RedTail Rides Again

Back in 2015 when I lived in Fargo, ND, I got the pleasure of meeting Mr. Mark Tisler, VP of Restoration at AirCorps Aviation. AirCorps Aviation is located in Bemidji, MN and specializes in the restoration, repair and maintenance of vintage WWII aircraft.

AirCorps Aviation

TUSKEGEE AIRMEN

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African Americans have played a large role in aviation history. Being denied military leadership roles, African Americans were assumed to have little qualifications for combat. However, civil rights movements and the media pressured the U.S. military into forming an all African American group of soldiers in 1941. The group of pilots, mechanics, navigators, etc., were brought together and trained in Tuskegee, Alabama, hence known as the "Tuskegee Airmen." During WWII, this group of men would overcome prejudice obstacles and achievements in war that earned them the title of one of the most respected fighter groups in WWII.

P-51 RedTail Restoration

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One of AirCorps Aviation's restoration projects is a P-51C Mustang, RedTail. On December 1, 2016, the "Tuskegee Airmen" was re-united with the air once again. However, this isn't the first time this aircraft has been restored...This particular aircraft has a long and empowering story for both the airframe and the people who were involved.

RedTail was first restored in 1999 and completed in 2001. In May of 2004, the aircraft experienced engine failure in Red Wing, MN during an airshow and was substantially damaged. Unfortunately, due to this engine failure, Pilot Don Hinz lost his life. Don was a retired U.S. Navy Commander and father. In the 1990s, he took charge of the restoration to this aircraft, and founded what would be known as the CAF Red Tail Squadron.

Since the accident, repairs were completed in July of 2009, by a group of people who believed Don would want the aircraft to fly again. After a gear up landing in Dallas, TX in February of 2016, the aircraft made it's last visit to the restoration shop at AirCorps Aviation in Bemidji, MN. Mark Tisler and his team put the RedTail back into the air once again this December. Red Tail Reborn is a must-see film that documents the full story of this particular aircraft, the people that have influenced this restoration project over the years, and the respect owed to the Tuskegee Airmen that flew this P-51C Mustang during WWII.