Tim Fox with his Post War 1946 Ercoupe which he calls The Green Frog.
Photo courtesy of Phil Weston
Vintage Overview for Oshkosh 2014
By James Wynbrandt
July 27, 2014 - Monday’s Vintage in Review program features Dan Wood’s gorgeous 1948 Cessna 170 along with Bob McHugh from Nuvite polishes. Also featured is an interview with Mark Marino and the Lark of Duluth Benoist replica, and Marlin Horst’s 1929 Fairchild 71.
It’s a vintage year at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh for enthusiasts of any aviation era as the Vintage Aircraft Association is spotlighting a host of rare aircraft along with an enhanced schedule of daily activities, forums and workshops.
The featured classics and antiques on display include a Pitcairn Mailwing and Fairchild 21 mail planes; a Lockheed Vega of the type Amelia Earhart and Wiley Post set world records in, as well as more than half a dozen twin-engine Lockheed 12 Electra Juniors; a British Fairey Gannet warbird; a homebuilt Jenny; a recently completed reproduction of a Benoist flying boat, the world’s first airliner; an Ercoupe that has flown more than 1,000 Young Eagles; and the recently restored Piper Cub the Buck Brothers flew across the U.S. more than 60 years ago, a journey recounted in the memoir, Flight of Passage.
Along with the static displays, Vintage in Review presentations are held 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday-Friday at the Interview Circle in front of Vintage Hangar each day spotlighting a rare aircraft and its restorer.
“There’s always a story about the airplane, but there’s also the unique individual that’s behind the restoration, so we learn about both,” said program Chairman Ray Johnson. The venue has comfortable bleachers for attendees, and each day’s program starts by firing up an OX5, believed to be the oldest aircraft engine still operating.
This year the Vintage crew is also making more room for educational forums and demonstrations. Inside the Vintage Hangar, sessions will include a welding repair demonstration using a gas welder, which doesn’t require operators to wear welder’s glasses; a fabric covering workshop demonstrating new techniques for applying Poly-Fiber; instruction on making wooden wing ribs; and a round engine education seminar. Airframe & Powerplant mechanics will demonstrate safety wiring and torqueing techniques, and owner-assisted annuals. At an “Ask the AME” session, attendees can get answers about any medical issues related to flying.
Attendees can also meet members of type clubs representing Aeroncas, Stinsons, Fairchild, and other vintage aircraft.
Experience some vintage Oshkosh-style hospitality in the Red Barn, the Vintage Aircraft Association’s headquarters. Schedules of activities will be posted daily at the Vintage Hangar.
Dan Wood's C170
Photo courtesy Mariano Rosales
Keith Doornbos with his 1946 Cub in Vitange.
Photo courtesy of Phil Weston
