CAF Central Texas Wing’s B-25J “Yellow Rose” Returns to Flight

The Central Texas Wing of the Commemorative Air Force (CAF) has successfully returned their B-25J Mitchell to flight after a lengthy period of maintenance. Known affectionately by its nickname, Yellow Rose, the aircraft has been with the CAF since its donation in 1981. The following news item from the CAF’s dispatches describes what the vintage aircraft needed to get back in the air…

The CAF’s B-25 Yellow Rose, assigned to the Central Texas Wing, returned to the skies on June 30th with a successful test flight. The B-25 has been in maintenance since 2017. After completing extensive maintenance, Yellow Rose flew to the Austin Warbird Expo at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport for the July 4th event.

In November 2017, the crew from Yellow Rose discovered an engine issue. After the crew landed the airplane safely, maintenance personnel inspected the aircraft and determined that the engine needed to be removed and replaced before further flight operations could continue.

Central Texas Wing volunteers spent hundreds of hours to remove the engine, prepare it for overhaul and then re-install the newly rebuilt engine. They successfully completed an engine test run in early June and were able to get her back in the air just in time for the 4th of July.

The Commemorative Air Force is grateful to all who contributed their time and funds to support returning Yellow Rose to the sky. You can follow this aircraft and others with the Central Texas Wing via their Facebook page HERE.

Moreno Aguiari

Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.

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