There is good news during difficult economic times for the Spirit of Flight Center. Spirit of Flight has had a historic Lear Jet 24D donated to its collection.
The 1976 Lear Jet set four international climb records with owner/pilot Ed Wachs of Chicago. Three of the records still stand.
“We are thrilled to add such a historic aircraft to our growing collection of aircraft and aviation artifacts” said Gordon Page, President of the Spirit of Flight Center. ”The acquisition of the Lear Jet helps us meet our mission to save aviation history and educate the general public on aviation and aviation history” added Page.
The Lear Jet is being retired by Performance Aircraft Leasing after many years of service. According to Rodger Soeldner, President of Performance Aircraft Leasing, the plane was due for some major upgrades that could have cost more than the plane was valued.
“We are planning to put the plane on long-term loan at the Redstone College of Aviation in Broomfield, Colorado” said Gordon Page. “They do an incredible job of training individuals for aviation jobs and we hope the plane will help in the education process” he added.
Museum visitor Derek Brown of Denver, CO said “The Lear Jet is a fantastic addition and I can’t believe the history. The Spirit of Flight Center keeps growing and is different every time I stop by. I love it!”
About the Spirit of Flight Center- Founded in 1998, the non-profit Spirit of Flight Center facility features over 1000 aviation artifacts at its Erie (CO) Municipal Airport facility. Aircraft including a rare German Messerschmitt Bf-109, North American P-51 Mustang and a Russian MiG 17 fighter jet are among the collection.
The Spirit of Flight Center is currently seeking tax deductible donations and corporate sponsors for the restoration of several aircraft and to help build new museum facilities.
Contact the Spirit of Flight Center at www.spiritofflight.com for more information.
