Operation "Semper Fly" Successful

Wings and Rotors Museum employees in Murrieta, CA wondered about the sad, neglected little 1965 Cessna Skyhawk that had been sitting on the tarmac for the last three years.

"After many inquiries, we found that this aircraft belonged to career Marine (Master) Gunnery Sergeant Mike Tyndale, who had been in the combat zone in Iraq," said David Barron, a US Army Air Cavalry veteran and museum volunteer. "The cabin leaked and the sun had damaged the aircraft as it sat. The birds had made a home of it."

So, fellow vet Barron and a group of museum volunteers decided to do something about it. They started a project to bring the plane back to life: "Operation Semper Fly."

"We are a museum dedicated to preserving what our military has done for us," said museum spokeswoman Shayne Meder. "This was a fitting tribute to help someone who needed it. There was no question that we would do all it took to get this guy back in the sky."

Extensive work was needed. Museum staff and volunteers worked on the airframe and propeller, replacing the brakes, tires and battery as well as taking care of engine maintenance and inspections, according to the American Forces Press Service.

Barron and Craig Cleary, 36, another volunteer, said they were "shocked" at the level of deterioration of the electrical system and the number of spiders that set up shop in the aircraft, according to The Riverside Press-Enterprise.

"We have moved into the cabin restoration and finally will finish it all off with new exterior paint with the Marine Corps colors as an accent," Barron said. "This is being done at no cost to him as a token of our support for all of our veterans. As veterans ourselves, we could no just turn our back on him."

Local suppliers donated money and materials in amounts greater than the estimated repair costs, he said. A flight instructor has even donated his time to get Tyndale current on his flight requirements and get him through his biennial flight review.

Most of the project, which took about a year, was spent rewiring the console and updating the technology. Barron said volunteers have put in more than $8,000 in donated materials.

"I am proud to say that the aviation community has embraced our efforts to bring this aircraft back to life," Barron said. "The aircraft will be returned to ... Tyndale on June 9 at the French Valley Airport's 'Air Faire.'"

The Air Faire event is an annual open house at the airport featuring static military and civilian displays and a community safety fair.

A 26-year Marine Corps vet, Tyndale's Iraq tour ended in February and he returned home to Murrieta and his wife and four children. He knew his "cherished" aircraft had suffered from his absence. He is looking forward to flying his beloved Skyhawk again and is incredibly grateful to those who made it possible.

"I have a lump in my throat trying to express my gratitude at this undertaking," he said. "There is no greater sense of community support for military members ... than to come home and be told 'thanks" and get the hearty handshakes."

FMI: www.wingsandrotors.org/home.html