Vintage Airplane - Nov 1991

STRAIGHT & LEVEL

Here's a Contemporary Class treat - the 1958 Cessna 180 on Edo 2870 floats that the

Gaylord Flying Club of Elmira, MI brought to Brennand's Seaplane Base during EAA

Oshkosh '88.

by Espie "Butch" Joyce

Antique/Classic Chapter 3 held its fall fly-in at Camden, South Carolina this past October. They had a good turnout on Friday afternoon, but the weather moved in Friday night and kept a good number of people away until the following afternoon. A/C Chapter 3 decided to park our new Antique/Clas­ sic category, the Contemporary Class, with the other show planes. This was very well received by everyone. I was surprised at the number of these aircraft that have been restored by their owners. Two examples come to mind - the first is a 1957 Piper Super Cub. This restoration was outstanding and in my opinion, grand champion material. Also, there was a 1958 PA-22 that had been converted to the tail wheel con­ figuration . This PA-22 had been rebuilt with loving care, and its looks reflected this pride. To me this conftrms that this era of aircraft, 1956 through 1960, is also loved by aviation people and will be preserved for the future. I am excited about having these new aircraft park in our show plane area during EAA Osh­ 2 NOVEMBER 1991

kosh '92. I think you, too, will fmd the interest in these aircraft to be new and exciting. On October 11th, after work, on friend Tom Collier's invitation, I flew down to Atlanta, Georgia and landed at Henry County Airport (better known to some as Bear Creek Airport). Tom is a well­ known aerobatic pilot and now runs Eagle Aviation, and is both a Pitts and Husky dealer. The event was the first annual Wings and Wheels Motor­ Faire, sponsored by the Atlanta Motor Speedway. Inside the speedway we found anti­ que, classic, muscle, street rods and specialty cars. Also, there were antique tractors, one lung engines and other items of interest. The airport is about a two mile walk from the speedway and along this walkway is where the aircraft were parked. The turnout of antique and classic aircraft was not that great, however. The main reason for the low turnout was that the word had not gotten out to the aviation public. There was an air show Friday, two shows on Saturday and one show on Sunday. I was glad to see the aircraft receive the exposure to the general

public. Quite a number of the car buffs were surprised at the workmanship dis­ played on the restored aircraft. This type of exposure can only benefit our movement. This event has a lot of potential - it will be interesting to see how it develops next year. As you are aware, the Antique/Clas­ sic Division has taken a special interest in the Pioneer Airport located behind the EAA Air Adventure Museum in Oshkosh. This year's operations are now over. There was quite a bit of activity each weekend. A special thanks needs to go out to Jeannie and Dick Hill for their untiring devotion to the operation of the Ford Tri-Motor at Pioneer Airport. You can't imagine the amount of love and time these two An­ tique/Classic devotees put in this past summer season. Thanks, Jeannie and Dick!! I would like to wish everyone a happy and safe Holiday Season. I'll talk to everyone again after the first ofthe year. Remember, we are better together. Let's all pull in the same direction for the good of aviation. Join us and you have it all.

PUBLICATION STAFF PUBLISHER Tom Poberezny VICE-PRESIDENT MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

Dick MaH

EDITOR

Henry G. Frautschy

November 1991 •

MANAGING EDITOR

Golda Cox

Copyright © 1991 by the EAA Antique/Classic Division, Inc. All rig hts reserved.

ART DIRECTOR

Mike Drucks

ADVERTISING

Mary Jones

ASSOCIATE EDITORS

Norman Petersen Dick Cavin

FEATURE WRITERS

George A. Hardie, Jr. Dennis Parks

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Isabelle Wiske STAFF PHOTOGRAPHERS

Jim Koepnick Carl Schuppel

Mike Stelneke

EAA ANTIQUE/CLASSIC

DIVISION , INC.

OFFICERS

President Espie "Butch " Joyce 604 Highway St. Madison. NC 27025 919/427-0216

Vice-President Arthur R. Morgan 3744 North 51 st Blvd. Milwaukee, WI 53216 414/442-3631

Secretary Steven C. Nesse 2009 Highland Ave. Albert Lea , MN 56007 507/373-1674

Treasurer

E.E. " Buck" Hilber!

P.O . Box 424

Union, IL 60180

815/923-4591

DIRECTORS Rober! C. " Bob" Brauer John Berendt 9345 S. Hoyne 7645 Echo Point Rd. Chicago, IL 60620 Cannon Falls, MN 55009 507/263-2414 312/779-2105 Gene Chase 2159 Carlton Rd. Oshkosh, WI 54904 414/231-5002

John S. Copeland P.O. Box 1035 Westborough, MA 01581 508/836-1911

Philip Coulson 28415 Springbrook Dr. Lawton, MI 49065 616/624-6490

George Daubner

2448 Lough Lane

Hartford, WI 53027

414/673-5885

Charles Harris 3933 South Peoria P.O. Box 904038 Tulsa , OK 74105 918/742-7311

Stan Gomoll

1042 90th Lane, NE

Minneapolis, MN 55434 612/784-1172

Dale A. Gustafson 7724 Shady Hill Drive Indianapolis, IN 46278 317/293-4430

Jeannie Hill

P.O. Box 328

Harvard, IL 60033

815/943-7205

Robert D. " Bob" Lumley Robert Lickteig 1265 South 124th St. 1708 Bay Oaks Drive Brookfield, WI 53005 Albert Lea . MN 56007 414/782-2633 507/373-2922 Gene Morris 115C Steve Court, R.R.2 Roanoke, TX 76262 817/491-9ll0

George S. York 181 Sloboda Ave. Mansfield, OH 44906 419/529-4378

S.H. " Wes" Schmid 2359 Lefeber Avenue Wauwatosa, WI 53213 414/77 1-1545

DIRECTOR EMERITUS S.J. WiHman

7200 S.E. 85th Lane

Ocala, FL 32672

904/245-7768

ADVISORS John A. Fogerty 479 Highway 65 Roberts, WI 54023 715/425-2455

Jimmy Rollison 823 Carrion Circle Winters, CA 95694-1665

Dean Richardson 6701 Colony Drive Madison, WI 53717 608/833-1291

1521 E. MacGregor Dr. New Haven, IN 46774 219/493-4724

9161795-4334 Geoff Robison

VoL 19, No. 11

Contents 2 Straight & Level/by Espie "Butch" Joyce 4 Aeromail 5

Ale News/compiled by H.G. Frautschy Page 13

6 Vinta ge Literature/by Dennis Parks 10 Biplane Expo ' 91/by H.G. Frautschy

13 EAA Oshkosh ' 91 - Antiquel Classic People/bY H.G. Frautschy 16 The Cessna 170 - A Family Flying Machine/by H.G. Frautschy Page 16

20 What Our Member s Are Restoring by Norm Petersen 23 Pass It To Buck/by E.E. "Buck" Hilbert 28 Welcome New Members 29 Vinta ge Trader

32 Mystery Plane/by George Hardie

Page 20

FRONT COVER . .. The classic lines of Vic and Paula Booth's 1952 Cessna 170B sparkle over the phosphate mines south of Lakeland, Florida during Sun 'n Fun '91. Photo by Jim Koepnick , shot with a Canon EOS-l with a 80-200 lens. 1/25Oth sec. at f5.6 using Kodachrome 64. Photo plane flown by Bruce Moore. BACK COVER ... Warbirds Director John Ellis flies the new restora­ tion by Kal-Aero, the 5-AT Ford Trimotor, S/N-58, with markings to represent a 1929 U.S. Army C-4A of the 60th Service Squadron. Photo by Jim Koepnick, shot with Canon EOS-l with 80-200 lens. I/SOOth sec. at f5.6 using Kodachrome 64. Cherokee 6 photo plane flown by Buck Hilbert. The words EAA, ULTRALIGHT, FLY WITH THE FIRST TEAM, SPORT AVIATION, and the logos of EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION INC., EAA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION, EAA ANTIQUEjCLASSIC DIVISION INC., INTERNATIONALAEROBATIC CLUB INC., WARBIRDSOF AMERICA INC. are registered trademarks. THE EAA SKY SHOPPE and logos of the EAA AVIATION FOUNDATION INC. and EAA ULTRALIGHT CONVENTION are trademarks of the above associations and their use by any person other than the above associations is strictly prohibited. Editorial Policy: Readers are encouraged to submit stories and phOtographs. Policy opinions expressed in artides are solely those of the authors. Responsibility for aocuracy in repor1ing rests entirely with the contributor. Matenal should be sent to: Editor, The VINTAGE AIRPLANE, P.O. Box 3086, Oshkosh, WI 549Q3.3086. Phone: 414/426-4800. The VINTAGE AIRPLANE (SSN 0091-(943) is published and owned exdusively by EAA Antique/Classic Division, Inc. of the Experimental Aircraf1 Assadation, Inc. and is published monthly at EAA Aviation Center, P.O. Box 3086, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3086. Second Class Postage paid at Oshkosh, WI 54901 and additional mailingofftees.The membership rate for EAA Antique/Classic Division, Inc. is $20.00 for current EAA members for 12 month penoo 01 which $12.00 is for the publication 01 The VINTAGE AIRPLANE. Membership is open to all who are interested in aviation. ADVERTISING· Antique/Classic Division does not guarantee or endorse any product offered through our adverti~ng. We invite constructive cnticism and welcome any report of interior merchandise obtained through our advertising so that corrective measures can be taken. POSTMASTER: Send address cnanges to EAAAntique/Classic Division, Inc. p.o. Box 3086, Oshkosh, WI 54903·3086.

VINTAGE AIRPLANE 3

MAIL A sister ship to the NC-4, this is the Curtiss flying boat NC-9 .

..

.

NC-4NOTES Dear Editor, As a P.S. to the excellent article on the NC-4 in the August issue by member Edward Williams, I thought that you and other members might like to know that the "original" NC-4 is on display here in Pensacola at the National Museum of Naval Aviation. It is quite something to stand under­ neath the huge wings of the NC-4 and look up at the open cockpit and think of crossing the Atlantic in this aircraft. Actually it is only one of about 100 aircraft on public display at the recently expanded museum for Naval, Marine 4 NOVEMBER 1991

and Coast Guard aircraft. Aircraft dis­ played cover all periods from a Curtiss of 1911 vintage and all decades thru to the present with a F-14 Tomcat. Many aircraft of the' lOs, '20s, '30s and'40s are represented in the collection. I am thoroughly enjoying each issue of Vintage Airplane. I have been par­ ticularly pleased with the series done by Dennis Parks on the National Air Races. Keep up the excellent work. Sincerely, Len Murnbower, AlC 14597 Pensacola, FL Dear Editor, My copy of VIA arrived about an

hour ago (August 1991 copy). Immedi­ ately started cover-to-cover. When I read the Edward D. Williams article on the Navy NC-4, I had to stop and write this letter. Some 10 or 12 years ago, visiting the Air Museum at Pensacola NAS, I saw an airplane I didn't know still existed ­ Good Old NC-4. Visually, at least, she looks as if you could set her in the water, and fly her right now . I've enjoyed the '90 and '91 shows as a crew member of our 1940 Continental DC-3 . Keep up the good work. Sincerely, R. S. (Chic) Sale Pasadena, TX ....

compiled by H.G. Frautschy

PERC IV AL MEW GULL WRECKED The Percival Mew Gull, flown by Alex Henshaw on his record-setting flight from England to South Africa and back, has been destroyed for the second time. The Percival was rebuilt for the second time after a 1985 crash in which the aircraft was severely damaged. Ac­ cording to details published in the Sep­ tember issue of Aeroplane Monthly, this last accident occurred on July 17, with owner Desmond Penrose at the controls. An engine failure in flight required a forced landing in a field of barley. After brushing a hedge and passing under a telephone cable, Penrose was able to make a smooth touchdown with the Mew Gull, but the barley fouled the wheels in the tight wheel pants and the aircraft tumbled, coming to rest in­ verted. Penrose was not injured, save for a few scrapes and bruises, but it appears the Mew Gull is a total loss. MENASCO AEROSPACE A familiar name to antique airplane enthusiasts, Menasco, the maker of the famous "Buccaneer" and "Super Buc­ caneer" inverted inline engines of the 1930's and '40's, is still very much in business, though it has not produced engines for decades. Menasco turned to the aerospace components business, and has been quite successful. Recently, they received a contract for the produc­ tion of the main landing gear for the Fokker 100 twinjet. The component business is very good ... this contract is valued at over $50 million dollars.

