Preserving History: Diverse group truly ‘Making a Difference’ to 90-year-old aircraft

“Working on the plane is just plain ole fun,” volunteer Leroy Lynn says.

After almost 90 years of life, the special aircraft was showing its age, but when the makeover is finished later this year, the piece of history will be good to go for the next 90.

“We can’t afford to forget what history has taught us,” says volunteer John from New Carlisle, currently battling with cancer. “This gives me a purpose.”

Nearly half a dozen students are also among the volunteers as part of an aviation program, including  aspiring naval fighter pilot Bailee Magnuson.

“I love this plane,” Magnuson says with pride.

Fun fact: The Travel Air 6000 was the first aircraft used to drop supplies to fire crews fighting forest fires.