FG-1D Corsair BuNo 92050: A Storied Warbird Finds a New Home with Timmermans Legends of Flight

Timmermans Legends of Flight adds the former Warbird Heritage Foundation aircraft to its vintage collection.

Moreno Aguiari
Moreno Aguiari
Resplendent in its NAS Glenview paint scheme, the FG-1D soars above the clouds over its home in Waukegan, Illinois in 2021. Photo via Greg Morehead
AirCorps Restorations

As recently announced by AirClassics magazine on its Facebook page, Mackenzie Cline of the Timmermans Legends of Flight has acquired Goodyear FG-1D  Corsair BuNo 92050/N194G through Mark Clark’s Courtesy Aircraft. Located at Chatham-Kent Airport in Ontario, Canada, the Corsair has a long and fascinating history and is a significant addition to the collection, which includes TF-51D Mustang C-FPWT, Sea Fury FB.11 C-FPSF, and Spitfire Mk. XVIII C-GANI, Bf 109G-6 C-FDOR, and Blayd Zero N8280K.

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Photo by Greg Morehead

Back in October, Timmermans Legends of Flight, a privately-owned vintage warbird collection belonging to Peter and Annie Timmermans, announced the acquisition of a Nakajima-built A6M2 Model 21 Zero through Platinum Fighter Sales. This historic aircraft, s/n 1498, is now part of their growing collection, based at Chatham-Kent Airport in Ontario, Canada.

1941 Nakajima A6M 2 Model 21 Zero Air to Air 2 1
Photo via Platinum Fighter Sales

FG-1D Corsair BuNo 92050: A Storied History

Accepted by the U.S. Navy on May 12, 145, FG-1D Corsair BuNo 92050, had a dynamic post-war history. Initially assigned to naval reserve squadrons across the U.S., the aircraft was retired from service in 1954 with 1,491 flight hours. It was sold to a civilian in 1958 for $259 and passed through several owners. In the 1960s, it underwent racing modifications, including engine and structural changes, but saw limited success on the air racing circuit.

1 FG 1D 92050 Ex NAAF Salem OR May 31 1957 Doug Olson via Jim Sullivan
Seen here at ex-NAAF Salem, Oregon on May 31, 1957, when FG-1D BuNo 92050 was stricken from Navy inventory on September 9, 1954, it had flown just 1,491.7 hours. Photo: Dave Ostrowski via Jim Sullivan

By the 1970s, it was stored in Colorado, where it remained until being loaned to the Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum in 1999. In 2012, the Warbird Heritage Foundation (WHF) acquired the aircraft and began a meticulous restoration at Tab Air, Ltd. in Wisconsin. The restoration took nearly a decade, focusing on airworthiness while preserving some modifications. The aircraft was finished in a paint scheme honoring NAS Glenview and the Great Lakes training carriers Wolverine and Sable, which played a vital role in World War II carrier pilot training. In 2021, the Corsair flew its first post-restoration flight and has since been displayed at airshows, delighting enthusiasts. Its story highlights its naval history and the contributions of training carriers in preparing pilots for combat during WWII. Stephen Chapis wrote a fascinating article detailing the history of this aircraft, which you can read HERE.

1 FG 1D 92050 N194G Stead Airport Reno 1969 2
The racing career of 92050 was less than successful. In the four races Mitchem competed in 1970 & ’72, he came in third, fourth (twice) and fifth. Photo- Stephen Chapis collection

A New Chapter in Canadian Skies

Congratulations to Timmermans Legends of Flight for this significant acquisition. This historic Corsair joins an impressive fleet and will undoubtedly captivate warbird enthusiasts when it takes to the Canadian skies. We look forward to seeing FG-1D BuNo 92050 continue its storied journey and inspire future generations with its remarkable history. For more information about the Timmermans Legends of Flight, visit the website or the Facebook page.

Timmermans Legends of Flight
Aircorps Art Dec 2019
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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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