RAY BROOKS 1894 - 1991 Aviator Ray Brooks, the last remain­ ing WWI ace, has "gone west", to join with his long departed World War I flying buddies who did not survive "the war to end all wars". Ray was 97 at his passing, having lived, by all accounts, a wonderful life full of aviation history. A pilot with the Lafayette Escadrille, Ray flew his Spad, No. 20, "Smith IV" with the 22nd Pursuit Squadron, the "Shooting Stars". With six victories to his credit, Ray was an ace of the first World War. When orders came requir­ ing two airplanes be sent back to the States for a Treasury Dept. bond tour, Ray resisted, but when told in no uncer­ tain terms "You have your orders!", he complied, and sent two planes from the 22nd Pursuit Squadron. One of them was his own aircraft, 'Smith IV', a SPAD vrn. That same aircraft has been restored by the staff at the

Smithsonian's Paul Garber Facility, and will be featured in the WW I gallery, scheduled to be reopened this month. A viation was a common thread throughout Ray's life, as he attended numerous aviation events and airshows, including EAA Oshkosh. He was a member of the QBs, The OX-5 Pioneers, the World War I Overseas Flyers, American Fighter Aces Associa­ tion, and in 1980 he was inducted into the New Jersey Aviation Hall of Fame. One of the highlights of EAA Oshkosh '89 was Ray's reminiscences with the owners of the Curtiss Jennies that came to Oshkosh that year. Antique/Classic Board member Jeannie Hill, a friend of Ray's in his later years, said of his pass­ ing "What more could you ask for? To live a long, wonderful, full life, and then to quieti y , graduate'." What more could you ask for, indeed. ..... VINTAGE AIRPLANE 5

()ennis Vark.s~ IAA. LibrarY/Archives ()irect()r b~

A happy Steve Wittman displays the James J. Davis Cup (donated by the Loyal Order of the Moose!) after winning the 397 cu. in. race at the 1937 National Air Races.

THE NATIONAL AIR RACES THE GOLDEN AGE (Pt. 10)

1937 The 1936 races had seen record set­ ting racing. Records were broken in qualifying races and the Greve Race. Also, the Thompson Trophy had its best speed since 1932. However, the records were set by Michael Detroyat from France. The question, as put on the Oc­ tober 1937 cover ofFLYING ACES was "Can our Speedsters Beat Detroyat?" Well in 1937, the American speedsters didn't have to face Detroyat, but they did provide very fast equipment and provided some of the best competition ever.

CYCALDWELL In the October 1937 AERO DIGEST's acerbic gadfly, Cy Caldwell, compared the National Air Races to a circus. "Henderson Brothers' & Barnum & Bailey's World's Greatest Air Show played Cleveland over Labor Day week-end. Although the Hendersons are the last surviving members of those grand old circus families, the ghost of P.T. Barnum hovered over the stands as 6 NOVEMBER 1991

usual, while back in the treasurer's of­ fice the commercial spirit of James A. Bailey watched the shekels roll in. "Ringmaster Jack Story cracked his whip as the performers went through their acts, while the raucous bellows of the soda-pop, near beer, and hot dog vendors made the welkin ring. After four days the welkin over Cleveland was tattered and tom, and Pop Cleveland's ears had extra dents in them. "Bigger, better, and more MONOTONOUS than ever - that's how the good old Henderson one-ring air circus looked this year. It also, like all circuses, in or out of a tent, seemed like all the other circuses I've been watching since I was a boy. The only changes are the names of some of the performers ­ the acts seldom vary. Same old loops, rolls, and spins. Same old dashing around the same old pylons at very near­ ly the same old speeds; same old Army and Navy maneuvers; a new Army stunt trio, but just about the same old stunts with an added frill here and there." PRIV ATE AVIATION On the other hand, SPORTSMAN PILOT in its September 15, 1937 article

"Private Aviation and the National Air Races" held a more positive view of the races as they related to private aviation. "The annual aerial pageantry and racing that are the National Air Races have never been considered affairs of special concern to those in private avia­ tion beyond the natural interest in any­ thing aeronautical from the spectator's point of view. In various National Air Race programs, efforts have been made to include sportsman pilot competition in a special category, but the idea never took hold. "As an indication of the status that private flying is enjoying in the aviation picture as a whole, it is to be noted that some of the most outstanding performan­ ces of the 1937 "classic" were turned in by persons and equipment that definitely belong in the private aviation category. "Contrary to the rather established idea that the National Air Races were the special domain of the military and a rather limited group of racing pilots drawn from the commercial ranks, this year's events demonstrated that times have changed. "Frank W. Fuller, for instance, a simon-pure sportsman pilot from San Francisco, out-flew all comers to win the Bendix transcontinental race and set records for the hop from Los Angeles to Cleveland and to New York in this an­ nual event. Flying his own Twin-Wasp Seversky Executive, he competed against a smart field of experienced racing pilots and one woman pilot. "We are rather inclined, also, to in­ clude Rudy Kling, winner of the Louis W. Greve and the climatic Thompson Trophy race, in the private aviation category. While it may be said that Kling belongs in the ranks of the profes­ sional racing pilots, we cannot overlook the fact that he does not earn his livelihood by aviation (he's in the automobile busi­ ness in Lemont, Illinois), or that flying a Menasco-powered Folkerts racing plane rather than one of the more conventional craft does not make him a professional in the strict sense of the word. Racing is his hobby, a very well-paying hobby this year."

BENDIX TROPHY The 1937 Bendix had its biggest field in its six year history with 15 pilots applying to enter the event. Unfor­ tunately foul weather across the country delayed several aircraft. Among those not able to make the start in Burbank were Capt. Alexander Papana of Rumania with his trimotor Bellanca 28-92 built for a flight to his country. It was powered by a V-12 Ranger in the nose and two Menasco engines in the wings. Another entry to miss the start was the old Wedell-Williams No. 92 which Jimmy Haizlip had flown in victory in 1932. Owned now by Jack Wright of Utica, New York, it still held the Bendix record of 245 mph. However, the pilot, Arthur Davis, nosed the aircraft over at Cleveland on the way to Burbank. Roscoe Turner was again a non­ starter in the Bendix for the second year in a row. His new Meteor racer had a hole blown in its side when a gas tank exploded while being worked on in Bur­ bank. Turner's old Wedell-Williams No. 57, having been rebuilt from the previous year's crash, was to be flown in the 1937 Bendix by Lt. Joe Mackey . Besides Mackey, there were six other starters for the Bendix. As during the previous year, most of the aircraft were factory built. The only other pure racer to start was Earl Ortman in the revised Rider R-3 now known as the Marcoux­ Bromberg Special. For 1937 there was also a cabin monoplane known as the Sundorph Special. This high-wing cabin aircraft, powered by a 285 hp Wright J-5, was built by Eiler Sundorph, a Cleveland auto manufacturer. Two of the aircraft were commercial versions of the Seversky P-35 fighter flown by Frank Fuller, a California sportsman pilot and Frank Sinclair, the Seversky factory chief test pilot. Both of these aircraft were powered by the Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp, the same engine as in Turner's Meteor. The largest aircraft in the Bendix com­ petition was a twin-engine Lockheed Electra Junior flown by Milo Burcham, an ex-stunt flyer who held the world's record for flying upside down - 4 hours 5 minutes. The remaining two craft were Beech Staggerwing biplanes such as had won the 1936 Bendix. Jackie Cochran, the sole female entrant flew a D-17W powered by a 600 hp Wasp engine. She had flown it to a world speed record for women that summer at a speed of203.895 mph. The other Beech was flown by

The Wedell-Williams 92, now owned by Jack Wright of Utica, New York, was nosed over by Art Davis on the way to the Bendix start.

RM 899

Rudy Kling and the new Folkerts SK-3 was the winning combination for the Greve and Thompson Trophies.

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~~------------------------------------------------------~~ Earl Ortman flew his Keith-Rider R-3, now with a twin-row Wasp, to second in the Bendix and Thompson.

Robert Perlich of Glendale, California. He had enough extra gasoline tanks in his plane for him to fly non-stop to Cleveland. Unfortunately, his over­ loaded plane collapsed the landing gear on the takeoff attempt.

THOMPSON TROPHY Nine racers participated in the 1937 edi­ tion of the Thompson Trophy Race. Frank

Sinclair and Ray Moore flew the civil versions of the Seversky fighters both powered by 1,000 hp Wasp engines as was Roscoe Turner's Laird-Turner racer the "Meteor" which had been repaired from its accident in Burbank. Turner's old Wedell-Williams 57 was flown by Joe Mackey and Earl Ortman was in the Keith Rider R-3 rebuilt as the VINTAGE AIRPLANE 7

Keith Rider R-4 reworked by Bill Schoenfeldt at the "Firecrack­ er" was flown by Gus Gotch in the Greve and Thompson.

Frank Fuller in the civilian version ofthe Seversky P-35 won the Bendix Trophy at 258 mph, breaking the 1932 record of Jimmy Haizlip.

The Sundorph Special was built and flown by Eiler Sundorph. He placed sixth in the Bendix.

This Bellanca tri-motor built for Alex Pappana of Rumania was the most unusual plane intended for the Bendix but was a non-starter.

The Wittman 0-12 Special "Bonzo" was the fastest plane at the races and led the Thompson for 17 laps.

Frank Sinclair flew the two-seat Seversky to fourth in the Bendix and the Thompson.

Marcoux-Bromberg Racer. C. H. Gotch flew the Keith Rider R-4 now known as the Schoenfeldt "Firecracker" and Rudy Kling entered his Folkerts SK-3. Both of these racers were powered by six cylinder Menasco engines. Marion McKeen, now the owner of the Brown B-2, was another Menasco powered entry. The remaining entry was Steve Wit­ tman with his Curtiss D-12 powered racer "Bonzo". Much to everybody's chagrin, the combination set the highest speed in qualifying at 259 mph .

