The Military Aviation Museum is inviting aviation enthusiasts to help bring its fully restored Mitsubishi A6M3 Model 32 Zero to Virginia Beach, Virginia. The museum’s “Fly History Home” fuel campaign will support a journey of more than 2,500 miles from Everett, Washington, with the rare Japanese fighter making the crossing in short hops alongside a support aircraft carrying spare parts, artifacts, and luggage. The campaign follows a major milestone in the aircraft’s restoration. On May 5, 2025, the Zero completed its first post-restoration flight from Paine Field in Everett, with the museum’s Chief Pilot Mike Spalding at the controls. The flight marked the culmination of decades of work, primarily by Legend Flyers, and was believed to be the first flight of a Model 32 Zero since the end of WWII.
During the approximately half-hour flight, Spalding climbed to about 4,200 feet and evaluated the aircraft’s systems, flaps, and landing gear. He reported that the fighter handled exceptionally well and was light on the controls, with only minor adjustments required. The restoration incorporated the forward fuselage and wings of serial number 3148 and the aft fuselage and tail of serial number 3145. Now, the museum is asking supporters to help fund the fuel needed for the cross-country journey. Contributions of any amount are welcome, with suggested giving levels of $250, $500, and $1,000.
Once in Virginia Beach, the Zero will help the museum interpret the Allied campaign in the Pacific during WWII alongside its other Pacific Theater warbirds. The collection also includes witness glass from Hangar No. 2 at Wheeler Army Airfield on Oahu, linking its exhibits to the attacks of December 7, 1941. The museum plans to celebrate the fighter’s arrival with a public “Zero Day” event. The Zero is expected to approach the museum’s airfield escorted by a historic American Navy fighter. An exact date remains to be announced. For campaign details and contributions, visit the museum’s Japanese Zero Fuel Fund page. Restoration progress and arrival announcements will be available through the museum’s website.
