Behind the scenes of air shows and air races — such as this month’s National Championship Air Races & Air Show — is the hard work of hundreds of dedicated individuals, who ensure the vintage aircraft on display all look, sound, and fly just like they did in their prime. Maintaining their safe operation and historical accuracy is a labor of love by the aircraft owners and volunteers and requires a collaborative effort with the FAA.

In addition to restoring the aircraft to their original specifications, another big assignment for operating vintage aircraft is keeping pilots current and qualified, particularly on aircraft that require a type rating for the pilot in command (PIC). Aviation Safety Inspector Raymond Stinchcomb is the program manager for FAA’s Vintage and Experimental Aircraft Program, which standardizes pilot qualification, training, and certification in U.S. and foreign experimental aircraft.

In addition to FAA’s regulatory support, there are several entities that help keep vintage aircraft operating safely, including the Vintage Aircraft Association and Warbirds of America, and other vintage aircraft type clubs. The success of these organizations is due in large part to the volunteer efforts of aviators and aviation enthusiasts, who spend countless hours to keep America’s aviation heritage alive. 

Source: FAA