansen's Travel Air 5000 project, which might be available as a project.

Sunrise at Antique Airfield yesterday, photo by Brent Taylor.

AAA Member and photographer Gilles Auliard was written a column for Atlantic Flyer about the upcoming 2013 60th Anniversary fly-in. Thanks Gilles!

The newly revived Marginal Aviation Chapter of the AAA has sent us photos of the "Toby Hanson Project". Toby is one of the AAA's younger lifetime members, a great volunteer at Antique Airfield, one of the hardworking flagmen during the fly-in, and the railroaded President of the Marginal Aviation Chapter. The lights are now on in the restoration area!

The Pearson Air Museum has long been a part of Northwest aviation and has been located at Pearson Airpark in Vancouver, WA, where it has shared land in the historic Ft. Vancouver trust area. Last week, after the museum refused to agree to onerous terms, the National Park Service unexpectedly terminated a land use agreement expected to run until 2025. The museum was forced to move out all exhibits and aircraft with just a couple of days notice and is now unable to fulfill its mission until a new home is found.

We've received a description of the story from the museum operators. If after reading you think the actions of the NPS were unwarranted we urge you to express your opinion to the National Park Service and your congressional representatives, especially if you live in Washington state.

Walt Bowe and Carlene Mendieta at Sonoma/Schellville Airport, Sonoma, CA have acquired a 1942 P-40E. Congratulations!

Len Rulason sent an update on Monocoupe N501W:

Gear installed, tail section on and wing installed this week.

New windshield be made now and engine being prepared for installation.

Just a few photos out in the sun, the group is me and some friends that help me when needed.

Group photo left to right is Len Rulason, John Hanlon, Grant Grouthouse, Mac Transtrum and Jason Resop.