Vintage Airplane - Sep 1981

8/12/2019 Vintage Airplane - Sep 1981

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STR IGHT ND LEVEL

Oshkosh '81 is now history and if all prior indicationsare accurate, it will have been the largest and bestattended aviation event in our history . Looking back tothe 1980 International EAA Convention we had envisioned little gain for 1981, but there is no doubtthat we went forward again. For many of us a fiscalyear has been completed and we are analyzing the successand problems of our Division during that time .

Membership in our Division has increased throughoutthis time period and this increase is the result of manycontributing factors. We must be offering a desirableoveni.ll program for this increase to be evident. Thefellowship of our members throughout the wor ld constantly grows during the Chapter meetings and fly-inevents we attend. Look at our Division's exposure atfly-ins and other EAA events. Our new Antique/Classichats and jackets are becoming more popular and visible,a fact which denotes our members' desire to be identifiedwith the Division.

Th e VINT GE IRPL NE is a publication that ourmembership eagerly awaits each month. Devoted entirelyto antique and classic aircraft, historical data, fly-ins,restoration projects, unique photographs and tips forprojects of restorers, our publication gives the readera top quality magazine that will undoubtedly become acollector's item in years to follow. Editor Gene Chase andour associate editors bring to you each month, va lu ableand interesting antique and classic related articles.

Our EAA Aviation Museum in Franklin, Wisconsin isfilled with representative antique and classic aircraft,from a replica of the first Wright Flyer, early and currentamateur built aircraft, warbirds, aerobatic machines,rotary wing vehicles to ultralights. Other exhibitsinclude antique and modern propulsion engines, somecut-away for visual inspection of their internal structures .The walls contain display cases filled with instruments ,bombsights, medals and trophies representative of ouraviation historical background . Photographs by thehundreds depict and trace the history of aviation. Display examples of our homebuilt, aerobatic, warbird and

By Brad ThomasPresidentAntique/Classic Division

judging system is now recognized and applied to allcategories of judging, including custom built and warbird. Our reputation has been established and throught he efforts of Claude Gray and Al Kelch, two of theoriginal committee members formulating the judgingrules and standards, we are fortunate in having themappointed chairman and co-chairman of the newly formedEAA National Judging Committee.Through The VINT GE IRPL NE and our Divisionchapters, we have constantly strived to assist restorersand guide them during the many hours involved in theirprojects. For the past several years about fifty percentof the show aircraft at the EAA International Conventionshave been antique and classic aircraft. There is no finercollection of aircraft to be seen anywhere in the worldas those displayed during these Conventions. The qualityand authenticity displayed in these restorations continually improve over the years and we feel that ourAntique/Classic Division often has played a large part inguiding these projects. There may be fewer antiqueaircraft completed over these current years, but thequality of workmanship and expertise in the restorationsis outstanding .Classics Here we have seen the greatest improvementover the past few years . There were times when we hadgreat numbers of classic aircraft to judge but few werein the high point" categories . There is no doubt that
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PUBLICATION OF THE ANTIQUE/CLASSIC DIVISION, INC.OF THE EXPERIMENTAL AIRCRAFT ASSOCIATION, INC.P.O. BOX 229, HALES CORNERS, WI 53130COPYRIGHT " 1981 EAA ANTIQUE/CLASSIC DIVISION, INC., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

SEPTEMBER 1981 VOLUME 9 NUMBER 9OFFICERS

President Vice-PresidentW. Brad Thomas, Jr . Jack C. Winthrop301 Dodson Mill Road Route 1 Box 111Pilot Mountain, NC 27041 Allen, TX 75002919/368-2875 Home 214/727-5649919/368-2291 Office

Secretary TreasurerM. C " Kelly" Viets E. E. " Buck" Hilbert7745 W. 183rd St. P.O. Box 145Stilwell , KS 66085 Union, IL 60180913/681-2303 Home 81 5/923-4591913/782-6720 OfficeDIRECTORS

Ronald Fritz Morton W. Lester15401 Sparta Avenue P.O. Box 3747Kent City , MI 49330 Martinsville , VA 24112616/678-5012 703/632-4839Claude L. Gray Jr . Arthur R. Morgan9635 Sylvia Avenue 3744 North 51st Blvd.Northridge , CA 91324 Milwaukee, WI 53216213/349-1338' 414/442-3631Dale A. Gustafson John R. Turgyan7724 Shady Hill Drive 1530 Kuser RoadIndianapolis, IN 46274 Trenton, NJ 08619317/293-4430 609/585-2747

AI Kelch S. J. Wittman66 W. 622 N. Madison Avenue Box 2672 .Cedarburg, WI 53012 Oshkosh , WI 54901414/377-5886 414 /235-1265

Robert E. Kesel George S. York455 Oakridge Drive 181 Sloboda Ave.Rochester, NY.14617 Mansfield , OH 44906716/342-3170 4 9/529-4378

ADVISORSEd Burns Stan Gomoll Gene Morris1550 Mt. P rospect Road 1042 90th Lane, NE 27 Chandelle DriveDes Plaines, IL 60018 Minneapolis , MN 55434 Hampshire, IL 60140

3121298-7811 6121784-1172 3121683-3199 .John S. Copeland Espie M. Joyce, Jr . S. H. " Wes" Schmid9 Joanne Drive Box 468 2359 Lefeber RoadWestborough, MA 01581 Madison, NC 27025 Wauwatosa, WI 53213617/366-7245 919/427-0216 414/771-1 545

FRONT COVER . . . 1939 Beechcraft BACK COVER , Center stage of theF17D Staggerwing, NC50256, SI N 259 Air Racing Section of the EAA Airowned by Perry and Jewel Miller (EAA Museum, Franklin , WI. Left to right are82253 AlC 698), Rt. 4 15589 Harvest the 1929 Travel Air Mystery Ship, 1931Mile Rd . Brighton , CO 80601 , photo Gee Bee Model Z, 1931 Laird Supergraphed by Dick Stouffer at Tullahoma , Solution , and the 1936 Elmendorf A-1TN . See story on page 6. Jackrabbit. All are full size replicasexcept the Elmendorf A-1 , which isthe original aircraft. (Photo by Lee Fray)

TABLE OF CONTENTSStraight and Level . . . by Brad Th oma s . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2AlC News . compiled by Gene Chase . . . . . . . . . . . . 41981 Staggerwing/ Travel Air Convention . . by J ohn Parish . . . . . . . . . . 6Commonwealth Skyranger - My Mistress . . by lf red E J ohnny) J ohnson . . . 10Calendar of Events . . .. . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 12Type Clubs and Other Aviation Organizations . .. . 13Plans for the Pietenpol Sky Scout - Part 1

. . by B . H. Pietenpol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Letters . . . . .. . .. . . . . . . . .. . . 25Mystery Plane . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25


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OSHKOSH '81 A TREMENDOUS SUCCESS

Over 10,000 aircraft and a half million people visitedWittman Field during the 29th Annual EAA Convention,August 1-8. But success is not measured by quantityalone. With record numbers of aircraft movements, safetywas the keynote of the eight-day event.Although weather in parts of the U.S . . kept somefliers from completing their trips to Oshkosh, the localweather was generally good.The antique and classic aircraft judges had a par-ticularly difficult job this year with so many outstandingexamples in each category . When all the scores weretallied , the Grand Champion Antique award went to a1928 Cessna A W owned by Gar Williams of Naperville,IL. A 1948 Piper P A-17 Vagabond owned by James L.Jenkins , Huntington, CT received the Grand ChampionClassic trophy.A more detailed account of the '81 Convention willappear in the October issue ofTh VINTAGE AIRPLANE

(Photo by Gene Chase)The 1981 Oshkosh Grand Champion Antique Award went tothis 1928 Cessna AW, owned and restored by Gar Williams(EAA 1416, A C 1416), Naperville, IL.

