Selfridge Military Air Museum to Restore Old Plane

Old planes never die. They just find their way to the .

That’s the case for a F-89 Scorpion fighter-interceptor, which arrived at the museum this week.

Volunteers will spend several months restoring the F-89, which was used by the Michigan Air National Guard in the 1950s and ‘60s. According to a press release, it will be the only known restored F-89 in the “C” model configuration.

“This is a rare bird indeed,” Gerry Ridener said in the press release. Ridener is a retired Air Force master sergeant who is one of eight volunteers who will be working on the restoration.

Volunteers said the plane’s restoration will be complete in “late summer.”

If you go

Selfridge Military Air Museum

• What: Museum features more than 30 aircraft, along with informational displays, simulators and historic paintings and uniforms.
• Where: Selfridge Air National Guard Base, M-59 at Jefferson, Harrison Township.
• When: Noon-4:30 p.m. Saturdays, Sundays and patriotic holidays through Oct. 30.
• What to bring: Driver’s license and vehicle registration required to enter the base.
• Admission: $4 adults, $3 ages 4-12.
• More info: www.selfridgeairmuseum.org or 686-239-5035.