Estrella WarBirds Museum

During the early years, the Museum´s second phase of development was the 50´ x 100´ restoration facility that would house a full shop with necessary machinery and tools, as well as storage for inventories and components. Constructed mainly by Museum volunteers, it was ready for occupancy in late 1999 and is now one of the main centers of activity.

The Museum is fortunate in having as a member one of the top master aircraft mechanics in the nation, Al Schade, as our Director of Restorations. He has had remarkable careers in aviation for more than a half-century — and that plural is intentional.

For 54 years Al has carried an A&P license, and for 52 years he's had Ground Instructor and Commercial Flight Instructor licenses with instrument and multi-engine ratings in some 50 types of aircraft. After eight years in the USMC with the 1st and 4th Marine Air Wings in WWII and Korea, Al turned his talents to civil flight instruction and converting military aircraft for the civilian market, then was hired by North American Aviation in another career in Aerospace research and development that lasted for 32 years. So much for "basic" qualifications!















There is never a shortage of projects going on at any given time. These can involve a complete rebuild of a "bucket of rust" aircraft to pristine static display condition or a frame up restoration of one of the many military vehicles that are donated to the museum. There is also ongoing maintenance of our other Museum aircraft and vehicles, so Al and his team of talented volunteers manage to keep the place humming.

Oh, did I mention? It is a great place to learn aircraft maintenance and restoration taught by the many knowledgeable and experienced volunteers.