EAA AVIATION FOUNDATION CENTERDEDICATED

The new EAA Aviation Foundation Center to be builtat Wittman Field , Oshkosh, WI was officially dedicatedat 10:30 A.M. on August 5 during the Convention.Following remarks by Tom Poberezny, President of theFoundation and Paul Poberezny, Chairman of the Board,Paul dug the first spadeful of earth, symbolically startingconstruction of the facility which will become the world'smost complete aviation center.The Center will include a museum, conference center,administrative offices and an aircraft construction/restoration shop. The Kermit Weeks Flight ResearchCenter which is also a part of the complex, is completeand was dedicated on June 17, 1981.This Aviation Center will be described in more detailin future issues of The VINTAGE AIRPLANE

COLOR PHOTOS NEEDEDMore color photos (preferably 8 x 10) of members'antique and classic aircraft are needed to grace a wallin the EAA Aviation Museum in Franklin, WI. A largearea of wall space has been made available to the Antique/Classic Division for this purpose, and Antique/Classicadvisor Ed Burns of Des Plains, IL has volunteered toframe the photos and hang them.Ed has done a fine job of arranging the photos whichhave been sent, and also photos he has taken of members'

planes from the Midwest area. Photos may be sent toGene Chase, Editor, The Vintage Airplane Magazine,P.O . Box 229, Hales Corners, WI 53130.

The photos will also be considered for publicationin the Members' Projects section of the magazine,in addition to being displayed in the Museum. Pleaseinclude a description of the plane and the approximatedate of the photo.

FLYING BOAT WORKERDISPLAYS DEDICATIONIn 1946, Stan Soderberg began what was to be aone-month stint doing trim and fabric repair of HowardHughes' giant wooden flying boat, the Spruce Goose.Now, 35 years later, Soderberg is still at it - over


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The same distinction applies to Soderberg. The former The restoration of a flyable Curtiss Jenny was completednavy parachute rigger and professional acrobat is the only recently for the Owls Head Transportation Museum inoriginal crew member still working aboard the flying Maine.boat. The President of Aero Meridian, Mr . Woodson KIt never occurred to me when I started that I would Woods, reports the following aircraft in the Aerospend the rest of my career on this aircraft, he said. Meridian Collection:I used to get a lot of ridicule. People wondered what 1918 Fokker D VIII '- Flying conditionI could possibly be doing working on a plane that was 1918 Curtiss IN-4D Jenny - Under restorationjust sitting in a hangar year after year. 1928 American Eagle - Under restorationBut r always knew something great would happen 1928 Travel Air D-4000 - Under restorationwith the flying boat. 1929 Swallow TP - Under restorationSoderberg was part of the launch crew for the flying 1929 Fleet 7 - Flying conditionboat's first and only flight on November 2, 1947 when 1930 Bird - Flying conditionHoward Hughes lifted the aircraft 70 feet off the water 1930 Waco RNF - Flying conditionfor a distance of one mile over Long Beach Harbor . 1931 Waco QCF-2 - Under restorationIt surprised a lot of people when Hughes flew the 1932 Great Lakes 2T- 1A - Flying conditionplane that day. But I figured he would go for it . The 1933 Waco UBF-2 - Flying conditionpreparation was elaborate. And just prior to the flight 1936 Ryan STA - Flying conditionHughes was down at the hangar a couple of times a 1936 Bucker Jungmeister - Under restorationweek to run the engines. The only thing he had to prove 1938 Stinson SR-9F - Under restorationwas that it could fly . 1939 Waco AGC-8 - Under restorationAfter the history making flight , the flying boat 1941 Ryan ST3KR - Flying conditionreturned to Terminal Island where it remained shrouded 1943 Piper L-4J - Flying conditionin a climate-controlled hangar for over 30 years. During 1943 Stearman PT-17 - Flying conditionthat time, repair and upgrading continued on the aircraft. 1943 Supermarine Spitfire MK IX - Flying conditionWe installed new test equipment, dual auxillary 1945 Supermarine Spitfire MK XVI - Flying condihydraulic system and the Pratt Whitney 4360 engines. tionAnd every other week, we ran electrical and hydraulictests. There was nothing done on the plane that wasn'tokayed by Mr. Hughes, said Soderberg.For years we kept thinking Hughes would t.ake theplane out again . He would call and set up specificflying dates. We would have a 90-day lead time andthen it would get cancelled at the last minute.

When Hughes died in 1976, Soderberg got word fromthe Hughes Tool Company to search for the HughesWill, but to no avail.We turned that plane inside out, but we never foundanything, he said.

For Soderberg, the years of waiting and wonderingat the fate of the Hughes Flying Boat are finally payingoff. Wrather plans to move the aircraft to its new nestbeside the Queen Mary in November where it will be thestar attraction for Southern California's newest destination resort complex - PortAdventure.According to Soderberg, who is busy preparing th eSpruce Goose for its final move, you just can't have toomuch of a good thing.After all these years , I'm still amazed at this aircraft.

Some of the flying aircraft on display at the Carefree Airport


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1981STAGGIBWING/TB-AVIL

AlBCONVINTION

By J ohn ParishEAA 43943, A l 213)p o . Box 550Tullahoma , TN 37388

(Photos by Dick Stouffer)The 1981 Convention was the most successful, notnecessarily in the number of Staggerwings and TravelAirs in attendance but our membership attendance wasup significantly and many important developments tookplace.Mrs. Beech and her contingency from Beech AircraftCorporation were here for the Dedication of the O ABeech Gallery & Chapel and it was indeed a movingaffair.In addition, the Thaden family was here in large

numbers and presented the 1936 Bendix Trophy, forloan, to the Foundation .Also, of great significance was the gift of a Stagger-wing by Steve and Diane Parker of Odessa, Texas.These three items highlighted the activities and theceremonies associated with them left a lasting impres-sion on all in attendance.The weather did not cooperate since there were severalweather systems blocking access to the Staggerwing homein Tullahoma, Tennessee. This resulted in cancellationof some Staggerwing arrival plans and members , suchas Chairman Holloway and many others, arrived bymodern aircraft.

We had a record early turnout with some nine Stagger-wings at the Convention site the day before the eventstarted. Holding the distinction of the First Arrival in1981 were Bob and Jean Kreutzer from San Diegoin their beautifully restored E17B. They arrived onMonday, June 8, chauffeuring CQ Stephenson fromAlbuquerque. They were followed on Wednesday by theSanta Paula bunch which included Clayton Gravesin his newly refinished D17S with Bob Van Ausdellas his First Officer . Accompanying Clayton wasBryce Hunt in his Howard and Don Dickenson in hisSpartan . The Santa Paula team members have beentremendous supporters and it is a particular pleasureto have this group come so far on a regular basis.Another early arrival was Tom and Lucy Cocks fromHong Kong who picked up their F17 in Seattle to makethe long trek . Other early arrivals were Perry , Jewel ,and Dick Miller from Boulder, Colorado, and, of course,Glen McNabb from Jasper, Tennessee. Also, Chris andSwanson Poer came over from Greensboro , NorthCarolina, to license hi s F17D which is on loan to theMuseum .The first day of the Convention was rather dismal ,thanks to the weather, and there was only one arrival.However, Thursday , the activitiy picked up with thearrival of the Gehrings, the Parkers, and the Chicagocrew of Perry and Hansen .


