A message from our President and CEO
In early November we were approached with an offer to buy our B-17, Thunderbird. The offer was such we had to take it seriously and consider it. After much discussion with Scott Glover of the Mid America Flight Museum in Mount Pleasant, Texas, we came to agreement on the sale of the airplane to Mid America and a display agreement that will bring Thunderbird as well as other significant aircraft from the Mid America collection for display at our museum periodically for at least the next four years. The sale of the aircraft finalized on Monday, December 21st.
Great opportunity comes with this new relationship between our two Texas aviation museums that have shared interests and missions in celebrating the history of aviation and its role in our country. We are very excited about our museum’s future. Our board of directors and our Founder, Mr. Bob Waltrip recognize this opportunity, and all support the effort.
We have had the privilege to care for this wonderful aircraft, fly hundreds of passengers in it and welcome thousands of visitors to the museum to appreciate all it represents. We are pleased Thunderbird is going to a great museum that will do for it just as the many mechanics, volunteers and pilots did for it here at Lone Star over the last thirty plus years. But remember she will be back to visit. The B-17 will remain at LSFM several more months as it completes its annual inspection. We will keep our museum visitors, members and supporters updated on the departure timeline and invite you to come see Thunderbird before she heads to north Texas and the Mid America Flight Museum in early Spring.
Regards,
Douglas H. Owens, Lt Gen (ret)
President and CEO
Lone Star Flight Museum
Read the Letter from our Founder, Robert L. Waltrip
Review the official press release
Explore the Mid America Flight Museum
