Dixie Wing Fleet Status

Restoration Logs

This page contains restoration logs for Dixie Wing restoration projects.  We currently have two projects ongoing: the P-63 "King Cobra" and an L-16 "Grasshopper".  As time goes on, we plan to add regular web log updates for those who are interested in following the progress of these projects. 

Bell P-63 "King Cobra" Restoration Col "Tex" Layton, Project Officer
Background: This airplane was assigned to us in 1996 and has been undergoing restoration since that time.  We have made a lot of progress in the past several years, but there is much to do.  In particular, much of the original airplane was made of Magnesium and is therefore susceptible to corrosion.  One of the biggest and most difficult jobs is to machine all-new parts from Aluminum to replace the corroded Magnesium parts.  There is also a lot of electrical work remaining to be done.   When this airplane finally gets back into the air, it will be completely restored to factory-new condition and will be one of only a few P-63s flying. 

Current Status: This project is ongoing.  Present work is focused on installation of electric wiring in the fuselage as well as fuselage plumbing.  One wing is being re-skinned and restored at this time.  Various parts cataloging is also ongoing.  Currently, the biggest challenge for this project is in raising the estimated $200K that will be required to complete the restoration.  Efforts in this area are ongoing.  More detailed information on the restoration of this aircraft can be found here.

If you are interested in sponsoring this project, please e-mail us!