Vintage Lear Jet Restoration Group Marks Work on S/N 23-003 | Aviation International News

NBAA-BACE 2026

Lear Jet Restoration Group Marks Work on S/N 23-003

With the aircraft’s wing showing corrosion, the group acquired a replacement

Lear 23-003 Disassembled in hangar — The Classic Lear Jet Foundation has determined that the original wing from Lear 23-003 is too corroded to return to flight status, so it will turn its attention to a contemporary replacement.

By Curt Epstein • Business Aviation Services Editor

October 15, 2026

Classic Lear Jet Foundation (CLJF), the group working to restore Lear 23-003—the first production Learjet—is making progress toward its goal of returning the vintage aircraft to flight. This week, it is at NBAA-BACE for the first time with its own booth to highlight the effort taking place in the former Learjet delivery center at the Bombardier campus in Wichita.

“The restoration continues to be driven by dedicated volunteer labor and the generous support of our donors,” said foundation president Bill Kinkaid, adding that in the two years since the project began, it has surpassed 4,000 hours of volunteer labor. “During that time, we have made significant progress in wiring, inspections, and structural repairs, while numerous components have been sent off-site to donors and specialist partners for rebuilding and restoration.”

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The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background. The rest of this article continues for AIN Members with the full report, analysis and background.

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