Restored World War II Era Aircraft On Display In Tulsa Saturday

The Tulsa chapter of the Commemorative Air Force is planning a big day Saturday, full of vintage aircraft and big band music.

There's an opportunity to take a look at the plane that served as a basic training vehicle for all Army Air Forces pilots in World War II.

A blue World War II era PT-19 airplane, belonging to the Commemorative Air Force, has been restored by the Spirit of Tulsa wing.

Jim Dagg with the Tulsa Wing says World War II pilots learned to fly in a PT-19. As they became more proficient, they'd train on more sophisticated aircraft.

Restoring the plane has been a 13-year project. Someone crashed it back in the 80s, then it sat in a hanger for 12 more years.

"The fuselage actually had a compound S curve in it, so it was toast," Dagg said.

You'd never know it now, it's beautiful, but why surely there were easier projects to take on.

"This plane has been together and back apart at least six times that I know of. It's a labor of love for certain," Dagg said.

Vintage planes and vehicles will be on display from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Tulsa Tech Riverside campus. And the 10th annual hanger dance and dinner will be that evening.