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The beautiful new Olive Ann BeechGallery and Chapel

and affection of Staggerwingers for this great lady wasexpressed openly and warmly. Throughout the next twodays, it was also our pleasure to have many membersof her family , including both daughters, Tom and SuzanneWarner from Pala, California, and Mary Lynn Oliverand her four children from Wichita , also Dena and BillHuntley and Brian Snart from Wichita. t was especiallygreat having the longtime friends of all Staggerwingers,Leddy and Norma Greever. Others from Beech includedLetha and Homer Brunk and our congratulations toLetha for being the recipient of the 1980 Merit Award.This was a most deserving honor to a lady who has contributed significantly to the Foundation program.

The usual social activities were well attended including the cocktail parties, cookouts, fly-out to ParishPatch, Bluegrass entertainment, and the 1981 PaperAirplane and Flying Saucer Contests under the abledirection of Field Judge Lindey Lindemer .'The real highlight of this year s Convention was theDedication of the O A Beech Gallery & Chapel on Satur-day , followed by a picnic lunch honoring Mrs. Beech.This was followed by the presentation of the BendixTrophy and the Staggerwing presentation. This was trulya memorable day for the Foundation. The Dedicationceremony of the O A Beech Gallery & Chapel beganat 11:00 A.M. with a program in the Chapel, culminated


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Mrs. Beech, center, visits with Steve andDiane Parker about the Beech D17S Dub Yarbrough, center, on behalf of theW C "Dub" Yarbrough, President of the shown here which the Parkers donated Foundation, receives the title to theStaggerwing Museum Foundation has to the Staggerwing Museum Foundation, Beech Staggerwing donated by Stevejust unveiled the plaque with Mrs. Olive Inc. and Diane Parker of Odessa, TX.Ann Beech looking on.

by the unveiling of the plaque superbly timed with afour Staggerwing formation fly-by, again under inclementweather - low ceilings and visibility . The formationteam consisted of Dick Perry, Jim Gorman, John Womackand Dick Hansen and was an example of true precisionflying . The concluding bomb-burst was a sight tobehold. t is difficult to describe the beauty, excitement,and exhilaration of this maneuver.Dick Stouffer of Hawthorn Woods, Illinois , handledthe religious aspects of the Dedication ceremoniessuperbly and quite appropriately . Dick is a Trusteeof the EAA Aviation Foundation, Inc., a 727 Captain,and recently received his Master of Divinity from Mc-Cormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. He gavethe invocation on Saturday during the Dedication ceremonies and conducted the Church Services on Sunday.The O A. Beech Gallery & Chapel Dedication ceremony was followed by a picnic lunch in the Museumand at 1:00 P.M. Bill Thaden and Pat Thaden Frostpresented the 1936 Bendix Trophy won by their mother,Louise Thaden. In this presentation, they paid th e irrespect to Mrs. Beech who was a dear and close friendof Louise.

Diane and Steve Parker, Odessa, Texas, presentedtheir Staggerwing D17S, as a gift to the Museum in memory of Steve's father, Alvin H. Parker, a world-renownedsoaring pilot who was the first to fly a lOOO-kilometerglider (1964).

The Saturday Night Banquet program was verysuperbly conducted by Museum and Club Presidents,Dub Yarbrough and Jim Forman . Plaques were presented to aircraft owners in attendance and the settingfor this year's banquet was in the Museum. The weatherreally cooperated and it was indeed a festive and enjoyableaffair.

Sunday saw the usual departures and this year itwas a pleasure to have an unusually large contingencystay over until Monday. The Tullahoma group especially


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enjoy the wind-down and among those staying overwere the Millers, the Cocks, Wiggins, McNabbs, Spriggs,Stouffers, Lindemers, Seagos, and John Turgyan.This year's Convention was truly Internationalwith Tony and M R Torr here from Johannesburg ,

South Africa, Tom and Lucy Cocks from Hong Kong ,Moe Servos and his contingency from Ontario, Canada,and Debby LeMay Hauser from Alberta, Canada.The United States were well represented from Alaskato Florida, Maine to California, and the in-between statesof Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut,Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana , Kansas , Louisiana ,Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan , Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire , New Jersey, New Mexico,New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania , Tennessee, Texas, Virginia , and Wisconsin, 33states in all.

t is hoped the ensuing pictures will more adequatelytell the story of this year's Convention.The 1982 Convention will be held at the Beech factoryin Wichita but we will again return home to Tullahomain 1983. Also in 1983 there will be a Winter Meetingand Staggerwing Fly-in at Santa Paula in March. Stagger-wing Club members should start making their plans forthese future activities.As a final comment, I personally want to thank eachand every Staggerwinger for making this year's eventtruly successful and enjoyable.

The beautiful 1940 Beech D17S N20753 SIN 395 donated to the Museum by Steve and Diane Parker.

Bill Thaden and Pat Thaden Frost presented to the Museumthe Bendix Trophy won in 1936 by their famous motherLouise Thaden. Louise flew a Staggerwing from New Yorkto Los Angeles to capture first place in the Bendix cross countryrace that year.


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COMMONWEALTH SKYRANGER -

By Alfred E . (Johnny) JohnsonColonel, USAF RetiredS. 2915 Howard StreetSpokane, WA 99203

(Photos Courtesy of the Author)

Jack Johnson (EAA 133528) is my brother, and I admitthat he is a little off. But, everyone who is truthfulhas a relative who is somewhat untypical.I suppose he couldn't help it . He's been nuts aboutairplanes as far back as I can remember. When he was10 and I was 12 years old, we lived in the small townof Oroville, Washington , just south of the Canadianborder. f we heard an aircraft overhead, as we in -frequently did because of the remoteness of our location,we would jump on our bicycles and ride like hell the twomiles or s to the airport. The idea was to be first on thescene to greet the pilot. Rarely did a flyer fail to remainovernight s we would hit him with the proposition thatwe would spend the night guarding his plane in returnfor a hop the next day . I can't remember ever being refused, particularly after we guaranteed not to permitcows to scratch themselves on the bird - whether cowswere present or not. (The bovine species were considereda universal hazard whether on the runway or during anocturnal visit to a parked aircraft where a gentlerub could break a wing rib or wipe out a rudder.) Manya hop was thus enjoyed without spending a dime, whichwe didn't have anyway.At the ripe old age of seventeen Jack soloed and soonthereafter came into possession of a 1928 model OX-5Swallow. With this bird he acquired an important lesson- learning that water won't substitute for gasoline .A careless mechanic failed to chamois the condensationfrom fuel stored in a drum while repairs were in progresson the aircraft. Scratch one aircraft and delay oneflying career.

