Rantoul, IL — Chanute Air Museum will close at the end of the year, but three of the aircraft exhibited there are expected to remain at Rantoul National Aviation Center.
The village of Rantoul is asking to be able to retain the aircraft — on loan from the Air Force.
They include a restored P-51 Mustang fighter, an AT-6 Texan and an F-86 Sabre fighter.
Village Administrator Jeff Fiegenschuh told the village board that former Airport Manager Rune Duke felt the three planes were in the best condition and “ones he felt as a professional had the most historic significance.”
Fiegenschuh said the P-51 and the AT-6 Texan would be stored inside and be brought out for special events, while the F-86 will be stored outside.
The village would ask to retain the aircraft on loan, and if the Air Force determines the village is the best choice, it would be allowed to borrow the three.
Museum Curator Mark Hanson said the museum was not involved in the selection process. It involved only the village and the Air Force.
Read more: http://www.rantoulpress.com/