B-29 - History Made Everyday

When I walked into the Vintage Flying Museum hangar yesterday it was hard not to grin.  A B-29 SuperFortress was sitting in the hangar.  A hangar that housed B-29's many years ago and now one sits under its high arches once again.  Granted the hangar was moved from a bomber base to Ft. Worth's Meacham Field after World War Two but B-29's lived within its walls in a previous life.  I dropped by the museum to see the CAF B-29 "Fifi" as my buddy Brad Pilgrim was down from his Air Force post in Altus, OK working on the big bomber.  We spent about an hour inside the bomber telling stories of seeing it flying at airshows when we were younger.  Now the bomber is back on a regular flying schedule thanks to Brad and many dedicated volunteers.  Every time it flies it makes history as the only flying B-29 in the world.  History is made everyday and I was able to sit behind the controls and see what a front row seat to history looks like.  It is a good seat!  Thanks Brad.  Another good memory in my aviation experiences logbook in life.

 Links - B-29 B-24 Squadron, Vintage Flying Museum, CAF

Waco ZPF-7 in AEROPLANE

On my way home from work today I stopped by the news stand and thumbed through the May 2011 issues of AEROPLANE.  I was pleasantly surprised to see my friend Les Whittlesey's Waco featured inside.  Snag a copy to see a great write up and pictures by Frank Mormillo.  This ZPF-7 is one of my favorite Waco's as it is a customized version with many slick mods.  Below is a shot I took of his California based Waco.

Classic Fighters 2011 - New Zealand Airshow

Pictures are being posted on the internet forums from the Classic Fighters show down in New Zealand.  Follow the link below and be sure to click thru all of the pages!

http://rnzaf.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=airshow&action=display&thread=13238&page=1

Thunderbolt Restoration Progress

The Fighter Collection is making good progress on the restoration of their P-47 Thunderbolt.  The hope is that it will fly this year in time to make a few showings during this airshow season.  One of a few rare "Razorback" models, this Thunderbolt will be a great addition to the line up at Duxford as the type flew many missions from that famous airfield.  We look forward to seeing the paint scheme applied and it thundering into the skies once again!  Special thanks goes out to Brian Marshall for permission to post his pictures taken just a few days ago. More of Brian's pictures are posted on the Plane Talk forum here... http://forum.planetalk.net/viewtopic.php?t=10196

Links - AeroBimble Blog, The Fighter Collection, Friends of The Fighter Collection Blog

P-40C Takes to the Air!

John Lamont is lining up for the first test flight. Well done to the Avspecs team! (photo - Colin Hunter)

News is circulating that another P-40C has flown!  Special thanks go out to Colin Hunter for allowing me to post a picture of Rod Lewis's P-40C that is fresh from restoration at Avspecs Limited in New Zealand.  This rare Curtiss is one of only a handful of early C model P-40s.  It has been restored with a Pearl Harbor paint scheme.  Watch for news of more amazing restorations coming from the Avspecs!  Mosquito and Spitfire's are currently making progress in their shop.  See more of Colin's great photos using the link below.

Links - Avspecs, Colin Hunter Portfolio

North Texas Spring - 2011

After a windy week in North Texas the winds let up for our little airport to come alive with antique, classic and contemporary classic airplanes!  Northwest Regional Airport in Roanoke, Texas shows its variety when the weather makes it perfect for flying.

Winged Derringer

Aeronca Champ

Super Chipmunk

Two Husky's

Contemporary Classic Apache 235

Super Swift

Cessna 120

Stinson 108-3

Taylorcraft landing in the grass

Apache 235

Davis project

Davis

Red Canoe Brands - Aviation Lifestyle Gear

When I found Red Canoe - National Heritage Brands I poured over their web site at my first visit.  Every detailed product page revealed sharp styles with historic logos.  As a serious aviation historian, pilot, and vintage aircraft owner I want authentic gear to match my level of enthusiasm for my favorite aircraft types and Red Canoe has just that!  They offer jackets, shirts, caps and bags sporting the logos of the most famous companies and air powers.  They have done their research and partnered with some of the most famous legacy aviation companies to represent a myriad of historic brands. For me, I want to see accuracy and attention to detail, and Red Canoe delivers!