THE RACE The 1937 race was probably the most thrilling in the history of the National Air Races with close competitors fight­ ing every inch of the way for 200 miles, ending with the closest finish ever. S NOVEMBER 1991

Cy Caldwell in the October 1937 issue of AERO DIGEST gave the fol­ lowing report on the race. "The one surprise came in the Thompson Trophy Race. For 19 laps a thundering herd of powerful Clydes­ dales had been galloping around the track, followed by a small Shetland pony (Folkerts SK-3 Firecracker) rid­ den by Rudy Kling, who passed almost unnoticed, time after time. "In fact, as the heavily muscled Clydesdales gallumphed past the stands, it was the opinion of 9944/100 percent of the spectators that Kling and his little Shetland had been lapped at least once and maybe twice by the more elephantine contenders, who went snorting and puffing past like steam rollers full of dynamite. I think now that

it was the terrific uproar of these larger entries that made all of us but the effi­ cient timers overlook Kling. "In the lead for 17 laps had been Steve 'Oshkosh' Wittman in his Witt­ man Special with Vitamin D-12 oats supplied by Curtiss. He almost ran out of oats and picked up an oil leak in the 17th lap, which permitted Colonel Ros­ coe Turner to forge ahead of him in his Laird-Turner Meteor. "That unfortunate Meteor performed the most startling maneuver I've ever seen a meteor attempt. With the race about sewed up, the Great Roscoe, in the 18th lap, thought that he had cut inside No.2 pylon, though he hadn't. Divert­ ing the surging Meteor from its wide circular sweep to victory, Roscoe turned in his tracks and circled the pylon again,

Just prior to the start of the 1937 Bendix, Roscoe Turner's Laird-Turner "Meteor" developed a fuel leak in the fuselage mounted tank. While at­ tempting a repair on the tank, a welder's torch ignited gas fumes. The resulting explosion knocked Turner out of the race when it damaged the tank and surrounding structure. This photo was taken just moments atter the explosion at the Bur­ bank, CA airport.

pennitting Earl Ortman to lead. "I don't know what we're going to do for Roscoe - those BENDIX pylons are too small for him. He cut one at Los Angeles in an earlier Thompson Trophy Race when victory was within sight. Pylons are his nemesis. He's like an old hunting dog I had when I was a boy. This dog was in the habit ofpausing and circling around a certain tree - for reasons of his own. One day he was chasing a rabbit, and the rabbit passed that tree. Well, what does that dog do but charge around that tree, and pause, briefly. Naturally, the rabbit got away, just as the Thompson Trophy got away from Roscoe. "I think in the future we'll have to bring over the Eiffel Tower and put it up as No. 2 pylon, import the Leaning Tower ofPisa for No.3, borrow the Empire State Build­ ing for No. 4, and have Charlie Parker standing at the finish line - Charlies got so big and fat that even Roscoe couldn't miss seeing him. "Poor Roscoe's ring-around-the-rosy made a gift of the Thompson Trophy to Earl Ortman in his Keith Rider with Pratt & Whitney Twin Wasp Jr. - it's getting too involved to keep up that chariot race gag I started with. Ortman, in a generous mood, apparently, didn't want to be outdone in magnanimity (there's one for you!) by Roscoe, so he passed the Thompson Trophy along to Kling, who as I mentioned before hardly anyone knew was in the race, except as a rear-vision spectator in his little Kling

Racer with his fine Menasco engine. "Ortman came coasting down the home stretch, not even troubling to pour any extra steam into the boiler, when from behind and above him came Rudy Kling suddenly surging down and ahead, passing the finish line some 36 feet ahead of the generous and un­ troubled Ortman." Rudy Kling's winning speed was 256.910 mph and Ortman's speed 256.858 mph. A winning margin of 0.052 mph.

STEVE WITTMAN The 1937 National Air Races was an outstanding year for Steve Wittman. Piloting two aircraft, the Menasco powered Chief Oshkosh and the Curtiss V -12 powered Bonzo, he took four firsts, one second and finished fifth in another. With Chief Oshkosh, Steve took fIrsts in the 397 Cu. In. Qualifying Race, the Louis W . Greve Qualifying Race and the 397 Cu. In. Feature Race. He also finished a very close second in the Greve Race. With Bonzo he won the Thompson Qualifying Race and finished fifth in the Thompson Trophy Race. Bonzo was to astonish everybody at the races when it ran a trial lap of 275 mph in practice, making it the fastest aircraft at the 1937 National Air Races. During the Thompson Qualifying Race Wittman's homebuilt racer with an an­ cient 12 cylinder Curtiss D-12 engine bested all the racers including Roscoe

Turner's new 1,200 hp Twin Wasp powered Meteor, the most powerful pre-war Thompson racer. Though his speed of259.108 miles per hour, though not as fast as Michael Detroyal's record pace of 1936, it was 11 mph faster than Earl Ortman's second place finish in that year. The October 1937 issue of AERO DIGEST took notice of Wittman's fast speed in Bonzo, "He (Wittman) had done 275 with an old engine in a peculiar ship of his own design which apparently violates every rule for a speed design laid down by the experts. "The wings are square, with no more fmeness ratio than a Mack Truck. But the thing goes, with a fixed undercar­ riage hanging down and the external bracing wires supporting the wings and battling the air currents. The fuselage is a sort of elongated box and the autumn breezes must eddy around it where the wings butt into the fuselage. "But it flies, and did go 275 mph. Why? That's what the National Ad­ visory Committee should find out, at their own expense, in the wind tunnel at Langley Field. Wittman has no $5,000 to pay for tests - and wouldn't spend it if he had it. But here's a country boy, building a home-made airplane ­ which is wrong by every slide rule of the 'scientists' - and it goes faster than any of the slicker and faster looking jobs."

.....

VINTAGE AIRPLANE 9

Jim Warren's gor­ geous Beech Stag­ gerwing 0- 17S, N17SW from Castlerock, CO taxis in as a formation of N3Ns and a Stear­ man pass overhead.

By Charlie Harris, Chairman

National Biplane Association

Photos by Don Browning

The Fifth Annual National Biplane Association Convention and Exposition - "Biplane Expo '91" - was a full blown success! The annual gathering of the largest number of biplanes in the world by number and variety at Bartlesville, OK on May 31-June 1, 1991 was truly a most colorful sight to see. When all the num­ bers were in, 138 biplanes and 188 non­ biplane aircraft had flown to Bartlesville to participate in the annual tribute to the biplane and its tradition. The tone of time seemed to be set a week or so before the Expo started, as the airport and the NBA aircraft operations group laid out the field and cut the long lush grass down to proper parking height. The spring rains had the grass deep and rich and ready to provide a proper showcase setting for the arriving biplanes. And arrive they did! While the show did not formally begin until Friday, May 31, several machines had arrived on Wednesday, May 29; many more arrived on Thursday, May 30 - so many, in fact, that by the end of the day 41 biplanes had landed, tied down, and were ready to greet their first day arrival buddies. The 41 early bird arrivals compared to the three lonely machines that arrived on early bird day in 1987, our flISt effort. 10 NOVEMBER 1991

Meanwhile, the thousand-and-one things that had been planned and replanned for a year were being done. The exhibitors, concessionaires, transportation vehicles and drivers, registration staff, vehicle parking and, indeed, all the many support groups were ready. The high profile national and internationally known air show per­ formers had arrived in their airplanes and added much to the already almost frenzied pace. All seemed in readiness as Friday, May 31, dawned with a high overcast but very flyable sky. Friday saw 77 additional biplanes ar­ rive and even more non-biplanes of every description which, of course, were parked in areas quite removed from the specially manicured biplane parking area. As each biplane arrived and taxied in, it was met by the aircraft parkers and greeters who directed each machine to its particular parking place. It was then also met by a Phillips 66 Company fuel truck that topped off its tank. Fuel to fill each arriving biplane was provided and underwritten by Phil­ lips, who also underwrote the very spe­ cial free Phillips enroute fuel program for all biplanes that attended the Biplane

Expo. This marked the second consecu­ tive year Phillips has so generously recreated the free fuel programs of the late ' 30s in the days of the light plane cavalcades to Florida. Boy, did they come! The parkers had their hands full, but got the job done beautifully. The field filled and it was something to witness. The flaming colors of scores of biplanes was truly something to see! The many featured facets of the convention were function­ ing; the forums, "how to" sessions, type club gatherings as well as registration, ground transportation, tours, etc. were all in high gear as the activities moved on to the evening hangar flight suit party which was at least gala, to say the least! Saturday morning came very early to the crews of the Dawn Patrol aircraft! Arise at 4:00 a.m., briefing at 5: 15 ... first group started engines at 5:50, first group departure in formation at 6:05. Twenty-eight biplane machines lifted off and gave the photographers a field day as they relived the days in France 74 years ago. Saturday had started with a flurry. The Dawn Patrol pilots returned with sweeps over the city and the airport before they landed with a flair and went to breakfast. Saturday was air show day. The auto parking lot was quickly filling as the public made their way into the airport area to see the biplanes, tour the facilities and get ready for the highlight of the day . In the meantime, another 20 biplanes arrived, bringing the all up count to 138. To go with the biplanes, 188 non-biplanes were now on the ground, giving us a total of 326 flying machines to celebrate the joy of sport aviation. The morning had passed, the sun had broken through the now high overcast, the briefing was done. Bill Hare, the remarkably knowledgeable PA announcer passed the microphone to air show announcers Red Kimball and Roscoe Morton as Richard Greenwood left the Stearman high over the field to drop by parachute with the American flag unfurled and landed directly in front of the crowd, thus opening the air show. Vern Dahlman, in the one and only 1932 Curtiss Wright B-14-B Speedwing and the original 1914 Lin­ coln Beachey Little Looper, Frank Price in his glistening white 300 hp polished 3-blade legendary Bucker liingmeister, and Bobby Younkin in father Jim's fabulous 1340 cubic inch 675 hp "Goliath" thrilled the crowd as they flew their air show routines as a benefit

Don Browning's Great Lakes being fueled free by Phillips as he arrived from Florida on May 30th. Don is from Longwood, FL.

Jerry Springer, Collinsville, OK going out to fly in the Parade of Flight in his Championship "Rag Time Rose" Parakeet.

Jack Roehm's Grand Champion Waco UPF-7, N32039 heads for parking atter his arrival from Indiana.

This beautiful cabin Waco YKS-7 is flown by Jack Greiner of Longmount, CO.

Personalities all! (lett to right) Jim Younkin, quiet genius, Springdale, AR, his son, Bobby, airshow pilot deluxe, Lowell, AR, and Frank Price, airshow pilot without peer, Waco, TX.

Pat and Danny Doyle from McKinney, TX landing their N2S-3 Navy Stearman.

of the Biplane Museum. And fly they did, with smoke and fury, to leave an indelible mark in the crowd's memory as they portrayed the era of the barnstormers and their biplanes. It was as if the likes of Len Povey, Jess Bristow, Freddie Lund, et al had returned with all of their big power, flashing propellers, smoke and excitement of the days when biplane air shows WERE aviation to so many millions of spectators. That evening Frank, Vern and Bobby were the first ever inductees into the Biplane Museum Aerobatic Hall of Honor, and were presented plaques to

commemorate the occasion. No finer group of gentlemen exist in the aerobatic community. The biplane award winners were then announced and winners they certainly were. Grand Champion Open Cockpit Biplane - Waco UPF-7, N32039, John Roehm, Clinton, IN. Reserve Grand Champion Open Cockpit Biplane - Stearman PT-17, N5187N, Glen Prey, Broken Arrow, OK. Grand Champion Cabin Biplane ­ Beech D-17S Staggerwing, NC230,

Mike and Vanessa Berger, Tucson, AZ. Reserve Grand Champion Cabin Biplane - Waco ZQC-6, NC2277, John Bowden, Lampassas, TX. Grand Champion Experimental Biplane - Hatz Biplane, N81DE, Denny and Carolyn Elder, Lowell, AR. Reserve Grand Champion Ex­ perimental Biplane - Christen Eagle, N229HP, Benny Davis, Headrick, IA. Longest Distance Flown, Open Cockpit Biplane - Great Lakes, N22LB, Lynn Buchanan, Yakima, W A (1900+ statute miles). Runner-Up Longest Distance, VINTAGE AIRPLANE 11

Bobby Younkin (C) being welcomed into the NBA Aerobatic

Hall of Honor by Expo Director Vergil Gaede (l) while Charlie Harris does the honors at the microphone.

