By James Church
On a cold, December Saturday, those who had gathered on the wind-swept ramp at the Fort Wayne International Airport (FWA), Indiana, were about to witness a very special, if bittersweet event. After nearly thirty years, Dean Cutshall’s custodianship of the magnificent North American Aviation F-100F Super Sabre N2011V, the only example of the type currently flying, may be nearing its conclusion. Citing issues with obtaining insurance for continued flight operations, as well as the advanced age of himself and the crew that maintains the Cold War-era fighter jet, Dean has rationalized that his tenure of owning and operating it may indeed be nearing its end.
Two flights were conducted on Saturday, December 30th, both to give rides to very appreciative passengers. Before the first of these, Dean addressed those in attendance, appraising them of the circumstances he currently faces to keep the operation going. While it was not a definitive announcement, by any means, one could not help but feel that an era was coming to an end based on this discussion. All is not lost, however, as there is hope they will overcome these obstacles, and if so, at least one more season of flying the Hun would be the result.
However, it is always advisable to have a backup plan. With this in mind, Dean is considering approaching viable museums, preferably one that has the means to continue operating it, to which he could donate the aircraft. For now, no moves in this direction have been taken, in the hopes that it will not be necessary to find it a new home just yet. As the only currently flying example of the type, Dean is determined to see that the Hun remains in the air with whomever the next caretaker is.
Dean first acquired the Super Sabre, USAF Serial No. 56-3948, in 1995, from Sierra Hotel Inc., of Addison, Texas, which in turn had bought it from TRACOR/Flight Systems, Inc., of Mojave, California. TRACOR/Flight Systems had ferried it, along with a C and D model (both of which have since been grounded and are on static display in museums in California) from Turkey in 1989, where they had last served with the Turkish Air Force (where it had served as 3-948) and registered it as N2011V. Flight Systems Inc were using F-86 and F-100 Sabres for target drogue towing contracts, though 3948 was not made airworthy after arrival, but stored. While it looked pretty, polished and in the markings of an aircraft flown by World War Two ace Francis Gabreski (F-100F Serial No. 56-3868) when he commanded the 354 Tactical Fighter Wing, based at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina from 1956 to 1960, a lot underneath the skin needed addressing.
The pretty paint job hid what was in reality, a very tired airframe, in need of much attention. Following an intensive year-and-a-half IRAN (Inspect and Repair As Necessary) and engine change, performed by Fort Wayne Air Service, the aircraft performed, and continues to do so, flawlessly. This has allowed Dean, with the help of his experienced ex-Air National Guard-trained engineers, to attain an enviable record of performance, having never missed a scheduled event or appearance. When one considers the complexities of the F-100 and its systems, that is a truly remarkable accomplishment and one they can all be very proud of.
Dean has been extremely fortunate to have a small cadre of specialist mechanics in the local Fort Wayne area to call on that maintained Super Sabres in the Air National Guard. Their reservist experience meant they brought many combined years of knowledge with them. Without this absolutely exceptional special support, Dean readily admits the endeavor to operate the Hun would not have been possible. The march of time continues unabated, however, and they, like Dean and, the Hun itself, are advancing in age as time marches on. The well-rehearsed ballet of preparing the Hun before each flight, perfected over many, many years of performing it, has become decidedly slower as the guys’ bodies are simply no longer to perform as they once did when they were younger, protecting our nation for Uncle Sam, at a time when the Cold War could have turned hot at any moment.
Nothing lasts forever, as they say, and the days of this magnificent aircraft operating from Fort Wayne, in the country’s heartland, are fleeting. Whether he can continue on for one more year or not, Dean has no illusions about the future. For the aircraft to continue flying in the long term, a new, willing custodian will need to come forward. Failing that, the world may well have witnessed the last-ever flight of a Super Sabre that cold day in December.
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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.
I packed hundreds of dragchute for the 100 when stationed in Holland in 1956-57 with the32nd FDS
Worked 16 months on the test cell for the j57 engines of the F100’s at Homestead AFB with the 31st TFW. Then became certified to taxi the F100 to the trim pad when called for.
Volunteered for Vietnam. Stationed at Bien Hoa AB again with the 31st TFW and four squadrons. The 306,307,308,& 309th.
All this verified in my DD214.
Postcards of the camouflaged F100 are scattered in my house.
Was also at bien hoa as a crew chief.68-69 90th tfs. Welcome home
Keith Schrader
Thank you for your service.
Interesting article bringing back memories as I was a pneudraulics specialist with the 48 th field matienance at Lakenheath from 1968 to 1971.
I had the opportunity to work the Pneudraulic systems on the F-100 with the 3rd TFW at Bien Hoa AB RSV in 1966. I must say, the hydraulic systems design were a nightmare compared to some other Century Series aircraft.
Was also at bien hoa as a crew chief.68-69 90th tfs. Welcome home
Keith Schrader
I made five combat missions in the back seat of F-100F’s in 1968 and 69 while I was Maintenance Officer of the 90 TAC Fighter Squadron, 3th TFW, At Bein Hoa AB, Vietnam. And It is my hope that my 82 birthday will not be the last flight of F-100’s. Welcome Home dice men and how I remember Baby our dog mascot to maintenance who was welcomed on the flight line protecting her F-100’s and giving us a 15 second heads up before in bound rockets.
tighter Squadron
Hi Dean,
I want to thank you for being a friend over these past many years. I was thrilled to fly with you twice in 948 and thank you for flying almost 90 of the Super Sabre guys. It is hard to imagine what a dream come true it was for the guys to get into the Hun after 50 years. I know this is a hard time for you saying goodbye after years of a dream come true. The last year after 38 years of flying my home built Pitts and 80 years on Earth, I started having problems with attitude awareness and knew it was time to quit. I was the only one to ever fly the airplane and it just didn’t seem right for someone else to take my place. When MAPPS Museum expressed an interest I decided that was the way to go. Every time I have been to MAPPS and see it hanging from the ceiling upside down it is a problem keeping my eyes dry. I suggest you find the right Museum where you can visit and listen to the guides tell you what visitors say about your old friend. It will touch your heart almost as much as the folks you had in the back seat. Take Care My Friend.
Leo Mansuetti