The Commemorative Air Force (CAF) has announced the latest addition to its collection – former US Navy Temco TT-1 Pinto N4486L
The acquisition of the 1958-built machine is somewhat notable for the CAF, the Pinto being both a jet and not of World War Two vintage. Its arrival reflects the CAF’s “unwavering commitment to preserving aviation history and ensuring that future generations can experience the thrill of flight aboard these living legends”.
The 12th of 14 examples of the tandem two-seat primary trainer built for the United States Navy (USN) between 1955 and 1957, it was used to demonstrate the feasibility of using a jet for primary flight training. Assigned to the USN’s Air Training Command at Pensacola, Florida in 1959, the type was withdrawn the following year on the grounds of insufficient performance.
Sold as surplus, this machine was delivered to the Civil Aviation Research Institute and used for non-flying crash testing. Acquired by Robert T Lazier of Vail, Colorado, in 1976, it was rebuilt as a Super Pinto with a General Electric J-85/CJ610 engine boasting three times the power of the TT-1’s original Continental YJ69-T-9 turbojet. The jet remained with him until 2006.
Most recently disassembled and restored by Texas-based Ezell Aviation, the aircraft has been assigned to the CAF’s newly established Super Pinto Sponsor Group. Rick Bell, one of the aircraft’s sponsors, commented: “We are thrilled to operate this exceptional aircraft. It will enhance our ability to tell the story of military aviation history beyond World War Two. The Pinto is also a great addition to our educational and historical outreach efforts."
The Pinto Sponsor Group plans to soon unveil N4486L at its new home of General Dewitt Spain Airport in Memphis – where it arrived on November 3, 2023 – and aims to offer flights in the jet at some point in 2024.
