C-47 "TEXAS ZEPHYR" RETURNING TO HIGHLAND LAKES SQUADRON THIS FALL

Burnet, Texas (August 18, 2022) - The C-47 Texas Zephyr is scheduled to arrive at its home base hangar, the Highland Lakes Squadron in Burnet, TX, on September 15. The finishing touches on the aircraft are being made in Brady, TX where the aircraft has undergone a massive restoration since 2019 when it was donated to the CAF by Brady resident, Karl Ritter. Supply chain issues and labor shortages caused by COVID-19 have caused lengthy delays. Members of the Highland Lakes Squadron are elated to finally bring the C-47 home.

The Squadron restored one of the two engines on the C-47 and the Central Texas Wing graciously loaned them a matching C-47 engine to get Texas Zephyr back in the air. Highland Lakes Squadron Executive Officer Kirk Noaker says his goal is to have Texas Zephyr flying in the next Bluebonnet Airshow on March 18, 2023.

The C-47 Skytrain was used for military transport by the allies in World War II and was acclaimed by General Eisenhower as one of the four weapons that won the War. Texas Zephyr was built in 1944 in Oklahoma City and transferred to Great Britain under the lend-lease program. It went on to be transferred to Canada, where it spent several years with the Canadian Forces until it was identified as surplus and entered civilian service in 1974. In 1995, the C-47 was repatriated to the U.S.

To follow the final restorations and homecoming of Texas Zephyr follow the Highland Lakes Squadron on Facebook.