"It's disappointing- it's a setback" -Are you kidding? They damaged/destroyed a piece of military history in the middle of hippy land.
That really hurts to see... as are the other warbird losses this week. But fortunately there is another Skyhawk on a stick a mile or two away at Encinal High School in Alameda. How many high schools are lucky enough to have a 'Scooter" out front? Oh yeah, their teams are called, the "Jets" too. [Disclaimer - my son has a connection to this school.]
Wow what a bummer, especially if you were one of the guys who put in the work to restore it. Hopefully there's a crane company who will be helping get that bird back in shape. As a side note to Catmando: no other high schools that I could find had an A-4. There's an A-7 in Ohio, a T-28 out front of Milton High School, and an F-4 Phantom out front of what I think is a high school in Israel.
Hey no problem! Just go rob the "hangar queen". Oh shit! Wait... All kidding aside, what a damn shame. Steve
It's only a flesh wound. It's not like the B-17, they should be able to repair it. I certainty wouldn't trust the two crane operators again. -ea6bflyr
The guy that was reported as a "leader of the restoration crew"...left "the team" after the incident...he was never out for the aircraft...he was only out for the glory! How do i know do you ask? I was there the whole time during the restoration, after the restoration and worked my ass off to get the aircraft repairs (airworthy repairs) complete before the end of 2011. I am happy to report that the Jet is now restored to perfection and mounted once again to the pylon at NAS Alameda's main Gate. It took 2 months 26 days and was remounted 20 Dec 2011 without the help of "the leader". I have to say he was more of a hindrance than help...I have a lot of experience in military aircraft and to have this Jet restored to the level is amazing! you will not find a better restoration for a display airframe in this country!I did this for all the Vets that served! Also i wanted to say that this is an A4D-1 built in Apr 1957 and is painted as it was back then out of the factory. It was on 1 WestPac 1958 USS Shangri-La a proud member of the flt demo team "albino Angels" (This is the markings to the exact modex # )
I helped put this bird up there....the graduating kids one year moved it down the road but couldn't get it through the tube and left it...so the High school folks contacted me and wanted it pylonized...still has gear in it...looked great when they painted it...starting to Chip-n-flake now...but it's been 12 years.
Tim C, thanks for the update, but please don't post multiple times simply to tell people to check out what you posted 3 posts ago. We see it, and that's a party foul.
Forum ettiqette also is that you add at least a minimal amount of info in your profile, so we can know a bit about who we are conversing with & your interest in Naval Aviation (No don't want your SSN or bank acct. no., lol). BTW, thanks much for all your labor & many hours of volunteer work in saving another beloved Skyhawk from the scrap heap, BZ from BzB!
BzB I wear my info on my sleeve ....meaning I'm very open, I say what's on my mind and speak form the heart and very genuine, as far as profile goes I'm not stupid and know how to protect myself. (I'm sure you understand that!) I have an extensive aviation background (Military & Civilian) and know what I'm talking about....worked on 30+ types of airframes so cannot be bullshitted! I know what I'm talking about. If by chance I do not then I know who to talk to; to find out. While I am new to the forum circuit I am not new to aviation an as such I will not except anything but the truth. Ask me anything you wish, I will answer to the best of my ability and have the most educated that I am able...but it will always be honest ... if I do not know I will say. But I can get the info it... short order thanks for the opportunity to answer.
Whoa, I wasn't implying in any way, that you were stupid, and yes I understand that. Having known that you were a major player in the rescue of the A-4...I knew you were aviation savvy, wasn't questioning that (or anything else really). We just appreciate a bit of general stuff if applicable (educ-coll, mil exp, etc.)...NOT mandatory, just helpful & often quite interesting & informative. A couple of your posts seem overly defensive, I think you felt we were criticizing or questioning your qualifications or experience...we're not, just trying to 'get acquainted' with a new member. Welcome aboard! BzB