One of the fairly rare Navy N3N's taxiing out to give a ride.

Dr. Tom Dodson of Tulsa, OK owns this example.

Frank Price (R) being welcomed into the National Biplane Association's Aerobatic Hall of Honor by Chairman Charlie Harris.

(lett to right) NBA Director Joe Cunningham, Cookson, OK (who flew around the world in a Cessna 414 this past July, commemorating the Post-Gatty flight of 1931), Frank Price, Waco Texas and Charlie Harris, NBA Chairman and EAA Antique/Classic Director.

Virgil Gaede welcomes Vern Dallman into the NBA Aerobatic Hall of Honor.

This biplane flying really requires skill and stamina! Life should always be so sweet!

Open Cockpit Biplane - Curtiss Wright B-14-B Speedwing, NC12332, Vern Dahlman, Esparta, CA (1800+ statute miles). Robert P. Moore Memorial Trophy - Stearman, N42DB, Don R. Buck, Webb City, MO. Chairman's Award - 1914 Lincoln Beachey Little Looper, N288QB, Vern Dahlman, Esparta, CA. The Fifth Annual was drawing to a close. The next morning, with good­ byes said until next year, the bipes departed and flew off to the four corners 12 NOVEMBER 1991

of the country - to Washington state, California, Arizona, Texas, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, to New England, to Ohio and Pennsylvania, to Illinois and Min­ nesota, to Colorado and all the nearer states. Bartlesville had once again been the biplane capital of the world during the first weekend in June. Again, the largest annual gathering of biplanes by number and variety had graced Frank Phillips airfield. The warmth, friendli­ ness and genuine camaraderie of all the biplane pilots, crews, fans, volunteers

and guests had been so sincerely felt and shared by all. The convention had drawn to a close with all of the depar­ tures, the activities had concluded and were fmalized . It had been a dandy .. . perhaps the finest we had ever had .. . in a word, we had a ball! The Sixth Annual Biplane Expo will be held June 5 and 6, 1992 at Frank Phillips Field in Bartlesville, OK. For more information, call the National Biplane Association at 918/336-EXPO or Charlie Harris, 918-742-7311. See you there! ...

At the Brennands Seaplane base, Bob Ruffini of Troy, MI pauses to say hello while volunteers Jay Yearwood, Shawn Ziebell, Gary Fitch, and George louden (in the boat) look on .

From the first time the Antique/Classic division enjoyed billing as a full-fledged part of EAA during EAA OSHKOSH '73, volunteers have made each Convention a delight to visit. Each member can thank those who come to erect signs, construct buildings, park airplanes, and do many other tasks that need doing, all for nothing more than a patch on their jacket and a hearty "Thank You" from the EAA staff. During the Convention there are a lot of different areas that need attention, and on the next few pages you will meet many of those who came to help. Some have been with us since the beginning, and some of us have recently become active. It really doesn't matter when you joined, though - if you enjoy older aircraft and the people who live with them, you've found the right place! Many other folks come to the EAA Convention for just that - a chance to meet and talk with friends they may not have seen in a year, and to meet new people with an interest in the same airplanes. To all we say THANKS, and we hope to see you all again next year!

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Beard , is interviewed by Director Charlie Harris for the Antique/Classic Interview Circle.

Director Bob Lickteig presents long-time A/C volunteer Marie McCarthy with an award for her service to the division.

AlC Workshop Chairman Dave Broad­

foot irons out the wrinkles. Don't stop that

iron , Dave!

VINTAGE AIRPLANE 13

At the past Grand Champions breakfast, champion rebuilders traded restoration tips. They are: (left to right) , Anthony Mangos, Harold Armstrong, Bill Turner, Sue Packer, Rich Packer, Jr., Richard Packer, Sr., Bill Halverson, Brian and Dave Solvachek, Budd Bachman, Jim Thompson, Charlie Bell, and Buzz Kaplan with his grandson, Josh McLean. Not shown in the picture were Fred Nelson and Clyde Smith, Jr.

At the Shawano Fly-Out, "Ms. Moose" (Heide Sumnicht) greets the Miller family (Brian (6), Jennie (10), and Diana (3») next to the Curtiss Robin of Buzz Kaplan.

Isn't it the truth?! (The Ercoupe belonging to Syd Cohen of Wausau. WI.)

Bill Rose and his Grumman Goose, "lucy", with the cast of characters known as "Rose's Raiders" . 14 NOVEMBER 1991

The prop had barely stopped turning on this Culver Cadet when ABC News took a few moments to interview Gene Hetzel and Diane Kemp from Collinsville, TX. Camera and soundmen stu Goldstein and Ken Slattery, with producer Bert Rudman, covered the Fly-In for ABC.

1991 Antique Judges were: (back row, left to right): Dale Gustafson, (Chairman), Dave Anderson, Mike Shaver, Dave Morrow, Don Coleman, Charlie Bell, Bill Johnson, and in the front row, Xen Motsinger, Gene Morris, Steve Dawson, Dave Clark and Gene Chase.

The Classic Judges for 1991 were (back row, left to right): Bob Hilbert, Chuck Johanson, George LeMay, Frank Moynahan, Jean LeMay, John Womack, Mike Hammer, Jerry Gip­ per, and, in the front row, Deb Hauser, Terry Ladage, Dean Richardson, George York (Chair­ man) and Paul Stephenson.

Our thanks to the Judges for the fine job they did with such a difficult task!

At the Airline tent, the 1000th pilot to sign in, was presented with a plaque. Pictured here from left to right: retired PAA Capt. Robert Pfaff, co-chairman, retired PAA FIE Henry La Velie, retired TWA Capt. Ray Bertles, retired UAL Capt. Donald Toeppen, retired Pan American FIE Dick Cutler of Dublin , PA, Butch Joyce, and retired PAA FIE Robert Crouse.

Past Grand Champion Richard Packer, Sr., enjoys the afternoon airshow from the comfort of his own Stearman wing. VINTAGE AIRPLANE 15

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170

At Sun 'n Fun '91, the 170B shows off the attractive lines that help make it so popular. 16 NOVEMBER 1991

Most post-war vintage airplanes were built as a personal tranportation, many as family planes. As time has passed, those same airplanes have con­ tinued to provide the comfortable cruis­ ing that many people on moderate budgets want. The Cessna 170 certainly fits in this category, and Vic and Paula Booth of Marathon, New York use their four-place Cessna 170B to transport them all over the North American con­ tinent. N8086A is a busy plane, not one that is allowed to sit for too long. Neither is the Cessna 170A that Steve Reeves and his wife Shari purchased from his cousin, Bob Inscoe, a few months prior to Sun 'n Fun '91. With a pair of young children to fill up the back seat, Steve and Shari have just the right combination of speed and utility that they wanted, at a price that would not eat a gaping hole in the family budget. The 170 seems to fit into a lot of families plans, with docile handling characteristics and a Continental C-145 of 145 horsepower that is relati vel y easy

on gas - about 8 to 9 gallons per hour at a cruise speed of 115-118 mph. Originally conceived as a growth ver­ sion of the two-place Cessna 140, the first 170 featured a fabric covered wing that was braced by a pair of V -struts. The first 170's started coming off the production line in Wichita in the spring of 1948. The early 170 even sported a color scheme that was very similar to the 140's markings. But as the four place Cessna became popular, it came into its own. The fabric wing gave way to a metal covered structure braced by a single strut, and the flaps would grow to the same size as those used on the military Cessna, the L-19 "Bird Dog", as well as the sweeping fin used on the L-19 and the 170's more expensive sister, the 195. Balanced controls all the way around and a bit more dihedral helped out the already good handling. All through its life, the 170 would be refined as its popularity soared. Almost 5200 examples of the 170 were manufactured by the time production

A modern set of instruments in an almost original panel. complete with "piano" style switches in the center.

It you have no need for the ashtray. what better way to use the space than the installation of your transponder?

places in - and go they have. By the time we met at Sun 'n Fun '91, they had been to 41 states, five provinces and one territory, and were looking forward to adding more. As soon as they bought the airplane, Vic says they joined The

International 170 Association and have met a lot of nice people along the way while going to their events. Many of the places they have visited were the result of 170 Association events. . Immediately after buying '86A, Vic

ended with the 1957 model. Over 3000 examples of the design still remain in service. When Vic and Paula Booth started flying their Cessna 170 four years ago, they wanted an airplane they could go

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.85 Proud owner Vic Booth of Marathon. New York.

The 1954 Cessna 170B

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'"=;E started working on all the little things he wanted cleaned up, as well as some major items. The engine was removed and majored, and then a STOL kit was installed on the airframe. Leading edge cuffs and stall fences were added, as well as aileron gap seals. Vic is very satisfied with the added stability in the low speed handling of the airplane made possible with the added sheet metal. All the hardware has been replaced as items were worked on, and the control cables are on Vic's list of "honey-do" projects. He has tried to keep the panel as original as he could. The addition of a few

radios fills the lower left portion of the panel. In a clever use of limited space, Vic installed the transponder in the left side windshield sill, just to the left of the pilot's hand as it rests on the yoke. A friend of his from Missouri mentioned it, and it seemed like a good idea, since they really didn't need the ashtray that was originally installed in that location. Vic has been taking advantage of the parts that Cessna still offers for the 170, such as the decals used to identify the flap handle and other instrument panel markings. One incident in particular required a

very complete inspection. During a return trip from Alaska, the Booth's 170 was struck by lightning while on the ground at Detroit City Airport. After the go-ahead from the insurance adjuster, the plane was brought home. The close inspection revealed a damaged prop, en­ gine bearings, tailwheel, left hand main gear bearings. Flying asphalt from the lightning strike also damaged the right elevator, flap and the undersides of both wings. All the steel parts in the airplane were magnetized. Other than the engine work, all the repair work was done by Vic.

an you see on sported this brown and orange configura­ 18 NOVEMBER 1991

USAir crewmembers Shari and Steve Reeves with their Cessna 170A.

The original panel configuration is still popular today with many 170 owners.

Complete with an STC'd outside baggage door, the Reeves Cessna awa family adventure.

The Booth's do not allow the 170 to rest for too terribly long - they fly her an average of 130 hours a year - proving the durability of the Cessna 170 day in and day out! When USAir pilot Steve Reeves desired a 170 for his growing family, he didn't have to look much further than his own bloodline. His cousin, Bob In­ scoe, had a 170A that Steve was enamored with, and when his cousin was willing, he jumped at the chance to own the family four-placer. Bob Inscoe is still attached to the airplane - Steve says he still has his hat with Nl773D emblazoned across the front, and he can't get it away from him! With the plane still in the family, though, Bob can still get his "tailwheel fix" with the 170 when the mood strikes him. Nl773D is equipped with the stand­ ard Continental C-145 engine, with the McCauley Met-L-Prop. A pair of original metal wheel pants, purchased from the late Tom Hull, finish out the details on the Reeve's 170A. The inte­ rior is finished in a pleasant tan head­ liner with red upholstery. The instrument panel maintains the "piano key" switches in the center, and features updated or refurbished instruments. An Apollo loran and Narco Nav-Com round out the avionics. The Reeves have a small family ­ 3-1/2 year old Jessica and her little brother, 1-1/2 year old Justin fill up the aft seats with their car - er, airplane seats, while mom Shari, a Flight Atten­ dant with USAir copilots for Steve. How are the kids taking to the 170? "They both love it. Of course, the three year old tends to fall asleep after about a half an hour, with the engine droning; it's a good sleep machine for her!" was Steve's observation. Sounds like the Reeve's family will be cruising with their Cessna for many years to come. The four-place Cessna is proof posi­ tive that one of the best values in family transportation today can still be found in one of the classics of yesterday - the Cessna 170. . . .

