Click on the logo to see the CAF website

WELCOME TO
THE RIVER BEND SQUADRON
THE CAF'S NEWEST SQUADRON

OPEN HOUSE! WAS A SUCCESS!

Click for pictures!
Be a day or two before it's up and running

Based in Wharton, Texas
We put the fun in volunteering!
Latest News! Our BT-14 is home!

Meetings are held the 1st Saturday of each month, with a few exceptions at Wharton Regional Airport at 2 PM.
Everyone is welcome!

Click to hear an engine start!

Years ago, a guy by the name of Lloyd Nolen realized the aircraft of WWII were being scrapped one by one, and his dream was to collect one of each aircraft. Well, with the help of believers, today the CAF has over 145 aircraft in flying or restorable condition. This has happened because of folks like you right here.... yes you.... reading this page!

The CAF has something for everyone. You don't have to be a pilot to be an active participating member. All you need is
the desire to be a part of history. Sure, it takes dollars to restore, fly and maintain these wonderful pieces of history, but it also takes folks like you to make the dream continue. By being an active member, you contribute in keeping the memories alive that we should never forget! Restoring aircraft is a labor of love. Your active participation is needed in one of the newest CAF units! We are a Squadron under The West Texas Wing which also has several rare aircraft, one of which is the SB2C, the only one flying in the world!

CAF OBJECTIVES:

1. To preserve, in flying condition, a complete collection of combat aircraft
    which were flown by all military services of the United States in World War II.

2. To provide museum buildings for permanent protection and display of these aircraft as a tribute
    to the thousands of men and women who built, serviced, and flew them.

3. To perpetuate in the memory and hearts of all Americans the spirit in which these
    great planes were flown for the defense of our nation.

4. To establish an organization having the dedication, enthusiasm and esprit de corps necessary
    to operate, maintain and preserve these aircraft as symbols of our American military aviation heritage.

We have acquired a North American Aviation BT-14 trainer. This aircraft is in process of restoration. It is partially restored but needs your help! The aircraft is one of only sixteen left in the US. Not built in numbers as some aircraft of WWII, it is an exceptional find and would be a rare plane at airshows and educational events. There were BT-14s that served in Texas, though not in the quantity of other trainers. To see this piece of history, click

Here are a few examples of a BT-14 or Yale as they were known in the RCAF

This was taken from another website, but I thought it was worth sharing!

Pilot's notes:
"The Yale has an unjustifiably bad reputation among those who have not had the privilege of flying one. Supposedly underpowered, it was considered a dangerous aircraft to fly. Nothing could be further from the truth. It is actually nicer to fly than the Harvard and much easier due to the lack of a supercharger and retractable gear. It has a two-speed propeller which can be a bit of an issue when doing aerobatics (but only if your not careful). However the airplane is docile in all flight regimes. Unlike the Harvard, the Yale does not violently drop a wing in a stall and is more stable in slow flight. The rugged, wide gear makes for straight and easily controlled landings. This is a great aircraft, one which deserves a better reputation than it has been granted."

So if you're interested in joining a group of people that do something
about their dreams and aspirations and preserve history
NOW is your chance!

Click for details!

OR CONTACT ANYONE BELOW!

             Contact Information
             Squadron Leader: Ron Fountain Email: ronfountain@swmuseum.com
             Executive Officer: Joe Vaught Email: jv@pcpcdirect.com
             Adjutant Officer: Frank Stokes Email: cltech@consolidated.net
             Personnel / PIO (Public Information Officer): Linda Fountain Email: RiverBendNews@aol.com
             Webmaster: Steve Rumel Email: btsteve@ev1.net

Click on the logo to see the CAF website

Webmaster: Col Steve Rumel btsteve@ev1.net