Then came a stint with the Army Air Corps and theAir Force lasting 22 years, with one break during whichhe got his commercial and instructor ratings. He was inhog heaven instructing and flying every day until thecompany went belly-up and left him holding the bagfor substantial wages. Delay number two. However,this experience defined one flying ambition by exposinghim t the Commonwealth Skyranger in which he instructed. Flying is flying he has been heard to say .But the desire to own his own Skyranger persistedthrough the years.A year and a half ago, long on time and short onfunds, Jack began an active search for a Skyranger hecould rebuild. Local inquiries were to no avail but anad in the Northwest Flyer did the trick , bringing tworeplies . The first he ruled out as being too expensiveconsidering time and condition, but the second, fromStanford White in Escondido, California seemed inter-esting. Mr. White had a 1947 model 185, serial number1810 in his back yard with wings and tail feathers removed. Price? Fifteen hundred dollars. This got Jack'sattention and soon he was southbound with pickup andtrailer. The plane had been accurately described by theowner who said the upholstery was shot and the tireschecked badly but everything else basically sound .Hauling it back to Spokane was less a task than anticipated but attracted considerable attention from othermotorists and , on a couple of occasions , low flying aircraft circled for a second look.Space available for reconstruction consisted of a onecar garage , necessitating the storage of wings in the


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neighbor's garage while work on the fuselage was inprogress. The first order of business was a completeexamination so that required parts could be ordered tobe on hand when needed. The McCauley prop had a fairamount of corrosion, probably induced by salt ai r . twas sent for repair and returned looking like new.A compression check proved three of the four cylindersnearly perfect but a leaky exhaust valve was found inthe fourth. The valve seat was reground and valvereplaced because of erosion between the tulip and theportion which rides in the valve guide. A new compressioncheck showed all four within tolerance and well balanced.Inspection of the generator and starter showed allbearjngs to be in good shape but the armatures wereturned and new brushes installed.The single most expensive task was magneto replace-ment. They were in poor shape with outstanding AD'sso were exchanged for rebuilts at nearly 200 percopy. o a neophyte this is where the cost of aircraftparts becomes a realityThe condition of all wiring was a matter of concernand a decision was made to replace all cockpit andengine compartment conductors. Control wires receivedthe same attention but only one aileron cable and theelevator trim cable needed replacement. During thisphase an aileron bell crank was found frozen and wasfreed.While all this was going on and more to follow, alady known for her expertise in upholstery redid theentire cabin. Horsehair cushions were exchanged forfoam and a new seat sling was installed. The newupholstery is fire resistant and dark red in color.Headliner and panels are Airtex Duraliner and camelcolor. New seat belts completed the cabin portion.Though the paint was faded, the Ceconite fabricwas in good shape despite thirteen years exposure tothe elements. Tires and tubes were unsafe and therefore

s found in the previous owners backyard in Escondido.

On the way back to Spokane from Escondido.


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replaced. Some rust was evident on fuselage memberswhich were sanded out, treated, and primed. Half thewindshield and both side windows were replaced with newas were landing light covers. The instrument panel wasremoved, stripped and refinished in a coordinated color.All flight instruments were replaced and even the controlsticks were rechromed.When the two twelve-gallon fuel tanks were removedfor inspection a good look at both main spars was possible.They were found to be perfect ; not so with the tanks.Corrosion had caused some pin hole leaks so the tankswere cleaned, welded, and sealant applied internally.As the six-month task of rebuilding wore on and flying

weather improved Jack become increasingly antsy. Noone who really enjoys flying likes to be grounded due toaircraft condition. He really worked to finish the finalphase : making it beautiful. Poly tone finish in darkred and ivory was the choice.The final final and unanticipated chore: Jack 'swife , Margaret, insisted such a noble bird should have anapt name . Shortly My Mistress was scripted on eitherside of the cowling, acknowledging he had spent moretime with the Skyranger than with Margaret.Advice , technical assistance and inspection wereprovided by Skeet Carlson, nationally known EAADesignee and FAA A P. When Skeet put his final OKon the now beautiful plane Jack asked , Who's first , youor me? Skeet didn't answer, he just climbed in and tookoff. The grin on his face as he taxied in was strongerapproval than his signature on the inspection.I have flown My Mistress and can confirm what asweet, forgiving craft it is. No great power, just a damgood, simple, dependable, personal two-place airplane .And Jack? I can confirm also that he is a little lessnutty now than before and hasn 't had a tranquilizersince the inspection and successful test flight.

This is the interior as I found it.

SPECIFICATIONSEngine: Continental C-85-12FFuel: 24 gal. in two 12-gal. tanks which feed togetherBasic weight: 910 lbs.Gross weight: 14501bs.Wing span: 33' 8Wing area: 164 sq. ft.Cruising speed: 95 mphRate of climb: 550 ft. per min.Stall speed: 45 mphNever exceed speed 155 mph

a

CALENDAR OF EVENTSAUGUST 30 - SEPTEMBER 3 - LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - American

Bonanza Society convention and industry exhibit , MGM GrandHotel. Contact ABS , Read ing Muni cipal Airport, P.O. Box 3749,Reading , PA .SEPTEMBER 3-6 - OnUMWA , IOWA - 8th Annual Antique AirmenFly-In Reunion at Ottumwa Industrial Airport . All antiques, classics,warbirds, homebuilts , etc . welcome . For further information contact :Gene AldriCh, 515/ 684-4774 or Andy Norton, 515/ 563-2187.SEPTEMBER 5-6 - TULARE, CALIFORNIA - 6th Annual EAA Fly-Inand Air Show. Contact Vin ce Muett , 633 W. Iris St., Visal ia, CA93277. 209/ 688-0669.SEPTEMBER 9-13 - GALESBURG, ILLINOIS - Tenth Annual Stearman Fly-In at the Galesburg Muni cipal Airport . Contact Ted McCullough, 43 Indiana Ave Galesburg, IL 61401 . 309/ 342-2298.SEPTEMBER 11-13 - MARION, OHIO - 16th Annual Marion Merf iEAA Fly-In, Marion Municipal Airport. Contact Louis Lendeman ,3840 Cloverdale Road, Medway, OH 45341 . 513/ 849-9455.

SEPTEMBER 18 19 - LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY - Bowman FieldOld-Timers Reunion . Anyone active at Bowman Field pr ior to 1940please contact Ed Peck, Reuni on Coordinator, 214 LynnwoodDrive, Jeffersonville, IN 47130. 812/ 944-1028.SEPTEMBER 18-20 - KERRVILLE, TEXAS - 17th Annual SouthwestRegional Fly-In. Friday night hangar party. Saturday night banquet.Sponsored by Texas EAA Chapters.SEPTEMBER 19-20 - BROOKHAVEN, LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK Antique Airplane Club 19th Annual Fly-In. Contact Terry Ferr is,15 Bru ce Lane, Farmingdale, NY 11735.SEPTEMBER 19-20 - BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - EAA East CoastRegional fly in . Forums , flea markets , commerCial displays ,experimental aircraft displays . awards , Saturday night party .Contact Gene Brown , 9028 Hickory Hi li Avenu e, Lanham , MD.301 / 577-3070.SEPTEMBER 25-27 - TAHLEQUAH, OKLAHOMA - 24th Annual TulsaFly-In. Antique and experimental aircraft from ali over the midwest.


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TYPE CLUBS ND OTHERAVIATION ORGANIZATIONSAeronca Sedan ClubRichard Welsh2311 East Lake Sammamish Place, S.E.Issaquah , W A 98027Newsletter: 3 per yearDues: 2.50 per yearAir Force Historical FoundationCol. James L. Cannell, USAF (Ret. ) - Exec. Di r.Building 361Bolling Air Force Base, DC 20032Newsletter: Aerospace HistorianDues: 25.00 per year.

