By Dana Cleland
The Commemorative Air Force’s Houston Wing has completed the restoration of its 1949-built L-17 Navion A, returning the aircraft to flight on September 8 after a 13-year effort. Several initial flights began the engine break-in process, marking a milestone for a project that regained momentum over the past two years. The Navion arrived at the Houston Wing in 2013, when it was donated to the unit.
(Image credit: CAF Houston Wing)
After restoration work began, the team discovered corrosion in the original wings and acquired a donor aircraft to provide replacements. Around the same time, the team decided to upgrade the engine and propeller for increased horsepower and speed. Volunteers stripped the aircraft’s paint and began a comprehensive restoration. The fuselage was mounted on a rotisserie to improve access during restoration. Work progressed steadily until about 2020, when competing priorities and the loss of project team members slowed the effort. Progress resumed in late 2024 as volunteers addressed fuel system issues, and the restoration moved into full swing in early 2025.
During the final 21 months of work, the team addressed the brakes, engine baffling, landing gear, cabin interior, and instrumentation. Repairs to the nose and belly sheet metal and the addition of ballast to achieve the required center of gravity were also among the tasks needed to prepare the Navion for flight. Early project team members Lisa Sanford, Tom Calpouzos, and Stan Turner attended the first flight. Also present were Del Christenson, Dave Cole, project manager Dana Cleland, and Matt Brzostowski, who piloted the Navion on its first flight.
Numerous Houston Wing members contributed many hours to the Navion over the years. Key contributors during the final stages included Dana Cleland, Del Christenson, Dave Cole, Wayne Lober, Ray Maldonado, Lisa Sanford, Stan Turner, and Julian Zapp. With the Navion flying again, the next phase is painting the aircraft. The wing plans to finish it in Korean War-era U.S. Army olive drab with period-appropriate markings, accompanied by an account of the L-17’s roles during the early stages of the conflict. For more information about the Commemorative Air Force’s Houston Wing, visit www.houstonwing.org.
