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Council discusses T‑28 airplane, possible T‑57 helicopter transfer and restoration costs; staff to provide detailed presentation
Summary
Council members discussed a public survey about whether to retain the city’s T‑28 aircraft or accept a decommissioned T‑57 helicopter. Staff cited past restoration estimates for the T‑28 (quotes around $250,000 reported; other comparisons ranged higher) and noted the Naval Aviation Museum retains ownership. Leonardo Aviation offered a sponsorship to restore a transferred aircraft, and council asked for a future presentation on pedestal and maintenance costs and memorandum‑of‑agreement terms.
Members of the Milton City Council spent substantial time on April 14 discussing the future of military aircraft displayed in the city and a current public survey asking residents whether they prefer the existing T‑28 airplane or a T‑57 helicopter offered by the Naval Aviation Museum.
Council members and staff said the existing T‑28 is owned by the Naval Aviation Museum, not the city, and that past restoration estimates for the airplane have varied: a 2018 local news item and staff outreach reported a quote of about $250,000 for a full restoration, while a council member referenced higher‑end comparisons for non‑flying airframes that have reached roughly $1.5 million in rare cases. Staff also said annual maintenance costs previously allocated for routine paint and labor were approximately $4,600.
City staff reported that the Naval Aviation Museum and associated partners are preparing the T‑57 transfer; they noted a sponsorship offer from Leonardo Aviation that would fund painting and preparation of a transferred aircraft at no cost to the city. Councilmembers asked for a detailed follow‑up presentation that includes pedestal costs, annual maintenance estimates, funding sources, and any memorandum of agreement spelling out responsibilities because the aircraft—even if stored or displayed locally—would remain property of the Naval Aviation Museum.
Why it matters: The display and upkeep of large, historic airframes involve significant restoration and maintenance costs, legal questions about ownership and responsibility, and continuing community interest in how the city displays local aviation heritage.
What’s next: Staff agreed to prepare a detailed presentation for an upcoming workshop that includes precise cost estimates for pedestal construction, annual maintenance, and draft memorandum‑of‑agreement language clarifying roles and responsibilities.