If you would like to learn more about the Cessna 170, con­ tact The International Cessna 170 Association, P.O. Box 1667, Lebanon, MO 65536. For $25.00 a year, you will get 11 issues of their newsletter, "Fly Paper", as well as 4 issues of "The 170 News" magazine. VINTAGE AIRPLANE 19

Paul Simandl's Stinson 108-3 This photo of Paul Sirnandl (EAA 233110, A/C 9181) of Pembine, Wis­ consin, standing in front of his 1947 Stinson 108-3 Station Wagon, was taken by the author on September 8, 1991 at the EAA Chapter 943 Fly-In at New Holstein, WI. The silver grey Stin­ son is pretty much stock except for a full panel including complete avionics. Note the dual venturies on the belly to run the gyros. The Stinson also features a full house smoke system, operated electrically, for those rare moments when one is sorely needed! Paul enjoys the Franklin-powered bird and flies it all over the midwest. John Airulla's Piper J-4A Cub Coupe Nearing completion of a total restora­ tion is this 1939 Piper J-4A Cub Coupe, NC24681, SIN 4-683, owned and re­ stored by John Airulla (EAA 356591) of Marshallville, Ohio. A pre-restoration photo was featured in the February, 1991 issue of VINTAGE AIRPLANE. The Coupe was found in a barn near Findlay, Ohio, where it had been stored for many years. It came complete with a Continental A65-3 engine that fea­ tures upswept exhaust and a set of wooden snow skis. Note the very original paint scheme in red and cream, complete with large wing numbers.

Robert Gustafson's Luscombe 8F This nicely restored 1948 Luscombe 8F, N832B, SIN 6764, features a Con­ tinental C90-12 engine, flaps, King KX­ 155 NavCom, transponder and intercom 20 NOVEMBER 1991

Equipped with wooden wing spars, this "A" model is one of a total of 191 J-4

"Coupes" remaining on the U . S. register.

to go along with the custom Alumigrip paint job and custom interior done in Goderich, Ontario. Robert Gustafson's father, Earl M. Gustafson, a Luscombe dealer, sold the new 8F to a doctor, who

put the plane on its nose. It languished for 30 years in the Gustafson garage until the doctor gave it to Robert, just before he died. Carefully assembling all the parts, the Luscombe was rebuilt to better than new condition with no ex­ pense spared. Robert Gustafson (EAA 355269, AjC 15514) of Auburn Hills, MI, soloed a J-2 Cub when he was only 10 years old, his father being an instruc­ tor and FBO in many Wisconsin cities during the Civil Pilot Training Program ofWW II. (At one time, Earl Gustafson had 17 airplanes with five instructors and numerous mechanics to keep them going.) Robert, of Swedish descent, grew up in aviation surroundings and still enjoys flying his pretty red and white Luscombe 8F, which gathers ad­ miring glances wherever it goes.

1928 Waco 10, NC6513, SIN 1810 A most pleasant surprise at EAA headquarters in Oshkosh was the ar­ rival of Marvin Easter and his lovely wife, Barbara, who stopped by with photos of the latest rebuild project, an OX-5 powered 1928 Waco 10, NC6513, SIN 1810. Marv (EAA 20959, AIC 17322) hails from Colum­ bus, Ohio, and, as check-pilot, flies the Waco out of its home base, Union County Airport in Marysville, Ohio. Restored by a cohesive group of six enthusiasts, the Waco was hauled

home from a storage building near Wer­ ton, WV, where it had languished since 1935-nearly43years! Thegroup,con­ sisting of John Schultz, Gary Potter, Marvin Easter, David Smith, Matthew Harty and Charles Kellenbarger, spent nearly five and a halfyears restoring the old biplane and building up a solid run­ ningOX -5 engine out ofthree "baskets" that came with the project. A genuine Ole Fahlin propeller pulls the old girl along about 70 mph. The covering was done in Ceconiteand butyrate dope with Marv Easter'sson,anauto body man by

trade, doing the beautiful job on the dilapidated OX-5 cowling. New wheels were built from Harley-David­ son front motorcycle wheels using Cessna disc brakes for binders. The brake pedals hang below the rudder bar and are usually operated with the toes. The tail wheel is a steerable but non­ swiveling Scott. With about thirty hours on the Waco, it was flown to the MERFI fly-in at Marion, Ohio and came home with the Grand Champ Antique award! .....

VINTAGE AIRPLANE 21

PASS IT TO

~~1Juck An information exchange column with input from readers.

by Buck Hilbert

(EAA 21, Ale 5)

p, 0, Box 424

Union, IL 60180

Went to Reno. Saw the Races and came home. For a novice like me there was both excitement and boredom. Be­ cause I really didn't understand what was going on the first few days of time trials and heats I was convinced there was more action and excitement watch­ ing the fly-by pattern at Oshkosh. I'm sure Jack and Golda Cox will have much to say about the "Rare Bear" flown by Lyle Shelton, "Strega" flown by "Tiger" Destefani, Tsunami, and the Pond Racer in the pages of SPORT AVIATION. I was there to determine how the Timing is done and how the records are kept. This was for the NAA so that we can use the Air Racing groups numbers to substantiate record claims for the NAA Record Books. Jack Sweeney and his wife Sylvia were my hosts and did their best to clue me in on what was happening. I'm afraid they had a very inept observer on their hands, though, because most of it went by so fast I just couldn't keep pace. It was great to see and talk with some of our EAAers that were participants. EAA was well represented. I was espe­ cially interested in the formula ones, and, of course, the biplanes. These are more my kind of airplanes and I under­ stand them.The T-6's were also of more than passing interest, some of them were downright beautiful! Highly polished, painted in an exciting array of sport and military paint jobs, and tuned to perfection. Thanks to the Sweeney's, I was ad­ mitted to the pits and was able to meet and talk with many of the pilots, meet the owners and listen and learn. I met the N.A.G. (National Air Race Group) people, the N.A.R.A. (National Air Racing Association) folks and the Reno Air Race Officials and was really im­ pressed at how things are done. I took literally hundreds of pictures in the pits, and of the races. Unfortunately, my telephoto lens went west and all you can 22 NOVEMBER 1991

see on most of the race shots is a blurred home pylon with something fuzzy in front of it. I will never be the photog­ rapher our Photo Department would like, but I keep trying. A sad sight was seeing Dave Morss' Lancair shrouded in a blue tarp. Dave was qualifying the Lancair for the un­ limited race when he lost an entire prop blade! It was really fortunate that he was able to get it down because the engine was just totaled! Cracked case and all. Most interesting was the pit main­ tenance facilities. They ranged from fully equipped shops on wheels to the trunk of a rented car. Complete shop facilities to water-pump pliers. And after every "run", it was almost like a game, seeing the crews tear down their airplanes and retune them for the best efficiency possible. There was almost a constant roar of engines being run up checking out the performance. Most of the people in the pit crews were volun­ teers too. I'm amazed at the dedication and "Will to Win" displayed by these people. I walked the line well after dark on Friday night after the Formula 1 and Biplane Awards banquet, and there was the hum of generators and the glow of lights as the crews worked late into the night still tuning up! Also of interest to any sportplane pilot were the Yak 11's that had been re-en­ gined with P&W 1830's, R-2000's, and one with an R-2800. Maybe just a tad smaller than a T-6, these airplanes were absolutely the epitome of a dream sportplane. And their performance put them well into the running! Altogether, the roar of the engines, the buzz of activity, the blaring of the P.A. system and the fervor of the crowds made it all! I'll go back again! I recom­ mend everybody try it and see for him­ self! The past week has been a busy one. Three EAAers, two of them Anti­ que/Classic members, dropped in to

VISIt. All three were driving and all three had the same thoughts and reasons for dropping in. Maybe I'm telling tales out of school, but there was recurrent complaint from each of them, that rever­ berated in my mind for several days now. All three sadly complained as to how Oshkosh is TOO BIG. How the times have changed from the days when Paul greeted them when they arrived at Rockford and how the Board members had time to visit with them and talk airplanes and flying . Not so anymore! The "Hi-archey" is too busy wooing the "hi-up" muckety-mucks and soliciting for donations. There is no "Personal Touch" anymore. The airplane traffic is too much, and none of the three has flown an airplane into OSH in several years because of the traffic. Well, how do you answer this? How do you tell them that you too are ALSO frustrated; that it is TOO big, that there isn't TIME to visit anymore, that the crowded skies ARE for real, and that that's the PRICE of success? I sat here at the kitchen table with each of them and listened. Then I tried to tell them how I felt much the same way. That there was indeed a gap be­ tween the past and the present. That we had all strived to bring aviation to everyone, and in succeeding we had to give a little. I tried to explain how proud I was of our organization and our museum. How important the EAA Aviation Center is to keeping sport avia­ tion alive! How we NEED donations and people to keep the thing going, to provide for the membership and to help continue flying. Each of them went away feeling a little bit better, but still just a bit doubt­ ful that they were still part of EAA. They want to be part of it! They want to be wanted! They save their money all year and take vacation time so they can attend Oshkosh, and they spend a bundle doing it!. Yet they go home

(Above) The racing P-51 "Miss Ashley" belonging to Gary Levitz. (Above) The Pond Racer gets a going over by the ground crew. (Below) " Miss TNT" is flown by Eddie Van Fossen . (Below) Linda Finch, San Antonio, TX taxis in with her T-6.

Yak 18 The "Maniyak" flown by Tom Camp of Hayward, CA.

without the chance to talk with the people they read about and want to talk to. Why? Because most of us are too busy providing for the masses of people that come to Oshkosh! And that in­ eludes them! I wish I could talk to each and every one of you! To try to explain that I too sometimes feel like the last passenger on the train, rurming hard to catch up, fearing that it is all passing me by! But then I look around me. It's then I see the beautiful EAA Aviation Center, with its almost daily meetings and con­

ferences of aviation groups. Groups that represent FAA, state government, medical and legal aviation entities, avia­ tion manufacturers, aircraft designers, all kinds of aviation interests, all com­ ing to OUR, yours and mine, EAA Aviation Center to hash it out and keep sport aviation alive. Then I watch the Museum visitors come in the door! I see the young and the seniors, the wonder in their eyes, the pride in the faces of the EAAers that look for their names on the "brick" wall, and how they strut when they show off

this wonderful facility to their friends and relatives. This makes it all worthwhile. I know the personal touch seems long gone, but look around you! See it! See what has been accomplished because the vast numbers of fellow EAAers like yourself have made it all possible! We, all orus, have made our mark collectively in the aviation world. We have something to show and to leave to future generations. What MORE could you wish for? Over to you, Buck . . . VINTAGE AIRPLANE 23

1991

LISTING TYPE CLUBS/ORGANIZA nONS The following is the Antique/Classic Division 's most current list of type clubs and related organizations. If your group is not listed, please provide us with information which can be included in a future issue of VINTAGE AIRPLANE and it will be added to our follow-up for next year (We'll also list you immediately in A/C NEWS) . The organizations are listed alphabetically by the name most commonly associated with the type, i.e., Beech Staggerwing clubs are listed under "s" and the Western Bonanza Association is listed under "B."

