About the CAF Red Tail Project

The CAF Red Tail Project is dedicated to telling the story of the Tuskegee Airmen, the World War II fighter group composed of African-American pilots and support personnel who fought discrimination and prejudice in order to serve their country.

Their remarkable story of vision, hope, hard work and discipline proved that individuals can accomplish the remarkable, regardless the obstacles, and remains as relevant today as it did sixty years ago.

The CAF Red Tail Project, part of the Commemorative Air Force, was founded to keep spreading that message and exposing people to the extraordinary gentlemen who set such an inspirational example. Through the restoration of a P-51C Mustang christened “Tuskegee Airmen” the project did just what project leader Don Hinz had dreamed – “Inspire youth and tell the story of the Tuskegee Airmen all across America” – as the airplane became a major draw for people at air shows and other venues.

In the four years that the “Tuskegee Airmen” flew it generated tremendous media attention, creating an estimated 40 million exposures for the compelling story of the Tuskegee Airmen.  Then, on Memorial Day Weekend 2004 an engine failure caused an accident that cost Don Hinz his life and seriously damaged the plane.

In memorializing Don’s accomplishments and dedication to the CAF Red Tail Project,
Brian Smith, then president of Tuskegee Airmen International (TAI), said, “In four years, Don Hinz and the CAF Red Tail Project did more to tell the story of the Tuskegee Airmen than our organization has done in all the years since World War Two.”

The CAF Red Tail Project did not end when Don died. The CAF Red Tail Project has embarked on an ambitious effort to raise the funds necessary to finish the airplane restoration and complete the traveling museum so that they can work together to tell the Tuskegee Airmen’s story for years to come.

Seeding dreams and inspiring passion is rewarding work.

The challenge is that it is expensive.

We need your help.

Whether you can help tell the story through your contacts or make a direct financial contribution (or both), every effort is appreciated. All funds raised by the CAF Red Tail Project will help support the educational program and continue the restoration of the red tail Mustang. All donations are tax-deductible.
Merchandise is available at our e-store.

Our Mission

The CAF Red Tail Project is a non-profit organization whose mission is to tell the inspiring story of America's first black fighter pilots, the Tuskegee Airmen. How these individuals overcame adversity and fought for victory at home and abroad during World War II is an important chapter in our nation's history.
Read our full Mission