Bombardier is donating space to store a historic Learjet 23 being restored by the Classic Lear Jet Foundation. The third-built and the first production model delivered to a customer, S/N 23-003 was deteriorating on a ramp for 27 years at Bartow Executive Airport in Florida. The Foundation arranged for its disassembly relocation to Wichita, where it was stored temporarily at a Lee Aerospace facility.
The jet’s fuselage was moved to Bombardier’s former Learjet delivery center at Wichita Eisenhower National Airport on May 25 and the wings will be moved there shortly, according to the Foundation. “Using this facility will make it possible to show the aircraft on a limited basis to VIPs and potential donors,” the Foundation said. “Bombardier is providing the space as an in-kind donation.”
Meanwhile, the first step in the restoration—the overhaul of the jet’s GE CJ610 engines—is underway by International Turbine Industries (ITI) at Willow Run Airport in Michigan. ITI is overhauling the engines through an in-kind donation by ITI owners Mark and Rhonda Andrews.
Plans call for S/N 23-003 to be completely restored and then flown. The airframe is in rough condition, with corrosion in some areas. The rudder was torn off during Hurricane Ian in September 2022.
Classic Lear Jet is a nonprofit IRS 501(c)(3) and is accepting donations to help pay for the restoration.