Aeronca Aviator's Club Julie and Joe Dickey 511 Terrace Lake Road Columbus, IN 47201 812/342-6878 Newsletter: 4 issues per subscription Dues: No dues - $16 subscription National Aeronca Association Jim Thompson, President 806 Lockport Road P. O. Box 2219 Terre Haute, IN 47802 812/232-1491 Newsletter: 6 per year Dues: $20 U.S., $30 Canada , $45 Foreign Aeronca Lover's Club Buzz Wagner Box 3,401 1st St. Clark, SD 57225 605/532-3862 Newsletter: Quarterly Dues: $15 per year Aeronca Sedan Club Robert Haley 115 Wendy Court Union City, CA 94587 510/487-3070 Newsletter: 3 per year Dues: $5 per year Artie Tern Newsletter David Neumeister 5630 S. Washington Lansing, MI 48911-4999 517/882-8433 Quarterly Newsletters for AAl, AA5, Arrow, Baron, 310-320, 336-337, Malibu, Musketeer, Norseman, Skip­ 24 NOVEMBER 1991

per, Tomahawk, Varga, Maule Dues: $10 per year each type except Maule which is $20 for 12 issues Bellanca-Champion Club c/o Larry D' Attilo P.O. Box 708 Brookfield, WI 53008-0708 414/784-4544 Newsletter: Quarterly "Bellanca Con­ tact!" Dues: $32 per year (2 yrs./$56), Foreign $37 (2 yrs./ $67, U.S. Funds)

Newsletter: 6 per year Dues: $15 per year U.S. & Canada, $20 per year Foreign Bucker Club, National American Tig e r Club, Inc . (d e­ Havilland) Frank Price, President Rt. 1, Box 419 Moody, TX 76557 817/853-2008 Newsletter: 12 per year Dues: $25 per year

Bird Airplane Club Jeannie Hill P. O. Box 328 Harvard, IL 60033 815/943-7205 Newsletter: 2-3 annually Dues: Postage Donation

Cessna Airmaster Club Gar Williams 9 So. 135 Aero Drive Naperville, IL 60565 708/904-8416 Dues: None International Bird Dog Association (Cessna L-19) Phil Phillips, President 3939 C-8 San Pedro, NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 505/881-7555 Newsletter: Quarterly "Observer" Dues: $25 per year Cessna T -50 Flying Bobcats Jon Larson 3821 53rd Street, S.E. Auburn, W A 98002 206/833-1068 Newsletter: Quarterly Dues: Donation Cessna Pilots Association John Frank, Executive Director Mid-Continent Airport P. o. Box 12948 Wichita, KS 67277 316/946-4777

American Bonanza Society Cliff R. Sones, Administrator P. o. box 12888 Wichita, KS 67277 316/945-6913 Newsletter: Monthly Dues: $35 per year World Beechcraft Society Alden C. Barrios 1436 Muirlands Drive La Jolla, CA 92037 619/459-5901 Magazine Dues: $20 per year Bucker Club John Bergeson, Secretary/Treasurer 6438 W. Millbrook Road Remus, MI 49340 517/561 -2392

Newsletter: Monthly Dues: $30 annually International Cessna 120/140 As­ sociation Bill Rhoades, Editor 6425 Hazelwood Avenue Northfield, MN 55057 602/652-2221 Newsletter: Monthly Dues: $15 U.S. per year West Coast Cessna 120/140 Club Donna Christopherson, Membership 451 Bellwood Drive Santa Clara, CA 95054 408/988-8906 or 554-0474 Newsletter: Bimonthly Dues: $10 per year Cessna 150/152 Club Skip Carden, Executive Director P. O. Box 71018

Durham, NC 27722

919/471-9492

Newsletter: Monthly

Dues: $20 per year

International Cessna 170 Associa­

tion, Inc.

Velvet Fackeldey, Executive Secretary

P. O. Box 1667

Lebannon, MO 65536

417/532-4847

Newsletter: Fly Paper (11 per yer) The

170 News (Quarterly)

Dues: $25 per year

International Cessna 180/185 Club

(Cessna 180-185 Ownership Required)

Howard Landry

P. O. Box 222

Georgetown, TX 78627-0222

512/863-7284

Newsletter: 8-9 per year

Dues: $15 per year

Eastern 190/195 Association Cliff Crabs 25575 Butternut North Olmsted, OH 44070 216/777-4025 after 6 PM Eastern Newsletter: Irregular; Manual on main­ tenance for members Dues: $10 initiation and as required each year International 195 Club Dwight M. Ewing, President P. O. Box 737 Merced, CA 95344 209/722-6283 FAX 209/722-5124 Newsletter: Quarterly Dues: $25 per year U.S. International Comanche Society Executive Secretary P. O. Box 400 Grant, NE 69140

308/352-4275 Newsletter: Monthly Dues: $34 per year Corben Club Robert L. Taylor, Editor P. O. Box 127

Blakesburg, IA 52536

515/938-2773

Newsletter

Dues: $8 for 4 issues

Cub Club (Piper)

John Bergeson, Chairman

P. O. Box 2002

Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804-2002

517/561-2392

Newsletter: 6 per year

Dues: $15 per year U.S., $20 Canada,

$25 Foreign

L-4 Grasshopper Wing

Publisher: John Bergeson, Cub Club

P. O. Box 2002

Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804-2002

517/561-2392

Newsletter: 6 per year

Dues: $10 per year U . S., $15

Canada/US Funds, $20 Foreign Note:

Must also be a Cub Club member

Culver Club Larry Low, Chairman 60 Skywood Way Woodside, CA 94062 415/851-0204 Newsletter: None Dues: None Culver PQ-14 Assoc. Ted Heineman, Editor 29621 Kensington Drive Laguna Niguel, CA 92677 714/831-0713 Newsletter: Annually Dues: Donation Dart Club (Culver) Lloyd Washburn 3958 Washburn Drive Pt. Clinton, OH 43452 Newsletter Dues: None deHavilland Moth Club Gerry Schwam, Chairman 1021 Serpentine Lane Wyncote, PA 19095 215/635-7000 or 886-8283 Newsletter: Quarterly Dues: $12 US and Canada, $15 Over­ seas deHavilland Moth Club of Canada R. deHaviliand Ted Leonard, Founder/Director 305 Old Homestead Road Keswick, Ontarion Canada L4P 1E6 416/476-4225

Newsletter: Periodically Dues: $20 annually Ercoupe Owners Club Skip Carden, Executive Director P. O. Box 15388 Durham, NC 27722 919/471-9492 Newsletter: Monthly Dues: $20 per year Fairchild Club John W. Berendt, President 7645 Echo Point Road Cannon Falls, MN 55009 507/263-2414 Newsletter: Quarterly Dues: $10 per year Fairchild Fan Club Robert L. Taylor, Editor P. O. Box 127 Blakesburg, IA 52536 515/938-2773 Newsletter: 3 16 pg. Newsletters Dues: $10 per year Fleet Club George G. Gregory, President 4880 Duguid Road Manlius, NY 13104 315/682-6380 Newsletter: Approx. 2-3 per year Dues: Contributions Funk Aircraft Owners Association Ray Pahls, President 454 S. Summitlawn Wichita, KS 67209 316/943-6920 Newsletter: 10 per year Dues: $12 Great Lakes Club Robert L. Taylor, Editor P. O. Box 127 Blakesburg, IA 52536 515/938-2773 Newsletter Dues: $10 per year The American Yankee Assn. Stew Wilson 3232 Western Drive Cameron Park, CA 95682 916/676-4292 Newsletter Dues: $32 per year U.S., $30 Foreign Hatz Club Robert L. Taylor, Editor P. O. Box 127 Blakesburg, IA 52536 515/938-2773 Newsletter Dues: $8 per yer Heath Parasol Club William Schlapman VINTAGE AIRPLANE 25

6431 Paulson Road VViltneconne, VVI54986 414/582-4454 Newsletter Dues: Postage Donation The Interstate Club Robert L. Taylor, Editor P. O. Box 127 Blakesburg, IA 52536 515/938-2773 Newsletter: Interstate Intercom Dues: $8 for 4 issues Little Round Engine Flyer Ken VVilliams, Chari man 331 E. Franklin Street Portage, VVI53901-1809 608/742-2631 Continental Luscombe Association Loren Bump, Fearless Leader 5736 Esmar Road Ceres, CA 95307 209/537-9934 Newsletter: Bimonthly (6 per year) Dues: $10 U.S., $12.50 Canada, or $10 U.S. funds, $15 Foreign Luscombe Association John Bergeson, Chairman 6438 VV. Millbrook Road Remus, MI 49340 517/561-2392 Newsletter: 6 per year Dues: $15 per year U.S., $20 per year­ Canada, $25 per year Foreign Meyers Aircraft Owners Association VVilliam E. Gaffney, Secretary 26 Rt. 17K Newburgh, NY 12550 914/565-8005 Newsletter: 5-6 per year Dues: Postage Fund Donation Monocoupe Club Bob Coolbaugh, Editor 6154 River Forest Drive Manassas, VA 22111 703/590-2375 Newsletter: Monthly Dues: $15 per year

Dues: $25 Individual; $40 Family, U.S.; add $10 for Foreign

Mooney Aircraft Pilots Assn. Mark Harris 314 Stardust Drive San Antonio, TX 78228 512/434-5959 Newsletter Dues: $30 per year National Biplane Association Charles VV. Harris, Board Chairman Mary R. Jones, Executive Director Hangar 5, 4-J Aviation Jones-Riverside Airport Tulsa, OK 74132 918/299-2532

Rearwin Club Robert L. Taylor, Editor P. O. Box 127 Blakesburg, IA 52536 515/938-2773 Newsletter Dues: $8 per year

26 NOVEMBER 1991

American Navion Society P. O. Box 1810 Lodi, CA 95241-1810 209/339-4213 Newsletter: Monthly Dues: $50 for initial membership, then $35 per year North American Trainer Association (T-6, T-28, NA64, NASO) Kathy and Stoney Stonich 25801 NE Hinness Road Brush Prairie, VVA 98606 206/256-0066 FAX 206/896-5398 Newsletter : Quarterly, Texans & Trojans Dues: $40 U.S. and Canada, $50 Foreign/U.S. Funds Buckeye Pietenpol Association Grant Maclaren 3 Shari Drive St. Louis, MO 63122 Newsletter: Quarterly Dues: $7.50 per year International Pietenpol Association Robert L. Taylor, Editor P. O. Box 127 Blakesburg, IA 52536 515/938-2773 Newsletter Dues: $8 per year Short Wing Piper Club, Inc. Eleanor and Bob Mills, Editors 220 Main Halstead, KS 67056 316/835-3307 (H); 835-2235 (VV) Magazine: Bimonthly Dues: $27 per year Porterfield Airplane Club Chuck Lebrecht 1019 Hickory Road Ocala, FL 32672 904/687-4859 Newsletter: Quarterly Dues: $5 per year

Replica Fighters Association Jim Felbinger, President 2409 Cosmic Drive Joliet, IL 60435 815/436-6948 Newsletter: Bimonthly Dues: $20 per year