Nostalgic logos from Boeing, Cessna, De Havilland, North American and early insignias from the United States Air Service, United States Army Air Corps and Royal Canadian Air Force adorn the high quality shirts and hats.

I have worn my USAAC roundel cap for over a year as my all purpose, aviation event hat! The fabric is strong as is the banding inside. This cap will stand the test of time in material quality as well as the nostalgic aviation value.

When family and friends ask you for gift ideas...steer them towards Red Canoe.  I now have several of their caps and shirts in my collection that were gifts.  The most recent addition, “The American Airlines 50 Cap,” came from my buddy, Jay Bogenreif, as a gift for being the Best Man in his wedding.  Now THAT is a good friend!  (My buddy Jay and I pictured above flying my Cessna 170B over North Texas. I am wearing my USAAC roundel cap.)

If you are shopping for recognizable aviation brands for your aviation adventure lifestyle...I highly recommend Red Canoe!

Links - Red Canoe Brands

Lockheed 10 to Make World Flight in 2012

The 1935 Lockheed 10E, serial number 1015, N72GT is being prepared to make another around the world flight in 2012.  The Women Have Wings Organization is supporting the "Global Courage Flight" that will fly the famous flight attempted by Amelia Earhart back in 1937.  This same Lockheed celebrated the 60th anniversary of Earhart's attempt back in 1997 by flying around the world.  The 2012 flight will be the 75th anniversary of Earhart's flight.

The Lockheed was flown recently to California from its hangar in New Mexico.  It will be brought back to full operational flying status and prepared for the world flight in 2012.  The photo above from Steve Dickey was taken a few years ago at its hangar in New Mexico.

For more details about "Women Have Wings" visit their web site... http://www.womenhavewings.org

For those interested in reading about the 30th anniversary Earhart flight look up the book "World Flight, The Earhart Trail" by Ann Holtgren Pellegreno.  A great read about the author flying around the world in Lockheed 10, serial number 1112 back in 1967.

To see pictures of surviving Lockheed 10s visit our site... http://www.flytoanothertime.com

(EDITORS NOTE - it appears this flight around the world was canceled and the Lockheed was put up for sale.  Dan - July 26, 2012)

Cub Convoy to Sun N Fun

In the 1930s and 1940s aviation publications I have read there are stories about air meets and convoys where light planes use to gather at different points about the United States.  Modern day airshows and flyins take their place but it is cool to see someone do an old time convoy!  See the press release below from the American Legend Aircraft Company.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Dave Graham – 903.885.7000, dave@legend.aero

American Legend Aircraft Company To Host Gathering For Cub Convoy To Sun ‘n Fun 2011

SULPHUR SPRINGS, TEXAS, FEBRUARY 28, 2011 – American Legend Aircraft Company announced today the company will be hosting a fly-in/out gathering for the 75th anniversary Cub Convoy to Florida. American Legend is a recognized contingent leader for the 2011 Cub Convoy. The company will be coordinating a state/regional group together for the flight to Florida and mass arrival at Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In.

American Legend, with the assistance of Sulphur Springs-based EAA Chapter 1094 and Sulphur Springs Municipal Airport (KSLR) officials, will sponsor a sequence of events at KSLR. Aircraft arrivals are scheduled for Friday, March 25th. That evening, a hangar dinner will be served at American Legend Aircraft Company headquarters. On Saturday morning, a group departure will take place for an expected arrival at Perry-Foley Airport (40J) in Perry, Florida on March 26th.

KSLR has both hard surface and grass runways available. Fuel discounts and free aircraft parking will be available to all participating aircraft. Camping is available on the field. Shuttles to local hotels will also be been arranged. 

The 75th anniversary Cub Convoy to Florida is a re-enactment of the first Cub Convoy to Florida held in 1936. The 2011 event commemorates production of Cub aircraft for more than 75 years. Beginning with the Taylor Aircraft E-2 Cub in 1931, and continuing today with the American Legend Cub, this aircraft type excels in flying pilots, students, and passengers for recreation, liaison, and pleasure.

