Air Museum Network – EAA’s P-64 Runs for First Time in Decades

Oshkosh, WI USA — The EAA AirVenture Museum’s rare North American P-64 fighter – often referred to by warbird lovers as an “export fighter version of the AT-6 Texan” – was started up for the first time in more than 20 years last Friday, and it was only fitting that EAA Founder Paul Poberezny did the honors.

It took place Friday, February 8, outside the Kermit Weeks Hangar, where it had been undergoing some restoration work over the past month after nearly 25 years in long-term museum display status. Museum visitors have seen the P-64 – the world’s only remaining example – prominently displayed in the Eagle Hangar for years.

Since it was capable of running, they decided to crank it up – and who better to sit in the cockpit than Paul, who brought the aircraft to EAA’s collection in 1964.

“He looked every bit the old pro up in that cockpit,” observed Jeff Skiles, EAA vice president of chapters and youth education. “It was an exciting day for us all, but particularly for Paul.”

EAA’s P-64 Runs for First Time in Decades