American Aviation Historical SocietyTom Britton, PresidentP.O. Box 99Garden Grove, CA 92642Contact Society for further information

Antique Airplane Association, Inc.Robert L. Taylor, PresidentRt. 2 Box 172Ottumwa, IA 52501Newsletter: AAA News, AAA Digest, A.P.M. BulletinDues: Family Membership - 30.00 per yearAssociate - 15.00 per yearAviation Maintenance FoundationRichard S. Kost, Executive DirectorP.O. Box 739Basin, WY 82410Dues: 30.00 per year20.00 per year - Student MembershipAirplane Safety Foundation (Society)

Cessna Airmaster ClubGar WilliamsNine South 125 Aero DriveNaperville, IL 60540Newsletter: NoneDues: None

International Cessna 120/ 140 AssociationGlenn UsherBox 92Richardson , TX 75080Newsletter: MonthlyDues: U.S. - 10.00 per year

Foreign - 15.00 per year

West Coast Cessna 120/140 ClubDan Thompson, PresidentP.O. Box 891Menlo Park, CA 94025Newsletter: 6 per yearDues: 10.00 per yearCessna 150/ 152 ClubSkip Carden, Executive DirectorP.O. Box 15388Durham , :--rC 27704Newsletter: MonthlyDues: 15.00 per year

International Cessna 170 Association, Inc.Velvet Fackeldey , Executive SecretaryRoute 2, Box 274Hartville , MO 65667Newsletter: Flypaper (11 per year)

The 170 News Quarterly)Dues: 15.00 per year


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Culver ClubLarry Low, Chairman60 Skywood WayWoodside , CA 94062Newsletter: NoneDues: NoneDart ClubLloyd Washburn3958 Washburn DrivePt . Clinton , OH 43452Newsletter : Now and thenDues: NoneD H. Moth ClubGerry Schwam1021 Serpentine LaneWyncote, PA 19095Newsletter: QuarterlyDues: U.S. and Canada - $7.00 per year

Foreign - $8.50 per yearErcoupe Owners ClubSkip Carden, Executive DirectorBox 15058Durham, NC 27704Newsletter: Monthly, with Special EditionsDues: $15.00 per yearFairchild ClubP.O. Box 127Blakesburg, IA 52536 ,Newsletter : Fairchild "Fan" (Quarterly)Dues: $5.00 per yearHoward ClubJack HoganP.O. Box 291Santa Paula , CA 93060Contact Club for further informationLittle Round Engine FlyersKen Williams, Chairman331 East Franklin StreetPortage, WI 53901Contact Williams for further informationContinental Luscombe AssociationLoren Bump , President5736 Esmar RoadCeres, CA 95307

National Flying ClubA R Cardono, Chairman of the BoardMunicipal AirportBox 1175Banning , CA 92220International Pietenpol AssociationRobert L Taylor, EditorP.O. Box 127Blakesburg, IA 52536Newsletter: QuarterlyDues: $7.50 per yearPorterfield Airplane ClubChuck Lebrecht3121 E. Lake Shore DriveWonder Lake, IL 60097Newsletter: Included in duesDues: $5.00 per year (owners)Rearwin ClubGary Van Farowe1460 Ottawa Beach RoadHolland , MI 49423Newsletter: OccasionallyDues: NoneAir Replicas InternationalRobert L TaylorP.O. Box 127Blakesburg, IA 52536Newsletter: ARI Journal (Quarterly )Dues: $15.00 per yearReplica Fighters AssociationFrank Weatherly2789 Mohawk LaneRochester, MI 49063Contact Association for further informationNational Ryan ClubBill Hodges811 LydiaStephenville , TX 76401Dues: Ryan owners - NoneNon-Ryan owners - $5.00 per yearVintage Sailplane AssociationPat Storck , Secretary3103 Tudor RoadWaldorf, MD 20601Newsletters : Bungee CordDues: Individual - $8.00

Family - $10.00


15/28

Staggerwing ClubJim Gorman, President1885 Millsboro RoadMansfield, OH 44906Newsletter: QuarterlyDues: $10.00 per yearStampe ClubCarl Carlsen, President1173 Los Robles DriveSanta Paula, CA 93060Newsletter: OccasionallyDues: $10.00Stearman's Restorer's AssociationTom Lowe823 Kingston LaneCrystal Lake, IL 60014Newsletter: 4-6 per yearDues: $10.00 per yearNational Stinson Club(All models except 108's)Jonsey Paul, Chairman14418 Skinner RoadCypress, TX 77429Newsletter: QuarterlyDues: $6.00

National Stinson Club, 108 Section(For 108 Series only)Mike & Janice Emerson, Editors708 West 16th StreetBig Spring, TX 79720Newsletter: QuarterlyDues: $6.00Southwest Stinson ClubTom Roach, President2804 Holloway LaneCarmichael, CA 95608Newsletter: Every other monthDues: $6.00 per year

International Swift AssociationCharlie NelsonMcMinn Co AirportP.O. Box 644Athens, TX 37303Newsletter: MonthlyDues: Individual - $15.00

Family - $22.50International Taylorcraft Owner's ClubBruce M Bixler II, President12809 Greenbower RoadAlliance, OH 44601Newsletter: 6 per yearDues: $5.00 per yearThe Uncommon Cub

For Cub Aircraft, 1941 and earlier;Engine - 60 hp or less (except for 65 - 85 h p CanadianProspector Cub)20 Brimwood BoulevardUnit 78Agincourt, Ontario M1 V 1B7CanadaNewsletter: OccasionalDues: NoneNational Waco ClubRay H. Brandly700 Hill AvenueHamilton, OH 45015Newsletter: Every other monthDues: $15.00 per yearWheelchair Pilots AssociationHoward L Treadwell, President1108-102 Avenue N.Largo, FL 33540Newsletter: NoneDues: $10.00 per yearWorld War I AeroplanesL E . Opdycke15 Crescent RoadPoughkeepsie, NY 12601Newsletter: 5 per year ($3.00)Dues: Voluntary contributions


16/28

Editor's Note: The plans for the Pietenpol Sky Scout as presented here, appeared in the EAA reprintof the 1933 FLYING MANUAL. The article was written 48 years ago by the designer of the plane, B. HBernie Pietenpol (EAA 2334), Spring Valley, MN 55975. This is Part I of a three part series. See page27 of this magazine for available copies of the FLYING and FLYING AND GLIDER MANUALSP RT 1

Plans for the Pietenpol S Y S UTSince plans for the Pietenpol Air Camper were published justa year ago several hundred sets of blueprints have been pur-chased and those who followed the plans closely were with-out exception successful in building a safe and economicalairplane. Owing to the insistent demand of lightplane fansfor a similar ship powered with a Model T motor, the origi-nator of the Air Camper has designed the Pietenpol SkyScout especially for readers of the 1933 Flying Manual.

By B. H. PietenpolDesigner of the Pietenpol Air Camper

No sooner had my article on building the AirCamper appeared in Modern Mechanix and Inven-tions than the readers began flooding both myselfand Andy with queries as to whether the ship couldbe powered with a Model T motor.Unfortunately I had to tell the fans that theModel T was hardly powerful enough for a twoplace job. And then the fun began Letters startedpouring in, asking for plans for a one-place job

that could use the main-spring of an old Henry.Well, here we areBut , before going into the actual constructionof the Sky Scout I wish to say a few things aboutthe ship, how it happened to be, what it will do ,and what not to expect of it.Back to the Model TI have been experimenting and building light

air. While I started flying with not over four hoursand twelve landings, and soloed and test-flew aship at the same time , I surely advise you againstthat method . But where could you find a school in1920?I then went in for higher powered jobs, butalways believed that the Model T motor could bemade to fly successfully.

