Texas-based FAA Part 145 repair station DAS Aviation has signed on as major sponsor for Classic Lear Jet Foundation, the non-profit group that is working to return the first production Lear Jet to flight.

DAS—which specializes in airframe structural repairs, sheet metal fabrication, component overhaul and repair, and composite structures—joins the list of aviation companies donating goods and services for the restoration of Lear 23-003 that is taking place at the Bombardier complex in Wichita. "This partnership is an exciting opportunity to honor the past while contributing to the preservation of this iconic aircraft," said Mike Ward, DAS’ v-p of commercial and government sales and product line development.

Since work began early this year, the volunteer group—which includes former Lear Jet employees who worked on the company’s assembly line—has made progress. Volunteers continue to disassemble the airplane in preparation for de-painting, interior foam removal, and detailed structural and component inspections.

Last month the brakes were removed from the main landing gear. This proved challenging since the units were rusted together after 23-003 spent years sitting outside on the ramp of Florida’s Bartow Executive Airport where they were submerged in water several times due to hurricane rains.

Workers also removed the six-decade-old wiring from the cockpit and cabin, all of which will be replaced. The group anticipates the restoration could take as long as five years.