Robin's Nest (For enthusiasts of the Curtiss Robin) Jim Haynes, Editor 21 Sunset Lane Bushnell, IL 61422 Contact Jim for more information. Ryan Club, National Bill J. Hodges, Chairman 811 Lydia Stephenville, TX 76401 817/968-4818 Newsletter: Quarterly Dues: $20 per year Seabee Club International Captain Richard VV. Sanders, President 6761 NVV 32nd Avenue Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33309 305/979-5470 Newsletter: Quarterly (plus phone con­ sultation), Directory Dues : $15 U.S. and Canada, $20 Foreign Staggerwing Club Jim Gorman, President P. O. Box 2599 Mansfield, OH 44906 419/529-3822 (H), 755-1011 (VV) Newsletter: Quarterly Dues: $15 per year Stearman Restorers Association Tom Lowe, President 823 Kingston Lane Crystal Lake, IL 60014 815/459-6873 Newsletter: 4 per year Dues: $15 per year National Stinson Club c/o Jonesy Paul 14418 Skinner Road Cypress, TX 77429 Newsletter: Quarterly Dues: $7.50 per year National Stinson Club (108 Section) Bill and Debbie Snavley 115 Heinley Road Lake Placid, FL 33852 813/465-6101 Quarterly magazine: Stinson Plane Talk Dues: $25 US, $30 Canada and Foreign Southwest Stinson Club Jerre Scott, President 812 Shady Glen Martinez, CA 94553 415/228-4176 Newsletter: SVVSC Newsletter 10 per year Dues: $10 per year Super Cub Pilots Association Jim Richmond, Founder/Director P. O. Box 9823 Yakima, VVA 98909

509/248-9491 Newsletter: 10 per year Dues: $25 per year U.S ., $35 Canada, $40 Foreign

Swift Association, International Charlie Nelson P. O. box 644 Athens, TN 37303 615/745-9547 Newsletter: Monthly Dues: $25 per year

World War I Aeroplanes, Inc.

National Championship Air Races

Leonard E. Opdycke Director/ Publisher 15 Crescent Road Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 914/473-3679 Journals (Published 4 times annualy): WW I Aero (1900-1919); Skyways (1920-1940) Dues: Minimum - $25 each for one year; $25 Foreign for WW I Aero

Susan Audrain, Marketing Director P. O. Box 1429 Reno, NV 89505 702/972-6663

Taylorcraft Owner's Club Bruce Bixler II, President 12809 Greenblower, N.E. Alliance, OH 44601 216/823-9748 Newsletter: Quarterly Dues: $10 per year

Tomahawk Pilots Association Skip Carden, Editor P. O. Box 15388 Durham, NC 27722 Newsletter: Bimonthly Dues: $20 per year

Travel Air Club Robert L. Taylor, Editor P. O. Box 127 Blakesburg, IA 52536 515/938-2773 Newsletter: Travel Air Tales Dues: $8 per year

Travel Air Division of Staggerwing Museum Dub Yarbrough P. O. Box 550 Tullahoma, TN 37388 615/455-1974 Newsletter: 4-5 per year Dues: $25 per year

Twin Bonanza Association Richard I. Ward, Director 19684 Lakeshore Drive Three Rivers, MI 49093 616/279-2540 Newsletter: Quarterly Dues: $25 per year U.S . and Canada, $35 Foreign

Waco Club, National Ray Brandly, President 700 Hill Avenue Hamilton, OH 45015 513/868-0084 Newsletter: Bimonthly Dues: $8 per year

Waco Historical Society, Inc. R. E. Hoefflin, Treasurer 1013 Westgate Road Troy, OH 45373 513/335-2621 Newsletter: 4 per year Dues: $6 per year, 9/1-8/31

Naval Aircraft Restorers Assn. Gerald Miller 3320 Northridge Drive Grand Junction, CO 81506 303/245-78999VI Newsletter Dues: $12 per year

ORGANIZATIONS American Air Racing Society

The 99s, Inc. International Women Pilots

Rudy Profant, President 4060 W . 158th St. Cleveland, OH 44135 216/941-0089 Newsletter: Quarterly Dues: $10 per year

Loretta Jean Gragg Executive Director Will Rogers Airport P. O. Box 59965 Oklahoma City, OK 73159 405/685-7969 Newsletter: Monthly/The 99 News Dues: $40 annually

Society of Air Racing Historians Jim Butler, Treasurer 36250 Lake Shore Blvd., Apt. 518 Eastlake, OH 44095-1442 216/946-9069 Newsletter: Bimonthly Golden Pylons Dues: $10 U.S., $12 Other

American Aviation Historical Society Harry Gann, President 2333 Otis Street Santa Ana, CA 92704 714/549-4818 (Tuesday, 7:00-9:00 PM local) Newsletter: Quarterly Dues : $25 (includes Journal and Newsletter)

Flying Farmers, International T. W . Anderson, Executive Director 2120 Airport Road P. O. Box 9124 Wichita, KS 67277 316/943-4234 Newsletter: 10 issues per year Dues: $40 per year U.S. Funds, plus Chapter dues

Minnesota Seaplane Pilots Association Steve Carpenter 8250 Stevens A venue, S. Bloomington, MN 55420 612/888-8430 Newsletter: 3-4 per year Dues: $15 per year ($25-2 yrs.)

National Air Racing Group Gerald L. Williams, President P. O. Box 423 Shasta, CA 96087 916/241-2130 Newsletter: Professional Air Racing (lO/year) Dues: $10 per year, domestic

OX-5 Aviation Pioneers Robert F. Lang P. O. Box 201299 Austin, TX 78720 512/331-6239 Newsletter: 6 per year Dues: $10 per year

Seaplane Pilots Association Robert A. Richardson, Exec. Director 421 Aviation Way Frederick, MD 21701 301/695-2083 Newsletter Water Flying (Quarterly) 1991 Water Landing Directory $14 ­ members/$30 non-members plus $2 shipping Dues: $32 per year

Silver Wings Fraternity Russ Brinkley, President P. O. Box 11970 Harrisburg, PA 17108 717/232-9525 Newsletter: Monthly/Slipstream Tabloid Dues: $10 per year

Spartan School of Aeronautics Alumni Association Vern Foltz, Alumni Relations 8820 E. Pine Street Tulsa, OK 74115 918/836-6886 Newsletter: Quarterly Dues: $10 annually

Vintage Sailplane Association Jan Scott, Secretary Rt. 1, Box 239 Lovettsville,VA 22080 703/822-5504 Newsletter: Quarterly Dues: $10 per year

......

VINTAGE AIRPLANE 27

WELCOME

NEW MEMBERS

More and more Antique and Classic enthusiasts are signing up to join EAA 's Antique/Classic Division. To help you sponsor your friends and your neighbor at the airport, and earn gifts from the Division, use the tan insert included in this issue of VINTAGE AIRPLANE. You can earn 1 full year of Antique/Classic membership by sponsoring 3 new members! Here are the latest additions: Wilbraham, MA John Adams George Alexander Chesterfield, MO Port St. Lucie, FL Walter Alpiger Sherman, CT Melissa Audette Mark Barbee Aspen, CO Indian Trail, NC Michael Barbee Bedminster, NJ John Barnak Old Hickory, TN Debbie Baugh Peter Blatter Hemmingford, Quebec, Canada William Bolin Coldwater, MI (Sponsor: Dave Bennett) Lawrence Borchert Roseville, CA Don Boudreaux Franklin, LA Terry Bowden Columbia, IL John Bowerman Beanshanger, England Robert Bowland Brighton, MI Las Vegas, NV George Brewer Gary Brossett Grand Forks, ND Tony Brown Goodyear, AZ Chris Bullock Key Largo, FL Clyde Cable Berthoud, CO Ed Clark Apex, NC De Kalb, IL Don Claude Ron Colatskie House Springs, MO Gary Conklin Weston,OH E.A. Cook Burlington, WI H.D. Coonley Douglasville, GA George Decker Barnegat Light, NJ Marvel Detlaff Mayville, NJ (Sponsor: Bernard J. Varys) Martin A. Ditmore Falls Church, VA Frances Donahue Marshfield, MA Scott Doremus Merrimac, NH Phillip J. Duckworth Louisville, KY Monticello, MN Wilbur Eck Joe Engle Houston, TX Jon Engle Tucson, AZ John Ferguson, Jr. Wirtz, VA Daniel Fielder, Jr. San Jacinto, CA Ray Foley Auburn, WA Roger France Reston, VA

Donald Gaumer Missoula, MT Howard Germon Beacon Falls, CT Richard Giannotti Brookhaven, NY Mesa,AZ Ted Gibson John Gilvesy Tillsonburg, Ontario, Canada Starkville, MS Bud Green Mesquite, TX Fred Gregory Glenn Hamilton Arroyo Grande, CA Randy Hancock Lexington, KY Dick Hansen Cortland, OR La Porte, IN Eoin Harvey William Hasselbrinck Princeton, IN Robert Haydon Hartwood, VA Rick Hegenberger Westport, CT Les Henderson Dallas, TX Eric Hill Tulsa, OK James Hodge Camden, IN M ichael Holcomb Madison, WI Olimpio Horta Brigantine, NJ Gainsville,GA Clyde Hudson Randy Hytry Sheboygan Falls, WI Leonard Jacobsen Walled Lake, MI A. Hartwell Jewell Tiburon, CA Ray Johnson San Diego, CA Joseph P. Juptner Apple Valley, CA Peru, IL Russell Karl Jon Kiphart Peekskill, NY Richard Krogstad Spearfish, SD Neal La France Wichita, KS Alan Lail North Bend, OR Margaret Lamb Greensboro, NC Denny Lawence Eugene, OR Bud Laws Johnson City, TN Fred Lembkie Gresham, OR Walter Long Van Nuys, CA Christopher Lowe Lima, NY Don Luke Crest Hill, IL John Mac Monagle West Minster, CO Ward Maitre Hollywood, MD Paul Martin Guinda, CA Ed Masterson Huber Heights, OH Thomas McBride Albuquerque, NM

Matti Mecklin Helsinki, Finland Richard Miller Nashua, NH Willis Minton Harrisburg, NC Charles Moelter Lake Geneva, WI John Mouchou North York, Ontario, Canada John Norris Alexandria, VA Charles O'Neal Steger, IL Patrick O'Neill Rochester, NY Charles Palmer San Bernardino, CA Richard Paul Philadelphia, PA Keova, WV Larry Pelfrey Charles Pierce Spokane, WA Bernard Pivert Laval, France Darryl Pollock Lynnwood, WA Leonardo Pratali Olbia, Italy Ron Reynolds Westport, CT James Riehl, Sr. Fayetteville, NY Miro Rieser Hennes, Germany Gary Rogers Los Angeles, CA (Sponsor: Kent Jensvold) Ralph Rosnick Omaha, NE David Sakrison lola, WI Carl Schmieder Phoenix, AZ Stan Schrek Long Valley, NJ Dr. Bar Shmuel Petakh-Tikva, Israel John Shoemaker Dorado, PR Michael Shuck Wichita, KS Jim Smith Gastonia, NC James Sorensen Churchill, Manitoba, Canada Mark Staudacher Bay City, MI Jack Steen Ada, MI Ricky Sweeting Abaco, Bahamas Jean Taylor Webster,MN Richard Taylor Medina, WA Kristina Thomas Poplar Grove, IL Gary Utley Baytown, TX Joe Walkowski Picayune, MS Howard Wentzel Lewisburg, PA Paul Wise Cheyenne, WY Calvin Wolcott Jenoa,OH Walter Zaugg Sessa, Switzerland

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EAA 9297, 308 Palo Alto, Caldwell, ID

83605. Catalog. $3.00. (12-3)

1957Cessna 172-3415TI, 1009SMOH, ANC-19 Bulletin - Wood Aircraft Inspec­ Feb. annual. 720 Nav/Com. Transponder tion and Fabrication, 1951 edition, now avail­ w/Mode C Ene. AN 8 inside and out. Asking able as reprint. Early aircraft Service Notes, $15,000. 919/355-7638. (12-2) rigging data, other titles available. Send SASE for listing and prices. John W. Grega, 355 1947 Stinson 108 - Extra clean. Sept. Grand Blvd., Bedford, OH 44146. (c-3/92) annual. $14,500. 1944 C45J Navy warbird partially restored . $15,500. Partial trades considered . 904/793-9449. (11-1)

MISCELLANEOUS: CURTISS JN4-D MEMORABILIA - You can now own memorabilia from the famous "Jenny", as seen on "TREASURES FROM THE PAST'. We have posters, postcards, videos, pins, air­ mail cachets, etc. We also have RIC documen­ tation exdusive to this historic aircraft. Sale of

these items support operating expense to keep

this "Jenny" flying for the aviatio public. We appreciate your help. Write for your free price list.