About in 1928 when the new Ford came out Idecided that the Model A was the engine I wanted,so I bought all the sample parts from the Forddealer and assembled a motor , although I had notseen the inside of the new Ford . The ship flew andwas a success from the start.

odel Gets ll CreditThere was only one thing I did not like aboutthis - the motor got all the credit, and the ship got


17/28

plenty strong for this engine, a nd cowling and allwill fit.Now a few words on what the Sky Scout is :First, the ship was designed to be as easy to

P I T ~ P O L ONE SEATER~ O R O MODEL T MOTOR

The Air Camper and Sky Scout compared.The same sturdy construction is evident inevery line of the Scout as was found in itsbigger and higher-powered brother.

The Pietenpol Sky Scout taking offfrom the WoldChamberlain ai r port at Minneapolis Minn., for acrosscountry hop.

went into a sharp ditch (it did not nose over).I also saw this ship land on a plowed fieldO.K., although it was necessary to pull it on to asolid field to take off as it could not move an inch


18/28

STRE MLINE THE COWLINGWITH ZZ C

LUMINUM

SEE DET ILSor L NDING t ttt t l :TGE R S'eLYTHE SIDE VIEW

OF THE COMPLETE PLANE . - - - - - t - - - . + - - - ' - ' - " - - , . . n . . > ' - " - ' - ' ' ' ' - - ' ' ' ' ' ' _ ' J ' ' - - ~

NOTE : SEE FUSEL CEDR 'WINGS FOR THE ~ 3 6 ~ r _ 1 4 0 f _ . ~ 4COMPLETE DIMENSIONS ~ O V E R A L L LENGT'1 OF PLANE IS 18FT : > IN, - - - - - - - - - - - - - l - ; IN INCHES 48

Outboard and front elevations of the Sky Scout_ Details of the instrument board axle collar and horizontal stabilizer

some reserve power. The motor will turn as highas 1800 in the air.Blueprints CorrectThe editors showed me a set of blueprints that

they made from the shop drawings that I used inbuilding the ship and let me say for the plans thatthey are exactly like this plane is built and themost beautifully drawn up and easy to understandthat I have ever seen .There are a lot of improvements in these prints

Designed for Easy BuildingThe Sky Scout was designed to be as easy aspossible to build; but unless you know you are cap-able of building a plane or have someone to help

you that is capable please do not try to build anyairplane .I believe this is the easiest ship to build thereis. However I wish to have only safely built andgood flying planes in the air and if I knew that any

unsafe ships were built from these plans I would


19/28

3/32 in. mahogany plywood. The floor is made ofin. 5-ply haskelite. All gusset plates of in.material. Remember, all plywood must be regularaircraft grade and waterproof .Use a good glue. We use Rodgers semi-waterproof and give it two good coats of varnish. Youmay use regular casein glue, but be sure you knowhow to handle it. t won't keep long (12 hours).

Make Jig for FuselageYou will need a large bench on which to drawout and build your jig. We use th e same jig for bothsides.Each strut is held in place by blocks whichare left nailed down until both sides are finished .Also leave the longerons a little long, and wrapsome wire from the top to bottom longerons , twisting it tight with a nail until you have the plywoodnailed and glued on each side. When the glue isdry yo u may saw off the longerons in front.

First layout one side in the jig, putting in allstruts and braces . When you make one strut, makeanother just like it to be used on the other side sothe two will be exactly alike . Be sure to use a miterbox for this work.Next glue and nail on all the V in . gussetplates, wire the front longerons together so theywill not spring apart and break the gusset plates.Now remove the side from jig, put the longerons struts and braces for the other side into thejig,' and put the gusset plates , starting from tailand working up to where the 3/ 32 in. sides start.Now take the side you have just finished fromjig, lay it in on a piece of 3/32 in . plywood, andmark out all longerons , struts , and braces by running a pencil around them, then cut the plywoodthe size of fuselage. Make two of these - one forthe right and one for the left side.. The side of the plywood bearing the pencilmarks goes on the outside, and gives you goodmarks to keep your nails between.

Glue and Nail Gusset PlatesNow put a good layer of glue on longerons ,struts , and braces as far back as the plywood goes ;lay on your plywood and get busy nailing it downwith Y-t in . by 18 gauge cement coated nails . Allother gusset plates are also put on with this size

This excellent view shows the installation of the FordModel T en gine in the Sky Scout. Note location of theradiator and individual exhaust stacks.

pends on them ) and nail and glue them in place.You may now put in the by 5-plywood floor ,nailing it in with 1 in . 17 gauge nails . Next co mesthe top of the fuselage .Now pull the tail end of longerons together ,make this joint fit good , glue and nail it good ,put in all the rest of the s t r u t ~ and ?races u S ~ gthe center line method to get It straight. That ,make a line in the center of each strut and makea tight string or wire pass over this line. whendrawn from center of front to center of tall post.

The struts are next set on the gusset plates ofth e sides. Then put on turtle back, instrumentboard, cowling, and support and th e woodwork isfinished except for seat, which yo u should haveno trouble with.I can get the fuselage built up for you if this

sounds like too much work, and then you will havea perfect job around which to build the rest of theship .The WingThe fittings are so clear on the plans that itwould be a waste of time to say anything aboutthem. They are all made of regular 1025 aircraftsteel and are more than strong enough .

The wing on the Sky Scout is much too strong


20/28

TO BE RAISEDE ENTER INC; SH I P- - ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ - - - - - - ~ - + - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1 8 3 ~

GA . SHEET STEEL

30 X O f PIECE Of Ii L y w n n n ~NAILED TO 80T TDM OfBEAMS AND STRU TSTO BRACE THE CENTER METHOD OF ATTACHING TH EGASOLINE TANK TO WING

THE SCALE IN INCHES, 2 J4 8 ~ D E T I L S OF WING ASSEMBLY-=

STRU T Of SPRlJCE

Details of wing assembly are given on this working drawing. The method of installing sheet steel tank in the center sec-tion of wing is clearly shown here. Another interesting innovation is the flap at the trailing edge of the center section.

lbs. complete. It was only built this heavy becauseall the regular parts to build the Air Camper wingwere used .I wish to call your attention to the brace rightback of the rear beam. This was changed from theplans of the Air Camper. and I advise all of youwho have no. built up your wing ribs to buildthem this way.After your ribs are finished , make your beamsif you have trouble doing this, we will be able tomake them for you) and splice them in the center.

glued on both sides.Next put on all wing fittings and brace wireswe use 3/32 in. cable as it is easier to handle, al-

though No. 12 hard wire is O.K.), and line thewing up with the wires. Do not make them too


21/28

Details of the wing rib construction. The airfoil shown here is original with the designer, and is exactly the same as thatof the Model A Air Camper. Construction is a trifle heavy, but the ship has been designed for safety rather than speed.

tight until you get in your compression struts andwing tips.Now put on leading edge, trailing edge, aileronbeams, flop beams, and wing tips in order named.Line the wing up so that it is perfectly straight andput in all braces in wing (wood) and also put the

j ;, in . by in. braces on the ailerons and put allfiller strips on the aileron hinges (which are onlysmall strap hinges with a new pin put in which hasa cotter pin hole in its.end) .

