CAF Texan Propeller Cracked; $40K Fundraiser Launched

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

**Historic AT-6 Texan Grounded by Propeller Crack, Conroe’s Lone Star Wing Launches Urgent Fundraiser**

**CONROE, TX – April 10, 2024** – The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Lone Star Wing, a Conroe-based volunteer group dedicated to preserving aviation history, faces an urgent financial challenge after a critical crack was discovered in the propeller of their iconic AT-6 Texan aircraft, affectionately known as “670.” The vintage warbird, a cornerstone of the wing’s educational outreach and flight experiences, has been grounded indefinitely, prompting an immediate fundraising campaign to cover the estimated $35,000 to $40,000 cost of a new propeller.

The issue came to light during a routine annual inspection in February 2024 at the Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport (CXO), where the Texan is based. The crack in the Hamilton Standard 2B20-9 propeller renders the aircraft unairworthy, posing a significant safety risk if not addressed.

“This aircraft isn’t just a piece of metal; it’s a flying classroom, a tangible link to history for countless students, veterans, and aviation enthusiasts in our community,” said Jim Lynch, Wing Leader for the CAF Lone Star Wing. “Having ‘670’ grounded is a significant blow to our mission and our ability to share a vital part of American history.”

The T-6 Texan, a single-engine advanced trainer used to prepare pilots for combat during World War II and the Korean War, is a beloved fixture at airshows and community events across the region. For the Lone Star Wing, “670” serves as a primary source of revenue through public “rides” – unique opportunities for individuals to experience flight in a historic aircraft. These funds are crucial for the ongoing maintenance and preservation of the wing’s entire fleet of historic planes, which are maintained by dedicated volunteers.

The grounding means the Texan will be unable to participate in upcoming airshows and community engagements, including potentially missing the prestigious Wings Over Houston Airshow, a major platform for the wing’s educational and fundraising efforts.

“We were certainly surprised when the crack was discovered during our routine annual inspection,” Lynch explained. “Safety is always our absolute priority, and there’s no compromising when it comes to a propeller. It’s a critical component that simply must be replaced before the aircraft can fly again.”

Lynch added that replacing the Hamilton Standard 2B20-9 is not a simple task. “It’s a specialized, vintage part, and securing an airworthy replacement comes with a significant price tag, reflecting its rarity and the meticulous recertification process required by the FAA,” he said.

The CAF Lone Star Wing, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, relies entirely on donations, memberships, and flight revenue to operate. With “670” out of commission, the financial strain is immediate and severe. The organization is appealing to the public for support to get the vintage trainer back in the skies, ideally before the busy summer flying season begins.

“Every dollar brings us closer to sharing the sights and sounds of this magnificent warbird with the public once again,” Lynch urged. “We know our community understands the importance of preserving these living pieces of history, and we’re hopeful they will rally to help us get ‘670’ flying.”

**How to Help:**
Donations can be made online through the CAF Lone Star Wing’s official website or by mail. All contributions are tax-deductible.

* **Online:** Visit [www.caflonestar.org](http://www.caflonestar.org) and look for the “Donate” or “Texan Propeller Fund” section.
* **By Mail:** Checks can be made payable to “CAF Lone Star Wing” and sent to:
CAF Lone Star Wing
Attention: Propeller Fund
100 C. A. F. Wing Drive
Conroe, TX 77301

The CAF Lone Star Wing encourages anyone interested in aviation history, veteran support, or local community preservation to consider contributing to this vital cause.

### **About the Commemorative Air Force Lone Star Wing:**
The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) Lone Star Wing is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based at the Conroe-North Houston Regional Airport (CXO). Composed entirely of volunteers, its mission is to preserve and educate the public about the historical significance of military aircraft through living history displays, educational programs, and flight experiences. The wing maintains a collection of historic aircraft, including the AT-6 Texan, and participates in airshows and events across the country. It is part of the larger Commemorative Air Force, which operates the world’s largest flying museum.

**Media Contact:**
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