In our latest episode of Behind the Scope, we had the honor of speaking with Michael Kellner—a man on a mission not just to restore a plane, but to revive a piece of history.

Michael is the driving force behind the restoration of the Desert Rat, a B-17E Flying Fortress discovered in a scrapyard in Maine. Most would have written it off as beyond saving. Mike didn’t. He saw not rust and ruin, but legacy and potential. Now, piece by piece, rivet by rivet, he’s working to bring this incredible aircraft back to life and into the sky.

It’s a monumental effort fueled by passion, grit, and community support—and that’s where you come in.
If you were inspired by Mike’s story on the podcast, please consider supporting his restoration project. Every donation helps preserve this historic bomber and the memory of those who once flew in it.

Let’s help lift the Desert Rat off the ground—together.

Click below to the B-17E’s Donation Site or by contacting Mike directly to learn how you can help.
Scroll down to see the restoration in action—photos from the Desert Rat project are featured in the gallery below.