AVMATS Spirit Saves a Piece of Aviation History

Chesterfield, MO – December 18, 2009 – AVMATS Spirit, based at Spirit of St. Louis Airport, has returned the MIG Fury Fighter’s FJ-4B, the last one flying in the world, to service.

The FJ-4B Fury experienced a gear-up landing during the practice show for the 2008 Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show in Pensacola, Florida on November 13, 2008. It skidded to a stop just off the runway and the pilot exited safely. The aircraft was extensively damaged on the under belly as well as the flaps and speed brakes. (Click Here to view the photo)

A crowd favorite at air shows across the country and beyond, the 1958 North American Aviation FJ-4B Fury performs with a MIG 15 and MIG 17 simulating aerial dogfights reminiscent of days gone by.

AVMATS was awarded the project based on the extensive capabilities of all of the AVMATS-related companies, which include complex parts fabrication, sheet metal expertise, composite flight control repairs and top-notch maintenance skills.

Considering the aircraft is the only flying example in the world, and replacement parts are nearly non-existent, the AVMATS Spirit Team was able to overcome numerous hurdles along the way to accomplish repairs that not only met but exceeded the customer expectations, while achieving two “Squawk Free” test flights prior to departure from Spirit Airport. AVMATS completed the work in just nine months and, much to the satisfaction of its owner, was able to return the Fury to service for the 2009 Blue Angels Homecoming Air Show in November of this year back at Pensacola.

To see photos from this project or to learn more about the services AVMATS provides, please visit our website at www.avmats.com or contact Rich Vollmar at (636) 532-2674.