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The Aviodrome, home of the Douglas DC2, closed its doors on December 23. The museum filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on November 8, 2011 and has been actively seeking financial sponsors. Yesterday the word came that no parties had been found and the museum was declared bankrupt. Although the search for funds continues, it will be difficult due to the poor economical climate. The employees of the museum are hopeful that a solution will be found. The worst case scenario is the auctioning off of the museum’s collection. Let's hope this will not happen because the museum houses very rare planes, some of them in flying condition, like the Lockheed 749 Constellation and the Douglas DC-2.”
Luchtvaartnieuws reports that 56 staff members will be terminated, with 36 on December 29, 2011 and the remaining 20 on January 9, 2012. Preparations are underway for the auction of the museum’s buildings and all equipment, which is expected to take six weeks. The DC-3’s of DDA Classic Airlines are not included in the bankruptcy and KLM plans on creating a foundation to care for the DC-2. No mention is made about the museum’s Constellation. With all the blood, sweat, tears and money expended on the restoration of this airplane and its 5,000 mile flight from Arizona to Holland, it would be a real shame if a new owner wasn’t found who can properly care for this historic aircraft. A new owner who gets her back flying again would be even better!
Today I received word from the foundation: 'Friends of the Aviodrome' ('Stichting Vriendenkring Aviodrome', in Dutch)
They are a seperate entity, not linked to the bankrupcy, which makes sure it's funds are spend on the upkeep of the museum collection.
Not only planes, but also numerous valuable historic items, photo's, books, etc.
Since the DC2 is a payware project, all proceeds were sent directly to the bank account of this 'Friends' foundation.
That way I knew the money was spent directly on the upkeep of the Douglas DC2, and not to pay staff wages etc.
At the moment they are working, together with the museum, to find a solution.
There is still light at the end of the tunnel, and we are working to get there.
In the near future, a fundraising will be started, to help in this effort.
So, by buying the DC2, you're helping the museum as well now.
I will keep you posted.
Thanks,
Rob.
At least we still have a few photos..
Fokker C.V:
Fokker F.VII:
Fokker S.12 prototype:
Fokker S.14 Machtrainer:
Fokker Spin (Spider; 1936 replica):
The DDA DC-3 and the Aviodrome's most famous aircraft, the DC-2 'uiver':
The Uiver and the Connie (Last airworthy short-nosed L749!):
The Schiphol (EHAM) 1928 terminal building replica:
And of course we can't forget the Fs Weekends held there each year in November:
