California ON
Fuselage from Famous California One Available from Pilot Who Flew Plane
Massive piece of airline “skin” listed on eBay for $7,000
Cut from retired Boeing 737 Aircraft N609SW, also known as California One, a piece of aviation history is now available from a man who flew the plane himself. Lance Lockhart, Captain with Southwest Airlines and owner of Wyldebyrd Art secured purchase of the fuselage of this iconic aircraft and is making this piece featuring the famous bear’s claw, available to aviation enthusiasts.
Listed on ebay.com at the “Buy it Now” price of $7,000, it is the only section like this in the world. After the plane was retired in 2017, this 83 by 77 foot piece was removed, along with several other sections, and taken to Lockhart’s workshop in Mesa, Ariz.
“As much as I enjoy flying these planes, I get a thrill out of turning them into pieces of art that live on forever,” said Lance Lockhart, owner of Wyldebyrd Art and Southwest Airlines Captain. “There’s no other working pilot doing what I’m doing. You cannot get these pieces anywhere else.”
Lockhart is also taking other sections of California One fuselage and making smaller, more affordable pieces. One window sells for $609 – a nod to the aircraft’s tail number. He will also make hundreds of smaller pieces into luggage tags or key chains. Those are available for around $25.
“Flying is an important part of many people’s lives,” explained Lockhart. “My artwork connects people to memorable experiences. It’s my goal to make it affordable to anyone – which is why pieces of California One are available from $25 to $7,000.”
Lockhart also lists sections of other recently decommissioned aircraft for sale, including 747s. He has one of the largest airplane propeller collections and offers other items from the airline industry like drink carts, turbines, and noses. His pieces are found in homes and offices across the country – impressive décor items and conversation starters.
According to Southwest Air Community, California One was unveiled on Aug. 11, 1995, as a $30 million tribute to the Golden State. It flew its final day of service in Feb., 2017.
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