Dietrich Mateschitz knows nice airplanes.....

Despite your lack of civility, and plea for my non participation, I am going to chime in.

Your offer to bow out is essential to any possibility of this projects success. Since this restoration will require someone with huge disposable funds or as it appears many less endowed but equally interested participants or both, the previous dialogue could not be something useful as a resume.
Aviation nostalgia is only less expensive than aviation innovation. They are virtually indistinguishable. It always starts with "I have this great idea" "Who's in" The formula is well defined. You define the plan to be in line with the ongoing plea for backers as demonstrated by the Detroit project. Something you did not participate in due to proximity which was then summarily dismissed. Is it much different from the CAF methodology? Not really as far I can tell. The Lazarus project is not close to similar in scope and time and money to what the Howard 500 will require. The history behind DC3's and parts, and experienced people give it an advantage so far beyond what the 500 has it is difficult for me to believe it can be successful. Although one can always hope.

Yes.It is a fantastic aircraft. A day late and a dollar short unfortunately. It's biggest claim to fame was the DEA's horror because at the time they did not have anything that could keep up with it.
Do you have letters of agreement pending interest from any suppliers, the Minnesota people, insurance, etc or just chit chat? The asking price is still a secret? Obviously you have devoted some time, is that a donation to be charged to the 'Foundation' at a later time?
One huge dilemma is flight time. How many type rated pilots are there at this time? Who and where is the designated examiner? How long will it take for any of the contributors to get rated and then be insured to actually fly the thing? Do you have any idea how much it will cost to get the type rating? Right now a DC3 type is easily available for the right seat. not so much the left seat. Experienced round engine mechanics are a dying breed. I thought I would checkout the CAF- At first, I thought they were offering me a job. For a substantial fee and significant work effort they said I might get to sit in the right seat of the DC3 or wear a flightsuit and go on "missions" to air shows. I used to have to do this, but I got paid.

So, yes I am skeptical. This act is nothing new. The names have been changed to protect the innocent. Your response is typical of any other shyster, attack and belittle anyone in your way. I asked a simple question "Who has equipment for the tires/wheels? Hangar?" Rather than a simple answer, you went off. Making an objectionable comment in reference to my last name which was disgusting and entirely uncalled for. As long as you are involved, this project is doomed. Anybody seeing this thread will not be impressed. The internet is forever.

The last nostalgia project I was involved in was a Travelair our shop did, featured in the ABS magazine 10 plus years ago. Pay as you go. I maintained several DC3s Twin Beeches, DGA 15's and a Lodestar for example in the seventies and frequently got to 'gear up, flaps up, shut up'. I proudly called my Dad when I got checked out to taxi the 3 to the wash rack and pumps and parking. He was an AE in WWII and retired airplane mechanic with extensive DC3 experience.

It was a matter of course to pull an engine on Monday and have the DC3 making money Friday evening with one part time helper swapping motor mount and accessories. With a makeshift engine stand and rented forklift on a macadam pad in the desert in the summer. Great times. No end to the cowboy booted, mag wheeled Lincoln convertible, cigar smokin, two bit four flushers with a great idea. Even now.

"Bless your pea-pickin' heart!" as old Ernie used to say

Mr Butt, I understand your need to but in , but I have it under the very strictest of confidence that Rocky and the participating funders are very well endowed, but, don't let that deter you from butting in with very insightful comments.

While we're talking about Howards

I'm pretty sure I remember one sitting outside next to Cirrus aviation at Anoka, MN (KANE) a few years ago. It looked pretty rough but it seemed to all be there. I didn't know what I was looking at at the time, but I remember the name. Anybody know anything about that one? Maybe another project for the future.

Mr Butt, I understand your need to but in , but I have it under the very strictest of confidence that Rocky and the participating funders are very well endowed, but, don't let that deter you from butting in with very insightful comments.

Bob, my attempt at humor failed.

I'm not rich, just well endowed

Now that is the funniest thing I have heard while.

Contrary to the BT traditions... NO picture please!!!

Actually I think you were 99 and 44/100 successful.

I didn't want to repeat the entire post but I have to say...


... that was KICK BUTT!!!

Thread locked due to childish bickering.