Cal Pacific Airmotive Inc

06/03/2026

Drop tank reference photos, what do you think?

06/03/2026

**Edit** These tanks measure 18.5" at center diameter, 138.5" long**

I need some help identifying these drop tanks. They most resemble tanks for a F80 or F82. The only part numbers are stamped on the tank pads as #247-3004 & #247-3005, which were some North American Aviation series numbers. We have searched online prints and no luck. Any guesses?? And I would like to get rid of them!

05/25/2026

“A nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure.” — Abraham Lincoln

05/24/2026

Sending love and prayers to the Nichols family and everyone at Yanks Air Museum. My interactions with Charles date back over 25 years, though we only worked together the past few years. Charles had a deep dedication for preserving the history of his collection and share it with the public. His accomplishments were many, a life well lived. We have enjoyed visits, dinners, stories and conversation, but I will most remember his sense of humor and the kindness extended by him and his family. Charles leaves Yanks Air Museum in good hands to continue his passion. Blue skies Charles.

Today we honor and remember a remarkable man, Charles Fisher Nichols, whose life was defined by hard work, vision, devotion to family, and an enduring passion for aviation.

Born on May 2, 1936, and passing peacefully on May 4, 2026, he lived a full and meaningful ninety years, leaving behind a legacy that will continue for generations.

He was known throughout the community as the proud owner of Nichols Lumber in Baldwin Park, CA, where he built not only a successful business, but lasting relationships and respect among all who knew him. Through dedication, integrity, and tireless work ethic, he created a life that reflected determination and perseverance. He believed in showing up every day, working hard, and taking pride in what you built.

Beyond business, his greatest passion was aviation. As the founder of Yanks Air Museum, he devoted countless hours to preserving the history of aircraft through collecting, restoring, and sharing these incredible machines with future generations. Few things brought him greater joy than spending time among the people and aircraft he loved so deeply. His passion to build and develop properties was legendary, including the Greenfield Ranch, RV Park and Industrial properties.

While he was admired for his accomplishments, those closest to him will remember him most for his personality, his sharp wit, unforgettable sense of humor, and the way he could make people laugh even in ordinary moments. He carried himself with strength and confidence, yet always made time for family, friends, and those around him.

He and his beloved wife, Judith Nichols, built a beautiful family and a life centered around love, hard work, and commitment. He was preceded in death by his wife and his son, Brett Nichols. He is survived by his daughters, Christen Wright and Valarie Deen, along with his cherished grandchildren: Casey Wright, Tiffany Agard, Cameron Deen, Cody Deen, Riley Deen, Amanda Deen, Collin Nichols, and Trevor Nichols, as well as many beloved great-grandchildren who will carry his memory forward.

He raised his family in West Covina, where many treasured memories were made before later relocating to Huntington Beach. No matter where life took him, his priorities remained the same: family, hard work, and the passions that gave his life meaning.

His legacy can be seen not only in the businesses and institutions he built, but in the family he loved, the lives he touched, and the respect he earned from everyone who knew him. He leaves behind a lasting example of dedication, generosity, and perseverance.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever honored.

https://yanksair.org/honoring-charles-fisher-nichols-founder-yanks-air-museum/

04/19/2026

We have completed our final run of P-51A, B, C drop tank racks. This completes 30 assemblies, 15 sets since 1999. Anyone with an early model P-51 wanting a set, we have a few remaining in stock. We will not be running them again, I believe we have equipped most of the fleet!

04/19/2026

A sneak peak at P-51A progress!

04/04/2026

Every once in a while we find ourselves in the doghouse, literally!

01/17/2026

Coming soon, P-51A/B/C racks. Just wrapping up the mechanism!

09/10/2025

We have original P-51D forward gun mount castings and aft fixed gun mount fittings for left and right wings. The aft fittings are stocked overhauled or as removed. The as removed aft fittings were sprayed with deft primer years ago to prevent rust and corrosion, but easily overhauled. These were pulled from the many wing rebuilds we've done over the years. Back in the day, they were unwanted! Drop us an e-mail if interested [email protected]

09/06/2025

New FAA Approved parts available!

Part #73-31887 & 73-31887-1 (or assembly 73-31888 & 73-31888-1). Bracket, cockpit enclosure exit hatch emergency release pulley. Used on the P-51A through P-51D series aircraft, they were originally cast from aluminum alloy. North American Aviation revised them to a magnesium alloy casting on print revision D2, 10-19-1942. Any restorer will tell you these parts are often corroded or cracked. We machined these parts from 2024T3 materials for better life of part.