Virginia Aviation Co., PDv-8, Box 294, Warren­ ton, VA 22186. (c;l11-90) SUPER CUB PA-18 FUSELAGES - New manufacture, STC-PMA-d, 4130 chrome-moly tubing throughout, also oomplete fuselage repair. ROCKY MOUNTAIN AIRFRAME INC. (J. E. Soares, Pres.), 7093 Dry Creek Rd ., Belgrade, Montana. 406-388-6069. FAX 406/388-0170. Repair station No. QK5R148N . Parachutes - Toll Free 1-800-526-2822, New & Used Parachutes. We take trade-ins, 5-year repair or replacement warranty, many styles in stock. Parachute Associates, Inc., 2 Linda Lane, Suite A, Vincentown, NJ 08088,609/859-3397. (c;l7/92)

VINTAGE AIRCRAFT AND ENGINES ­ Out-of-print literature: history; restoration;

manuals; etc. Unique list of 2,000+ scarce items,

$3.00. JOHN ROBY, 3703V Nassau, San

Diego, CA 92115. (Established 1960) (c-10/92)

C-26 Champion Spark Plugs - New and reoonditioned. New - $14.75, reoonditioned ­ $5.75 to $9.75. Eagle Air, 2920 Emerald Drive, Jonesboro, GA 30236,404/478-2310. (c-1 0/92)

PLANS:

Great Lakes Trainer GURU - Harvey Swack will help you buy or sell a Great Lakes Trainer or a Baby Lakes. Welded parts for ExperimentaI2T-1A's available. Write P.O. Box 228, Needham, MA 02192 or call week­ days 10 to 5 EST. 617/444-5480. (c-10/92)

WANTED: Wanted - J-3 Cub fuselage or complete Cub in need of rebuild . Dick Brehm, P.O. Box 215, Lanesboro, MN 55949. (12-2) Wanted - Manuals, drawings and any parts for restoring Aeronca C-2 with E1 07A engine and C-3 with E113 engine. Young, 11 Willow Ct. , Totowa, NJ 07512,201/256-1342. (12-2)

AIRCRAFT OWNERS SAVE MONEY ... FLY AUTOGAS If you use 80 octane avgas now, you could be using less expensive autogas with an EAA-STC.

Get your STC from EAA - the organization that pioneered the first FAA approval for an alternative to expensive avgas.

CALL TODAY FOR MORE INFORMATION

414-426-4800

Or write: EAA-STC, EAA Aviation Center, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3065

For faster service , have your airplane's "N" number and serial number; your engine's make, model

and serial number; and your credit card number ready.

Membership in the Experimental Aircraft Association, Inc. is $35.00 for one year, including 12 issues of Sport Aviation. Junior Membership (under 19 years of age) is available at $20.00 annually. Family membership is available for an additional $10.00 annually. All major credit cards accepted for membership (FAX (414) 426-4873.

ANTIQUE/CLASSICS

EAA Member - $20.00. Includes one year membership in EAA Antique-Clas­ sic Division. 12 monthly issues of The Vintage Airplane and membership card. Applicant must be a current EAA member and must give EAA membership number.

Non-EAA Member - $28.00. Includes one year membership in the EAA Anti­ que-Classic Division. 12 monthly issues of The Vintage Airplane, one year mem­ bership in the EAA and separate mem­ bership cards. Sport Aviation ill21. included.

lAC

Membership in the International Aerobatic Club, Inc. is $30.00 annually which includes 12 issues of Sport Aerobatics_ All lAC members are re­ quired to be members of EAA.

WARBIRDS

Membership in the Warbirds of America, Inc. is $30.00 per year, which includes a subscription to Warbirds _Warbird mem­ bers are required to be members of EAA.

EAA EXPERIMENTER

EAA membership and EAA EX­ PERIMENTER magazine is available for $28.00 per year (Sport Aviation not in­ cluded) . Current EAA members may receive EAA EXPERIMENTER for $18.00 per year.

FOREIGN

MEMBERSHIPS

Please submit your remittance with a check or draft drawn on a United States bank payable in United States dollars. Make checks payable to EAA or the division in which membership is desired. Address all letters to EAA or the particular division at the following address:

EAA A VIA TlON CENTER

P.O. BOX 3086

OSHKOSH, WI 54903-3086

PHONE (414) 426-4800

FAX (414) 426-4828

OFFICE HOURS:

8:15-5:00 MON.-FRI.

MYSTERY PLANE

By George Hardie

Here's another for the racing fans . The photo is from the EAA archives. Answers will be published in the February, 1992 issue of VINTAGE AIRPLANE. Deadline for that issue is December 20th, 1991. The August Mystery Plane brought out a number of replies. Emil Cassanel­ 10 of Huntington Station, New York sent a detailed report: "The Mystery Plane is the Emsco B­ 3A built by the E.M. Smith Co . of Downey, California. The 'City of Tacoma' was used in an at­ tempt to fly from Japan to Tacoma, Washington. The pilot was a Canadian, Harold Bromley, and his navigator was Harold Gatty. Due to the weight of the fuel, they elected to start from a beach at Sasashiro, Japan. Even with low tide and sand stretching for 32 NOVEMBER 1991

a mile and a quarter, the Emsco required a ramp to boost its take-off perfor­ mance. It took three weeks for the local villagers to build the ramp. "The Emsco took off on September 15, 1930. Four hours outbound they encountered clouds and Gatty had to navigate by dead-reckoning. The Emsco's Sperry artificial horizon failed,

.

making Bromley's task more difficult. The exhaust system collector ring frac­ tured and exhaust fumes began to seep into the cockpit. Neither pilot was aware of the problem. In a break with the clouds, Gatty was able to fix their position and found that expected tail winds had not material­ ized, and they did not have enough fuel to continue . They turned around and landed 15 miles from Sabishiro. After twen­ ty-two hours of nearly continual blind flying, the flight was over." Henry Hellert of Vin­ vennes, Indiana adds more: "The Emsco 'City of Tacoma' B-3 registered NR153W was designed for long range flights, 1005 gallons capacity. The dying Emsco com­ pany hoped to capture news headlines with the flight. Purchased in 1930 for $15,000 by John Buffelen for a

Tokyo to Tacoma trans-Pacific flight by Harold Bromley and Harold Gatty, they did fly some 2,500 miles but were beaten back for weather. "In 1931 and ex-Army flyer Tom Ash changed the plane's name to •Pacific , and attempted a take-off for a trans­ Pacific flight, but ground looped. He declared the plane unfit for the Pacific flight. "In August, 1931 Don Moyle and Cecil Allen refurbished the aircraft for another Pacific flight. After a nightmare of a flight, they finally reached Nome, Alaska, only to learn that Clyde Pangborn and Hugh Hender­ son had successfully completed the trans-Pacific hop. "The plane was then sold for a mere $4,000. It was modified to carry fish and cargo, occasionally passengers. It found its way to Mexico where it was eventually scrapped - after a Japanese delegation wanted to restore it." Other answers were received from: Charley Hayes, Park Forest, IL; Marty Eisenmann, Garrettsville, OH; H. Glenn Buffington, Eldorado, AR; Cedric Gal­ loway, Hesperia, CA; Thad Spinola, Rutherford, CA; Ralph Nortell, Spokane, WA; Robert L. Clark, Chan­ nel Islands, CA; Robert Wynne, Mercer Island, WA; Herb deBruin, Bellevue, WA; and Ted Giltner, Tamaqua, PA .

RATION

.....

Emsco B-3A

VINTAGE AIRPLANE 33

DISCOVER EM VIDEO

THE STEALTH REVEALED . A VISIT TO EAA OSHKOSH AND BEYOND!

AEROCAR, GIVING THE AUTOMOBILE ITS WINGS

One of the first major public showings of the U.S. Air Force F-117A Stealth Fighter came during EAA OSHKOSH '90. Now, relive that historic moment and witness never-before-seen gov­ ernment footage of the Stealth in combat during the Gulf War! Also features an exclusive interview with Capt. Rob Donaldson, leading F-117A pilot ofthe Gulf War. NEW RELEASE! (30 min.)

A chronicle of the 40-year history of the AEROCAR. Produced in cooperation with designer/inventor Moulton B. "Molt" Taylor, this video features rare test flight footage, exclusive interviews, scale models, drawings, significant photographs and press clippings of all four models of the AEROCAR - the "roadable" airplane. (35 min.)

EAA OSHKOSH '91

AVIATION

AT ITS BEST! Experience this annual gathering of the family of flight with the offi­ cial 1991 EAA Fly-In Convention video. Enjoy the tribute to the 1930s Golden Age of Air Racing, the 50th Anniversary of the Flying TIgers and a special salute to the Allied air power of Operation De­ sert Storm. Plus plenty of an­ tiques, classics, warbirds, the latest in homebuilts, ultralights and more! (60 min.)

NEW VIDEO!

$24.95*

GETTING

STARTED IN AEROBATICS

$39.95*

FASCINATION WITH FLIGHT From the quiet beauty of ballooning to the excitement of aerobat­ ics, this new video from EAA's award-winning Paul Harvey Audio/ Video Center is a fast-paced overview of the many distinct facets of sport aviation. Included in this show are segments on Balloons, Hang-Gliders, Ultralights, Antiques and Classics, Homebuilts, Warbirds and more. (30 min.)

$24.95*

Hear from some of the best-known names in aerobatics as they relate their experiences and suggestions for selecting the proper instructor,

training sequence, airplane and more. Ride along on an instruc­

tional flight and get a feeling for basic aerobatic maneuvers from

both inside and outside the cockpit! A must for anyone thinking

about pursuing aerobatic training or anyone with an interest in

aerobatic flight. (60 min.)

$29.95*

(Available In November 1991 )

TO ORDER ANY EAA VIDEO Call 1-800-843-3612 (Outside U.S. 414/426-4800)

or write: EAA Aviation Foundation, Dept. MO, P.O. Box 3065, Oshkosh, WI 54903-3065

Major credit cards accepted.

Ask about saving money on every purchase through the EAA Air Adventure Video Club.

·plus $3 shipping and handling. Wisconsin residents add 5% sales tax. SUPPLEMENT TO SPORT AVIATION

THE ARCHIVES

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