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The Walter Soplata Aircraft Collection deserves a long thread of its own, which I am working on. Meanwhile I am looking for one particular airplane that he had…Ahh here it is…this one. 1/5 #planespotting #avgeek #aviationdaily #aircraft #aviationlovers #aviation #milair 
Douglas Skyraider 09103 was one of several prototypes Douglas built in 1945-46. Originally called “Dauntless II” It was first designated XBT2D-1 in the USN’s clumsy pre-1946 designation system. It then became an XAD-1 Skyraider. 2/5
Mr. Soplata was a visionary who saw value in acquiring important aircraft the military didn’t want. He was a working man, not rich, and was tenacious in buying and moving these relics to his Ohio farm throughout the latter half of the 20th century. 3/5
After his passing, his family began selling off some of the collection. This rare prototype Skyraider was one. It is now in the possession of a private owner in Pinehurst, North Carolina who is selling it on Trade-A-Plane for only USD 100 Grand. 4/5
He claims it is the only one in the world that, with all his spare parts, is rebuildable to flying. A rare piece of aviation history. What do you think? Should it fly or be preserved safely on the ground in perpetuity? I have my opinion. What is yours? 5/5
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