Go deeper inside the restoration hangar at the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum as the volunteer restoration team tackles some of the most difficult challenges in bringing a legendary Douglas SBD Dauntless back to life.

In this episode, the team reveals the incredible craftsmanship, engineering, and problem-solving required to restore aircraft when original parts no longer exist. From custom-fabricated .50 caliber machine guns and functional 3D printed hydraulic pumps to painstaking engine restoration and historically accurate markings, every detail matters.

Using modern tools like 3D scanning and printing alongside traditional machining and hand-built craftsmanship, these retired professionals combine decades of experience with a shared passion for preserving aviation history.

But this story is about more than aircraft.

It’s about teamwork, mentorship, and the culture that drives the restoration process forward every day. Built on the foundation of C.A.T.S. — Culture, Attitude, Teamwork, and Service — this team demonstrates what happens when skill, dedication, and history come together inside the hangar.

Step inside the restoration hangar at the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum and meet the people bringing aviation history back to life.

In this first episode of our restoration series, we introduce three passionate volunteers working on the legendary Douglas SBD-1 Dauntless—an aircraft that played a critical role in World War II and is now being carefully restored piece by piece.
From custom-built tools and hand-formed aluminum skins to decades of experience in machining and aviation maintenance, this team represents the heart of what makes restoration possible. Their work isn’t just technical—it’s deeply personal.
Built on a foundation of Culture, Attitude, Teamwork, and Service (C.A.T.S.), these volunteers are preserving more than an aircraft—they’re preserving the stories, craftsmanship, and legacy of those who came before.

This is just the beginning.
In the next episodes, we’ll go deeper into the skills, stories, and dedication behind one of the most remarkable aircraft restoration efforts in the country

Step inside the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum in Kalamazoo, Michigan—one of the most immersive aviation and space museums in the United States, where history, engineering, and education come together in a truly unique experience.

In this episode, we sit down with President & CEO Troy Thrash as he takes us on a behind-the-scenes tour of the museum and shares the vision behind its transformation from a small collection of aircraft into a world-class aviation destination.

From the moment you enter the “cloud tunnel,” you are immersed in over 100 aircraft and spacecraft, interactive flight experiences, and one of the most impressive aviation environments ever created. Highlights include the legendary Lockheed SR-71B Blackbird, hands-on STEM exhibits, and a massive indoor aviation mural that brings the history of flight to life.

This episode also sets the stage for the deeper story behind the Air Zoo’s restoration program, including WWII aircraft recovered from the bottom of Lake Michigan and rebuilt through thousands of hours of volunteer craftsmanship—such as the iconic Douglas SBD Dauntless.

Beyond the aircraft, the Air Zoo is also a center for education and inspiration, with STEM programs designed to engage students, spark curiosity, and introduce future generations to careers in aviation, engineering, and science.

The museum’s evolution, aircraft collection, and educational mission reflect a broader story of growth, innovation, and community impact—making it a standout destination for aviation enthusiasts and families alike.

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✈️ This is more than a museum tour… it’s a story about preserving the past while inspiring the future of flight