Platinum Fighter Sales has recently added several rare and unique aircraft to its listings, including the remarkable XP-82 Twin Mustang, a 1940 Supermarine Spitfire, and a Nakajima A6M2 Model 21 Zero. However, one aircraft that consistently stands out and captivates the imagination of aviation collectors and enthusiasts is the legendary Corsair. The FG-1D Corsair (BuNo 67089) available listed by Platinum Fighter Sales, was originally built by Goodyear under contract for the U.S. Navy. This particular Corsair has experienced a fascinating evolution, transitioning from military service to private ownership and even enjoying a stint as a racing aircraft.
Thanks to Aero Visual, we were able to reconstruct the history of this aircraft, highlighting the key milestones along its journey.
Military Service: 1945-1958
In 1945, this Corsair was officially taken on Strength/Charge by the United States Navy as BuNo 67089. As part of the massive fleet of FG-1D Corsairs, it played a role in America’s aerial might during the final years of World War II, though its operational history during the conflict remains largely unrecorded. By 1953, the aircraft had been retired from active duty and was assigned to NAS Jacksonville, Florida, where it remained in storage until 1958. Following its military career, BuNo 67089 was deemed surplus and sold to Queen City Salvage in Jacksonville, Florida, marking the beginning of its civilian life.
Early Civilian Ownership: 1964-1981
After its sale from the Navy, the aircraft passed into the hands of Queen City Salvage Inc. of Charlotte, North Carolina in 1964, where it was registered under the civilian tail number N4716C. For several years, the aircraft’s history was quiet until 1975, when it was acquired by Earl E. Ware of Jacksonville, Florida, who retained the existing registration number. In 1977, BuNo 67089 changed hands again, this time being sold to the Knight Aircraft Corporation, which re-registered the aircraft as N4715C. Two years later, in 1979, the Corsair was sold to Har-Ran Aviation/Terry Randal of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and its original registration, N4716C, was restored.
Racing Career: 1981-1986
The next chapter in this Corsair’s life took it from the skies of everyday flight to the high-speed world of air racing. In 1981, BuNo 67089 was acquired by the Tired Iron Racing Team, led by Don C. Davis of Casper, Wyoming. Under this new ownership, the aircraft was re-registered once again as N4715C and took on the racing number #82 under the name Wart Hog.One of the most notable moments in the aircraft’s racing career occurred during the National Championship Air Races held from September 10-16, 1984, in Reno, Nevada. Piloted by Mike Wright, the Corsair competed in the Unlimited Class, qualifying in 28th place with an average speed of 305.667 mph. In the heat races, the aircraft finished 3rd in Heat 1 with a speed of 275.388 mph, 8th in Heat 5 with a speed of 207.229 mph, and took 5th place in the Medallion 2 Race, reaching an average speed of 285.065 mph. In 1986, the aircraft returned to Reno under the name “Skyboss” and raced as #111. Unfortunately, it did not qualify for the Unlimited Class that year, marking the end of its brief but eventful racing career.
Continued Civilian Life: 1987-Present
In 1987, the Corsair’s ownership passed to **Gary Meermans** of Long Beach, California, with the registration changed to N97GM. Meermans maintained ownership of the aircraft, relocating it to Chino, California, while retaining the same registration until 1994. On July 2, 1987, the aircraft received a new certificate of airworthiness, this time registered as NX83JC, still bearing its original BuNo 67089. In 1994, the Corsair was acquired by F4U Inc/Jeff Clyman of New York City, New York. Clyman, known for his work in preserving historic aircraft, re-registered the aircraft as N83JC, under which it continued to fly. Finally, in 2017, BuNo 67089 was transferred to Ellenville LLC, based in New York, where it remains under the registration N83JC. The aircraft is now dedicated to former astronaut John Glenn who was assigned to VMF-155 as an F4U Corsair pilot in June 1943 and served in the Pacific Theater from February 1944 to February 1945, flying 59 combat missions.
This FG-1D Corsair has only 62 hours since undergoing a substantial IRAN (Inspect and Repair as Necessary) by American Aero Services in 2020. This original Corsair, with a rich and ongoing history, had its wings and control surfaces removed and recovered using Stits Polyfiber. The engine was replaced with a newly overhauled R-2800-43/51 by Anderson Airmotive, and the entire firewall forward was overhauled. Additionally, all hoses were replaced, the oil coolers were overhauled, and a new fuel cell was installed, ensuring the aircraft is in top condition. From its origins as a Navy fighter to a racing machine and finally a cherished historical aircraft, the FG-1D Corsair, BuNo 67089, has led an extraordinary life. Its journey through multiple owners, various racing numbers, and changing registrations tells the story of an aircraft that has truly stood the test of time. Today, it continues to inspire those with a passion for aviation history and the legacy of the legendary Corsair. For more information about this aircraft, visit www.platinumfighters.com
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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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