Here's just a small sampling of the aircraft projects the youth and mentors have completed.
Taking off for the test flight of the restored 1978 Bellanca Citabria 7GCAA
1978 Bellanca Citabria 7GCAA
N5032 (Greenie) came to 88CHARLIES through the generosity of Dale Shriver and Judy Rogers. The husband and wife also sponsored the restoration process. In Greenie is where Dale proposed to Judy many years ago in the skies over Wisconsin. Now fully restored by the students of 88CHARILIES to like-new condition, Greenie serves the role as advanced trainer for those students where she continues to share the love of aviation. In addition to Dale and Judy, 88CHARLIES is grateful to American Champion Aircraft, Standard Process, and Wag Aero for their efforts to make this dream of flight a reality.
The inaugural flight of the restored 1946 Taylorcraft BC12D.
1946 Taylorcraft BC12D
After nearly 21 years of being grounded, the students and mentors at 88CHARLIES completed the restoration of a 1946 Taylorcraft airplane. Acquired by the 88CHARLIES organization in 2012, more than 20 students participated in the restoration efforts. The restoration project included rebuilding and repairing multiple aircraft parts, as well as recovering and painting the different components of the airplane.
The Rosman 1946 Piper J3-C65 Cub.
Piper J3 Cub
The Rosman 1946 Piper J3-C65 Cub was purchased from Hood River, OR, July 2nd, 2010. When picked up, the engine was in pieces. The wings were constructed incorrectly, and required repair and recovering. The engine was rebuilt over the winter of 2012, by Bill and Jon Rosman. The aircraft was nearly completed when Bill Rosman passed away in July 2012. With the help of 88CHARLIES, the wings and final assembly were completed. The Cub was finished with the Stewart Systems process, and was flown once again in February 2013, for the first time since 1954.
The Frison PA-11, after 2.5 years of restoration efforts.
FrIson PA-11
The Frison PA-11 came to 88CHARLIES after a landing gear incident at the Palmyra Municipal Airport. The aircraft was in serious disrepair, and in need of restoration. The stringers were poking through the fabric on the fuselage, and the engine was run out. The engine was rebuilt by Poplar Grove, and the fuselage was sent out to be powder coated, but all of the remaining restoration work was completed by the students and mentors at 88CHARLIES, including repairing and cleaning the fuselage, All of the sheet metal was replaced with new, and a few wing ribs were replaced. Additionally, the landing gear was replaced. After two and a half years, the restoration on the PA-11 was completed. The airplane was finished with the Stewart System Process.