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WARBIRD RADIO - If there were ever a real-life Indiana Jones for the warbird community, it’d be Jay Wisler

Writer's picture: Staff WriterStaff Writer
Feb 122 min read

WARBIRD RADIO - If there were ever a real-life Indiana Jones for the warbird community, it’d be Jay Wisler. Instead of dodging booby traps and uncovering lost temples, Jay has spent over four decades scouring the globe in search of something just as precious—vintage warbird parts. From the dusty corners of forgotten warehouses to the bustling hangars of world-class restoration shops, Jay’s relentless quest has helped keep historic aircraft flying for generations.


On this episode of Warbird Radio, Matt Jolley sits down with Jay Wisler to talk about his legendary career in the warbird parts industry. Since 1982, Jay’s company, Warbird Parts and Memorabilia, has been the go-to source for hard-to-find aircraft components. Before selling his massive inventory to Fagen Fighters Restorations, Jay managed nine warehouses filled to the brim with parts essential to the restoration of iconic aircraft like the North American P-51 Mustang. If you’ve ever admired an award-winning warbird at Oshkosh or any major airshow, there’s a good chance some of Jay’s parts helped bring it back to life.

His passion for Mustangs is no secret, and when asked about his favorite project, Jay doesn’t hesitate: Jack Roush’s P-51B, Old Crow. Over the years, he’s supplied parts for countless Mustang restorations, ensuring that these legendary fighters remain a fixture in the skies. His philosophy—“If I don’t have it, I’ll help you find it”—has made him a beloved figure in the warbird community, and in 2014, he was rightfully inducted into the EAA Warbirds Hall of Fame.


But Jay isn’t just looking back—he’s looking ahead. He believes the future of warbird restoration is in good hands with people like Erik Hokuf, founder of AirCorps Aviation. Erik also joins Matt on this episode to discuss the future of warbird restorations, parts manufacturing, and how his team is carrying the torch forward. Based in Bemidji, Minnesota, AirCorps Aviation has become an industry leader, blending precision craftsmanship with modern technology to keep vintage aircraft flying. From FAA Part 21 PMA-certified parts to full-scale restorations, Erik and his team are shaping the next chapter in warbird history.

Don’t miss this fascinating conversation as Matt Jolley dives into the stories behind the parts, the people, and the passion that fuels the warbird restoration world. Be sure to follow Warbird Radio on Facebook and Instagram, and sign up for our email newsletter so you never miss an episode. Tune in, take flight, and keep ‘em flying!



[Photos courtesy of EAA Warbirds of America and AirCorps Aviation]


 
 
 

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