flaw in years of flying the A jobs and that was thetrailing edge of the wing was a little weak for stunting. Don came sailing into the field with his jobone day in a steep side slip - so steep I thoughthe d hook a wing and flip over. Boy, he was going,and he yanked her out to see what would happen.Due to the fact that the little cross members in thetrailing edge were in the wrong direction, a portionof the trailing edge folded up, but it didn t seemto hurt things any, and he flew the rest of the day


22/28

- - - - - - - - - - - - - -1533 (12-9 i l0VERALL LENGTH-- - - - - - -- - - - to- i-+-t---25 2e 26 --+--

.: : ...... ,

THE INSIDE VIEW

BELL CRA

f SUPPORTSI X f TURTLE BACK RIBBING

TAIL 5KIDFITTINGFILL BETWEEN GUSSET PLATEAND f lTTlNGS WITH .f xiSTRIPS ON CORNERS

THE OUTSIDE VIEW OF FUSELAGE

Dimensioned drawings ofthe Sky Scout wooden fuselage. It has been the experience of the designerthat de ;' Havilland type ofwood construction is simpier to build and will standup under the hardestusage. This job is a mar vel of strength.

PLYWOOD TOPf-oIf-- ---f- - - - -153 f (lz'-9f) OVERALL LENGTH - - - - - - - - - - - - . . - 1

-_f -oI>- - -28 2 6 - _ - + - _ - _ - + ~ - 2 0

. . ,t::SEAT BRACES AND SUPPORTS I X 5PRUCE

NOTE: ALL STRUTS. BRACES.THE TOP VIEW OF FUSELAGE I f x 2 ENGINE SUPPORT AND LONGERONS AREFITTING AROUND FRONT STRUTS SPRUCEx r

2 6 r - - - - I ~ _ - - - - 5 1 - - - - - _ + _ - -

6 WHITE ASHWEDGE TO SUPPORTTHE TAIL SKIDf o I ~ l o 2 f . ~

f 153f 9 ~ OVERALL LE NGTH - - - -- - - -- - - -- if PLYWOOD FLOOR THE BOTTOM VIEW OF FUSELAGETHE SCALE - -THE MEASUREMENTS AND--


23/28

SEAT BOTTOM[ X R ~ R C HUPPO ,.

. . .fN..

of the seatconstruction.NOTE : SEE THE IINSTRUMENT BD,FUSELAGE PLANSL.,.

DETAILED DIMENSIONS" lI!OF BULKHEADS AND MIDSUPPORT FOSUPPORTS TURTLEBACK

.H>

was about the same with all wings, and traveledback about the same amount for increased ang,esof incidence.But while all the graphs of wing curves whichI secured from the N.A.C .A. at Washington lookedabout alike, and had about the same characteristicson paper , there was a lot of difference in the way

they handled . Slight differences in lift and dragcharacteristics on these graphs, which wouldn tseem to mean a thing , would mean a whole lotwhen put onto a ship .You know monoplanes of the high-wing type

titSUPPORT 'TURTLEBACK.." ;:: s{piBULKHEADAT SECOND

STATION AfTOF SEAT BKK

DETAIL OFFRAMING THE SEAT

Right- Dimensioned drawings for miscellaneous fuselage fittings .

Left - Detailed drawings

COWLING

and bulkhead

i ' TO BE ALLOWEDFOR JOINT @ 7CONE ISOF 22 GA ,IN

12NOSE DISC

ATTACH CONE AFTERCOWLING IS COMPLETEr LAP

are the strongest and safest from the aerodynamicalpoint of view. Yet they handle differently than anytype of airplane like a biplane . There is a sort ofpendulum effect that makes it rock back and forth ,and a wing section that doesn 't have a minimumtravel of the center of pressure will be bucky onthe controls. That is all taken out Of the Sky Scoutthrough the use of our wing , but I often wonderedwhy nobody had taken a crack at the subject. Iknow the M 6 wing section has no travel pressure ,but it isn ' t so hot in the air alongside our section.And so that is that.


24/28

Ale NEWS(Continued from Page 5

MUSEUM NEEDSThe following items are needed to carryon the programof the EAA Aviation Foundation. f you can help, pleasecontact EAA Headquarters, telephone 414/425 4860.Donations to the Museum are tax deductible. Planer (wood) Wing fittings for Curtiss JN4D Miscellaneous aviation mechanic hand tools Tools for V-1650 Merl in engines Complete engine or parts, Merlin V-1650 Semi-tractor, double or single axle Modem NA VI OM radios for B-25 and Lockheed 12aircraft Hydraulic Mule Hydraulic Maintenance Stands 220 to 28 volt rectifier - 100 amp Lawn mower blade balancer Overhaul Manual and Parts List for Me. 109(Spanish built) 3 prop hubs (30 spline), Part 5406-AL and 6Hamilton Standard Ground Adjustable prop blades,Part 3792X 8'9" for P & W R-985 Ford Trimotorengines N3N wheels and brakes P & W R-1830-75, R-1830-94 and R-2000 engines Tank Model 63 or 73 engine or parts Towing tractor for medium to large aircraft Small ice-cube maker Air Hammer Portable sandblaster with hood Funk (Ford Model B aircraft engine - two needed

(Photo by Marian Cavadlas)Wayne C. Pappy Brubaker (EAA 12260), 172 S. Gov.Boulevard, Capital Park, Dover DE 19901 donated an elevatorfor the EAA Air Museum's DC-3. He and his wife, Helen,delivered it to the Museum on their way to Oshkosh '81. Theyalways arrive at the Convention site early and stay late towork as volunteers.


25/28

LETTERSDear Jack Cox:Remember the Lawrence 5 cylinder radial engine?t was used in an A.P.U. and as I recall, developed 37

hp at 4,000 rpm. Cute as the devil it was , and about 13or 14 years ago the late Ralph Thenhaus built a HeathParasol from EAA plans and stuck the little Lawrence init. Up to that time people only talked about buildingan airplane around that engine, but it took 01' Ralphto do it.I had previously test flown Ralph's T-18 (numberthree I think) and he thrilled the britches off me byasking me to fly the Heath for the first time. Well mygosh Sure, Ralph, I'd really be glad to

The big event transpired on El Mirage dry lake out byEdwards Air Force Base, California, in the middle ofsummer. Alas, the heat proved too much. Although theengine ran the smoothest of anything I've ever heard,she would only turn about 3600. I got that much byopening the throttle and as the Heath accelerated, tomanually lean the engine by a model airplane tweakvalve that Ralph had rigged up. It did fly , but only about12 or 15 feet above the lake bed . (We had eight miles ofrunway, and it took about two to get airborne.) I wasafraid to make a turn so all flights consisted of straightand level.Well , to make a long story short, Ralph took theLawrence out, put a Continental A-65 in and made apositively wonderful fun machine out of it. Not too muchlater he became terminally ill and passed on, but notbefore he soloed the Heath. I wanted very much to havethe little radial for a keepsake mantle piece but neverthought it appropriate to ask. Do you think any of yourreaders would know of the whereabouts of this particularLawrence? Does anyone know if anyone else has everflown one before?If you should decide to publish this, perhaps NormGinn or Oby Tolman would know something. They wereboth there and helped Ralph quite a lot putting the Heathtogether. Yours truly,Bill Warwick(EAA 3775)5726 ClearsiteTorrance, CA 90505

Dear Gene:Under editorial policy in Th e VINTAGE AIRPLANEis the statement: "Responsibility for accuracy in reporting rests entirely with the contributor." It is apparentthat I am responsible for a breach of accuracy in thestory "Claude Flagg, Pilot/Engineer" in the May 1980issue. t says "In the mid-1950's Bruce Raymond wasflying this ship : meaning the Flagg-Raymond F-13"Bug." Actually Bruce had bought the ship much earlier,apparently in poor repair .Bruce states , "I bought the Bug from a gentlemanin Fort Dodge, Iowa in the summer of 1935 and had itshipped to Chicago by truck. I had to wait on the AB16being transferred before I could fly the Flagg.The first hop in it was a short one of approximatelyfive minutes , as it was getting dark. The next day (Dec.12, 1935) I hopped it again and began to find things out.t had a 65 hp Velie that had been taken out of a wreck.

