World’s Oldest Jet Returns To Flight

posted in: Warbirds | 27

F-86A Sabre - World's Oldest Jet - Flies Again

The world’s oldest flyable jet, and one of the last remaining F-86A Sabres, S/N 48-178, took to the skies once again today in Rockford, IL. This is a major milestone in the recent acquisition of the Sabre by Heritage Aero Inc, which is based in Rockford, on behalf of a US collector. Paul Wood was at the controls for the two flights made by the Sabre, which was accompanied by a T-33 chase plane. The first flight was originally expected to occur before this year’s EAA AirVenture earlier in July, but was delayed by mechanical issues.

Sabre 48-178 has been through numerous private owners and restorations throughout it’s life, originating in Everett, WA in 1970 to Golden Apple Operations in the UK (1992)and finally to Heritage Aero late last year. These flights are a promising sign that we should see her on the airshow circuit next year!

All images courtesy of David Charles Lindberg

F-86A Sabre - World's Oldest Jet - Flies Again

F-86A Sabre - World's Oldest Jet - Flies AgainF-86A Sabre - World's Oldest Jet - Flies Again

27 Responses

  1. Della Kostelnik Juarez
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