Learjet Restoration Project To Move into NDT Phase

Classic Lear Jet Foundation (CLJF), the Wichita-based volunteer group that is working to restore Lear 23-003—the first production Learjet—to flight status, is nearing the complete gutting of the aircraft in preparation for non-destructive testing on its 61-year-old airframe.

Made up of current and former aerospace workers, including some who actually worked on the Learjet production line, the group has thus far spent more than 750 man-hours on the aircraft since it was moved into a work bay at Bombardier’s Wichita facility in October.

During that time, the cockpit and cabin were gutted with the removal of all wiring, flight control cables, plumbing, and ducting, and the fuel bladders were taken from the aft fuselage. The fuel pumps and other equipment were detached from the wings for overhaul, along with the landing gear.

According to group spokesman Rick Rowe, dry ice blasting began last week to remove foam insulation from the fuselage interior. After that is completed, work to strip paint from all the major assemblies will commence, clearing the way for non-destructive testing.

Last month, as a fundraiser for the restoration, Florida-based aeromedical services provider Global Jetcare completed a Polar Circumnavigation of the globe using one of its Learjet 36As flown by a crew of four, including the company’s president and CLJF v-p Bart Gray.