The crankshaft had been welded and was approximately.040" out of alignment. Later we got it to within .020".After approximately four hours time it was crackingthe nose section. Luckily I had a friend that was agood welder on aluminum . At that date it was underpowered and tail heavy, a hell of a poor combination. In1940 I found out where the C.G. was supposed to be andmoved the Velie forward is . Then I had a good flyingairplane."I test hopped it Dec. 30, 1940 and really had somefun, complete oscillation stalls - no problem. Spins, butyou had to kick it in them. Now it was an honest airplane I flew it a few more times and then stored it,an< went to England flying for A.T.A.After the war I installed a 145 hp Warner, and latera 185 hp Warner (Rated nearer 200 hp @ 2475 rpm). Itis one good airplane now and will do anything you wantit to do." (End of Bruce Raymond's Comments)

In the interest of accuracy and aviation history it isbetter to correct the error now. I do regret the goof andhope it has not created an undue problem for anyone.Mr. Raymond still had this plane.Sincerely,.Ted Businger (EAA 93833)Rt. 2, Box 280Willow Springs, MO 65793

MYSTERY PL NEThis month's Mystery Plane photois from George Hardie 's collection.


26/28

MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Membership in the Experimental Aircralt Association , Inc. is 25.00 lor one year, 48.00 lor 2 years

and 69.00 lor 3 years. All include 12 issues 1 Sport Aviation per year. Junior Membership under 19years 1 age) is available at 15.00 annually.fAA EAA Member - 14.00. In cludes one year membership in EAA Ant ique-Classic Division . 12 month ly

ANTIQUf- issues 1 The Vintage Airplane and membership card. Applicant must be a current EAA member andmust give EAA membership number.CLASSIC Non-EAA Member - 24.00. Includes one year membership in the EAA Antique-Classic Division . 12monthly issues 1 The Vintage .Airplane . one year membership in the EAA and separate membershipcards . Sport Aviation not included.

Membership in the International Aerobati c Club . Inc . is 16.00 annually which includes 12 issuesof Sport Aerobatics . All lAC members are required to be members of EAA.AC

Membership in the Warbirds 1 America . Inc . is 20.00 per year . whi ch in c ludes a subscript i on toWarbirds Newsletter. Warbird members are required to be members 1 EAA.ULTRALIGHT Membership in th e EAA Ultralight Assn . is 25.00 per year which includes the Ultralight publicationWARBIRDS

( 15 .00 additional lor Sport Aviation magazine) . For current EAA members only, 15.00, which includesUltralight publication.

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 :

P. O BOX 229 HALES CORNERS W 53130

CLASSIFIED ADSACRO SPORT - Single place biplane capable of unlimited aerobatics . 23 sheets of clear , easy to follow plans ,includes nearly 100 isometrical drawings, ph otos andexp loded views. Complete parts and materials list . Fullsize wing drawings . Plans plus 88 page Builder s Man ual- $60.00. Info Pack - $4 .00. Super Acro Sport WingDrawing - $15.00. Send check or money order to: ACROSPORT, INC. Box 462, Hales Corners , WI 53130. 414 /425-4860.

ACRO II - The new 2-place aerobatic trainer and sportbip lane . 20 pages of easy to follow , detailed plans. Complete wi th isometric drawings , photos, exploded views.Plans - $85.00. Info Pack - $4.00. Send check or moneyorder to: ACRO SPORT, INC_ P.O. Box 462, Hales Corners , WI 53130. 414/425-4860.POBER PIXIE - VW powered parasol - unlimited inlow, cost pleasure flying. Big, roomy cockpit for the oversix foot pilot. VW power insures hard to beat 3V gph atcruise setting . 15 large instruction sheets. Plans - $45 .00.Info Pack - $4 .00 . Send ch eck or money order to: ACROSPORT, INC. Box 462, Hales Corners, WI 53130. 414/425-4860.DERRICK INDUSTRIES, INC - Repair Station 464-61.Wooden propeller repair and manufacturing. 1565 NorthBroadway , Stockton, CA 95205. Phone 209/462-7381.WANTED: For my Curtiss Wright Junior restoration,parts or pieces, any condition. Contact Gene Chase atEAA Headquarters, P.O . Box 229, Hales Corners, WI53130. 414/425 4860 or 414/425 8851.

AVAILABLE BACK ISSUES


27/28

DRESSIT UP

WITH A NEWI I ~ INTERIOR!All Items READY-MADE for a ~ yDO-IT-YOURSELF INSTALLATION

Seat Upholstery - Wall PanelsHeadliners - Carpets - etc.Ceconite Envelopes and Dopes

Send for FREE Ca t a l o gFabric Selection Guide - S3.00

4 ~ P ~ , J H C .259 Lower Morr isvi l le ~ ~ = - - -1. .. FolI.ington, Po. 19054 r'~ ~ . (215) 295-4115 _

THE VINTAGE AIRPLANEADVERTISI NG RATESDISPLAY RATES: 1 Issue 3 Issues 12 Issues1 Page $125.00 $120.00 $114.00

Page 65.00 60.00 54.00/3 Page 55.00 50.00 48.00V. Page 35.00 32.00 30.00Is Page 30.00 26.00 24.0018 Page 25.00 21.00 19.00Rates are for black and white camera-ready ads.Layout Work: $18.00 per hour.CLASSIFIED DISPLAY RATE: Regular type per word 40c. BoldFace Type: per word 45c. ALL CAPS : per word 50c (Minimumcharge $6.00). (Rate covers one insertion one issue .)COMMISSIONS: Non-Co mmissionable.

FLYI'NG ANDGLIDER MANUALS1929, 1930, 19311932, 1933 2.50 ea.

SEND CHECK OR MONEY ORDER TOEAA Air Museum Foundation, Inc.Box 469 Hales Corners , WI 53130

Allow 4-6 Weeks For DeliveryWis consi n Residents Include 4% Sales Tax

Jacket: Unlined Poplin jacket, features knit waistand cuffs . The gold and white braid trim on aTan body emphasizes the colors proudly displayed in the Antique/Classic logo.Sizes : X-small thru X-large $28.95 ppd

Cap : Complete the look in this gold mesh hatwith contrasting blue bill , trimmed with a goldbraid. Your logo visibly displayed , makes thisadjustable cap a must.Sizes : M & L (adjustable rear band) $6.25 ppd


28/28

Documents

Vintage Airplane - Sep 1981