American Legend participated in the 70th anniversary celebration in April 2006, when the Convoy of Cubs arrived at Lakeland Linder Airport for Sun ‘n Fun Fly-In. In similar fashion in 2011, a gaggle of Cub aircraft will make the eight-mile final leg of their journeys to Lakeland Linder Airport in unison. Many Piper rag-wing aircraft from E-2 to PA-22, and the all-new Legend Cub, are expected in the Cub Convoy. These aircraft will gather at Plant City Airport (KPCM), and then, en masse, fly out to Lakeland for an expected arrival on Monday morning, March 28th. The Cubs will land and taxi in parade fashion on the grass strip.

The Legend Cub from American Legend Aircraft Company is a thoroughly modern aircraft based on the American classic Cub. Since its introduction in 2005, the Legend Cub has led the light-sport segment as the best selling American-manufactured aircraft. The Legend Cub continues a more than 75-year history of providing memorable flying experiences.

The Legend Cub will make its sixth visit to Sun ‘n Fun Fly-in arriving in the 2011 Cub Convoy. The Legend Cub, Legend AmphibCub, Texas Sport kit version, and a fully restored Piper J3 will be on display during the show. American Legend will be in booth number MD-1-D, located along the flight line.

American Legend Aircraft Company manufacturers the sport certified Legend Cub and Legend AmphibCub, and the amateur-built Texas Sport—an aircraft kit based on the Legend Cub. The company’s Restoration Services division performs work on most tube-and-fabric aircraft, and manufactures parts to original manufacturer’s specifications.

For further information, contact American Legend Aircraft Company at 1810 Piper Lane, Sulphur Springs, Texas 75482; call 903-885-7000; or log on to www.legend.aero.

De Plane - Grumman Widgeon from Fantasy Island

Back in 2003 my dad and I flew the 170 up to Bartlesville, OK for the annual fly-in.  The weather was great and it was a nice flight.  Clear blue skies.  This was one of my first aviation events with my new digital camera.  The event produce a good number of great pictures.

One unique airplane on the field for the event was the Grumman Widgeon N4453.  This Widgeon has the radial engine conversion so it looks much like its big brother the Grumman Goose.  When I inspected the airplane I was surprised to see that this airplane's history had it on TV for the show "Fantasy Island" as "De Plane."  N4453 now calls Brandson, Missouri home.  Included in this post are a few pictures of this famous seaplane.

Inspiration in Aircraft Design

The fascinating aircraft designs that came out of the 1930s were truly remarkable.  Who dreamed these aircraft up, put them on paper and then built them!?  Where did the designers get their inspiration?

When Zantford "Granny" Granville and Bob Hall walked past the early Gee Bee's sitting in the Grandville Brothers hangar and made their way back to the work table what was on their minds?  Large radial engine, yes.  Small airframe, yes.  Short wings, yes.  Streamlines wheel pants, yes.  Then what!?  I am sure they both sketched out some quick ideas on paper.  Some say early aircraft designs were drawn in chalk on the hangar floor and then actually built right over the lines!  Creativity must have flowed freely and the gears in their brains must have been grinding.  What they designed in a few short months was one of the fastest airplanes in 1931.  The Gee Bee Model Z, Super Sportster.  One of my favorite Golden Age air racers.  Pictured above is the Eicher/Kimball Gee Bee Model Z replica.  A beautiful aircraft that resides in Kermit Week's Fantasy of Flight Museum in Florida.

I sit here tonight at the computer with the gears in my mind grinding away.  A web site is what I am designing.  An aviation web site.  One dedicated to vintage aircraft.  The design possibilities are endless.  Mr. Granville and Mr. Hall might have thought the same way.  What will it look like?  What is its purpose?  My inspiration is coming from a class I took at the local Apple store over the weekend.  Hopefully I can start laying out the design that is in my head and get it on my iMac screen within a few short days.  It might be easier to find some chalk and start drawing it on the wood floor in my office!