A labor of Love!
The SNJ-4 as delivered to the SOCal wing for restoration!
BlueBird was delivered to our Wing by truck in many pieces. It took 6 years to complete the restoration which was essentially from the ground up.
This labor of love was headed up by Joe Peppito
Crew Chief:
Joe Peppito
SNJ-4 Crew:
John Jones; Keith Bailey; Howard Ulm;
Wayne Brancato; Alex Ferrasci; Alan Nicholson; Sib Bosso.
North American SNJ-4 Texan N75964 #44 was manufactured in 1943. Its construction number is 88-9830.
Photo credit: Julie Sims
Joe Peppito at work:
Pratt & Whitney R-1340-AN1 engine for the SNJ-4 #6411D being rebuilt by Joe Peppito and his crew.
Note the P&W logo and the official nameplate. (11-24-05).
Col. Joe Peppito with his new Pratt & Whitney R-1340-AN1 engine for the SNJ-4 #N6411D being rebuilt.
Joe Peppito working diligently on SNJ-4.(11-29-05)
Joe Peppito giving TLC to his airplane.(11-29-05)
Cols. Bedding, Goubitz and Sica, plus anthropologist Wayland working on the SNJ-4’s spar. It is critical to the integrity of the airplane to have a spar which is devoid of corrosion. This is one of the main concerns of the team – the possible replacement of part of the spar with new parts.
Cadet Anthony working on cleaning up a horizontal stabilizer.
Cadet Jessica Bean, daughter of Col Kerry Bean, working on our SNJ-4 #N6411D in the restoration hangar. She is taking flying lessons locally toward earning her private pilot’s license. Her eventual goal is to be a U.S. Air Force pilot.
North American SNJ-4 #N6411D Restoration Crew
Joe Peppito, Crew Chief
Keith Bailey
Alex Ferrasci
Wayne Brancato
Sib Bosso
Alan Nicholson
Johnny Jones
Sponsorship of North American SNJ-4 “Texan”
If you would like to become a proud sponsor of our SNJ-4, please contact:
Col. Joe Peppito, Team Leader
Commemorative Air Force – SoCAWing
455 Aviation Drive
Camarillo, CA 93010
Phone: (805) 482-0064
Your donation will be tax-deductible, and will be greatly appreciated and recognized.