Six Retired USAF Aircraft Still Flying as Civilian Warbirds

Thousands of former military aircraft survive today, and many still fly. Single-seat fighters remain in private hands. Four-engine bombers tour the United States under nonprofit operations.

The FAA’s guidance for former military aircraft covers turbine-powered ex-military types over 9,000 pounds and with more than 3,000 pounds of thrust. Most WWII-era piston fighters and bombers instead fly under a Limited or Experimental Exhibition airworthiness certificate. These categories allow surplus military aircraft to operate safely for exhibition, education, and airshow work rather than for carrying paying passengers on demand.

Aircraft in the Limited category must conform to a recognized type certificate and pass an FAA safety review before they can fly. Types without a civil type certificate, including WWII heavy bombers, are certificated Experimental Exhibition instead.