Iconic Banks Jet Inspires Restoration Video

BIRMINGHAM AL- In 1961, the Alabama Air National Guard loaned Banks High School a U.S. Air Force F-86D "Sabre", a relic of the Korean War. Painted in school colors of Columbia Blue and Scarlet, the jet became the students pride and mascot. Perched atop and bolted to the roof of the high school building, the Banks Jet epitomized a winning spirit of an athletic program with consecutive 4A state football Championships. 

Banks dominated high school athletics producing top college and NFL football players and successful alumni particularly in its prime during the 1970's, led by Coach Shorty White. In the 1990s, Banks downsized to a middle school for a few years and then closed at the end of 2006.

During the top years, the Banks Jet suffered many assaults from rival teams delightfully painting graffiti and generally disfiguring the beloved mascot. Over time, the canopy was broken and reportedly, the jet sustained a few bullet holes. It stood in dismal condition atop a now abandoned building.

A Banks 1962 graduate, Bucky Wood, would lead alumni efforts to rescue, preserve and restore the jet. After the schools closure in 2007, that fall, the state of Alabama agreed to turn over the iconic jet, still on loan from the USAF, to the Southern Museum of Flight. A combination of volunteers, Daniel Metals, Crane Works and the Museum, lead by Wood, yielded a plan to remove and relocate the jet to the Museum for restoration. In August 2007, after 46 years of Mascot duty, the jet descended via crane to a flat bed trailer and was on the road to a new life.
Finally, on February 2, 2012, it was time for the "new" F-86 not only to debut, but also to move from the restoration hangar, down the street, for exhibition in front of the Museum. The same volunteers who did the restoration would make the plan and move the jet. Careful calculations to navigate turns, numerous telephone poles, a narrow street and gate were made with a scale model. The 37-foot wingspan would make ringing the 38-foot gate opening and telephone pole lined street treacherous.
With Bucky Woods and many of his alumni clan present for the event, the well-prepared volunteers began the move by placing specially made dollies under the landing gear and attaching the tow bar to the tug. More volunteers, Bob Burleson and Jim Cocke from Alabama Casters and Equipment pitched in to help, providing this vital custom made equipment. 

For the next hour, in a series of fits and starts, wingmen carefully guided the jet around the poles with Wayne Novy driving the tug. The plane traveled sideways down the block to the gated display area. Manually pulling the plane through the gate with only inches to spare, it arrived in perfect condition to dedicated alumni cheers. Next, the tail portion was lifted and bolted in place. After 51 years, the former pride of Banks High School has come full circle, back to a proud military F-86.

Alumni Larry Camp is leading the project for a Banks Jet monument planned adjacent to the F-86, according the Griffin. A design by Gary Nash of FormWorks will include twin pillars, one will record the jets history as a Banks Mascot and the other the as USAF Military history. A dedication ceremony is planned in late spring.
-B Meyer, For More See GALLERY