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Update Oct 1, 2004
The helicopters damage turned out to be less than anticipated and they should both be up and running by the middle of November. The two damaged T-6's should be flying by early spring. Please feel free to stop by and see the progress. We have not suffered any additional damage from Hurricanes Frances, Ivan or Jeanne.
Update September 16, 2004
We are operating two T-6's 7 days a week in Kissimmee, please call & schedule anytime (800) 386-1593.
Update Aug 21, 2004
Blown down, but NOT out...
As you have probably seen on TV, on Friday Aug 13 we were hit by Hurricane Charley. We had prepared for the storm by placing two of our airplanes and both our helicopters in the largest and newest hangar at the Kissimmee Airport. Unfortunately, the hangar collapsed on top of our aircraft and they were all severely damaged.
We are temporarily suspending operations in Kissimmee due to the lack of aircraft. We still have two more operational T-6's in Aurora Illinois. The summer tour will end Sept 12, but we will try to return one aircraft about one week early to re-start operations in Kissimmee ASAP. Please call (800) 386-1593 for the latest scheduling information.
The recovery process will take several weeks since it is a very delicate operation to remove tons of steel and mangled aircraft without further damage.
We have not yet determined what can be salvaged and what will be a total loss. We are however hopeful that it looks worse than it actually is.
Our goal is to return one helicopter and one T-6 to service by Christmas. The progress will be posted on this page.
We have received a lot of phone calls from former customers asking how they can help and assist us in this situation which is very appreciated. The best help right away would simply be to return and fly with us again. We have not laid off any of our staff and we will try our best not to. Once the aircraft are in our possession and we can evaluate what can be salvaged, assistance in the maintenance department will probably be needed.
We would like to thank you everyone involved for their support and dedication. Their assistance has been much appreciated and we would specifically extend our thanks to:
Cannon Aviation Insurance, Syd Jones & KT Budde-Jones, Chuck Gardner, Craig Keller, Dave Berlesman, Ty Sauer, all our great neighbors at Eagle Trace and George Byrne as the Beaver…
Sincerely,
Warbird Adventures, Inc.
WARNING: for aviation enthusiasts, the following pictures are graphic and may not be suitable for those viewers appreciating the significance of these great machines.
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