U.S. Navy T-34C Turbo Mentor Becoming a Rare Sight as Replacement Looms

By Carmelo Turdo

The U.S. Navy T-34C Turbo Mentor, once the mainstay of primary pilot training wings, is rapidly disappearing from first-line service as the T-6B Texan II takes over this role.  Two T-34Cs from TAW-4, based at NAS Corpus Christi, TX,  stopped in at St. Louis Downtown Airport in May, and another in mid-July.  TAW-4's transition to the T-6B should take place between 2012 and 2014.  Three T-34C's, one from TAW-4 and two from TAW-5 were painted in Centennial of Naval Aviation colors representing the Navy, Marines and Coast Guard.  As these aircraft are retired, some will go to museums, but most will be destroyed rather than become available on the civilian market due to age and fatigue life issues.  Here a some views of the T-34C at St. Louis Downtown Airport July 15: