mkd1966 Posted November 11, 2020 Share Posted November 11, 2020 (edited) For those of you that follow the warbird movement - I read on Facebook the other day that renown warbird pilot and restorer Nelson Ezell has passed away... He has been a major contributor to some beautiful warbird restorations over the years and also airshow pilot and a reno air racer usually racing Howard Pardue's Sea Fury... Thoughts and prayers going out to the entire family... Blue Skies Sir... Here is Ezell Aviation's website that shows a small portion of the warbirds they have restored and/or maintained over the years... http://www.ezellaviation.com/ Edited November 11, 2020 by mkd1966 Anthony in NZ, Out2gtcha and Derek B 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Confusionreigns178 Posted November 11, 2020 Share Posted November 11, 2020 I must admit I had not heard of Nelson Ezell before today (I live in the UK), but after looking at the website, I would say that the global warbird community has lost a major contributor with his passing. My condolences go out to his family and friends. Chris. mkd1966 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mkd1966 Posted November 11, 2020 Author Share Posted November 11, 2020 10 minutes ago, Confusionreigns178 said: I must admit I had not heard of Nelson Ezell before today (I live in the UK), but after looking at the website, I would say that the global warbird community has lost a major contributor with his passing. My condolences go out to his family and friends. Chris. Hey Chris, Ezell Aviation restored the P-38 Lightning that's owned by Red Bull over on your side of the pond... Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chek Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 Mr Ezell's Seafire 47 restoration was an outstanding achievement. RIP mkd1966 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Confusionreigns178 Posted November 12, 2020 Share Posted November 12, 2020 13 hours ago, mkd1966 said: Hey Chris, Ezell Aviation restored the P-38 Lightning that's owned by Red Bull over on your side of the pond... Mike Thanks for the information, Mike. Chris. mkd1966 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troy Molitor Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 R. I. P. I hope the collection goes to good new ownerships / collections. The Seafire Mk-47 is one of my all time favorites. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thierry laurent Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 On 11/12/2020 at 10:36 AM, Chek said: Mr Ezell's Seafire 47 restoration was an outstanding achievement. RIP Alas, I do not think so. Close to half of the components were removed and the plane cockpit now looks bare like a Mk. I. one ! Too bad as it is the last of the breed. I would have preferred a non flying accurate restoration. It probably became a true hot rod but it is a caricature of a FR47. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Troy Molitor Posted November 13, 2020 Share Posted November 13, 2020 I respectfully disagree. Why do you need auxiliary fuel systems, RATO equipment, internal /external weapons systems operational or military hardware (tail-hook) kept in show room condition when YOU actually own it and can put in safety systems much more advanced /modern to get the aircraft in safer flying conditions? The aircraft was a basket case when purchased way back, I do recall. This group had the foresight & economic mindset to put her back in the air and that is a wonderful achievement in itself. The next group can obviously put her back to original military spec “if” there is such equipment available or the financial means to do it. The G-Fire was another example. I’d rather see them fly than sitting in a museum some where collecting dust. This is a significantly gorgeous RNAF aircraft and I hope someone in the U.K can do justice to keeping her there and airworthy. No doubt, a beautiful Mk-47 Seafire and I wish her a grand future where ever she ends up. The only one in existence to see in person. Lothar 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scimitarf1 Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 At the end of the day it is a machine. Anything taken out can be added back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thierry laurent Posted November 14, 2020 Share Posted November 14, 2020 You can also add the radios, cameras and supports and one of the most specific features of the plane: her full wing folding system! It is a matter of opinion but for the same reason I hate seeing very rare airframes being structurally modified to be changed into racers. I would not be upset if we still had a number of FR47 as we have Mustangs. But this is the only one on this planet. UK does not even have one replica! Globally, they kept the hull and engine and removed everything else. Yes, this is an incredible technical achievement as she flies but as I wrote, to me, she is not anymore a FR47 but a bare and lightweigth caricature of what she has been. I'm firmly convinced when a single airplane is still existing, she should not fly anymore. I would have zero problem if it was a replica such as the newly built Fw-190 but too many precious flying warbirds are ending in ashes... PhilHoff, Troy Molitor and morane 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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