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| Additional Restoration Photos
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| When a real estate
developer/commercial pilot (Robert J Drake Jr.), an aviation mechanic-pilot (Cory Thompson
III), and an 80-year-young cowboy/pilot legend (Bill Winnop) are determined to fly an old
antique airplane -- safely -- from Ramona, California (San Diego) to Prosser, Washington
in the spring of 1995, a story unfolds... An Adventure of a Lifetime! |
| Flight Briefs: |
| December, 1994 |
Robert J Drake Jr.- test flies and purchases 1946 F-24 Fairchild, from
Royal Air Force Veteran of World War II, Douglas Garton, residing today in Sunriver,
Oregon. |
April - 1995
Ramona, CA |
Late afternoon start, Cory is flying and having a tough climb, over
Tehachapi Pass, elev. 9500 feet. The air is hot and rough with turbulence But with
spirits high, we land at Porterville, CA. at dusk. The old wing landing light works. |
Lodi, CA |
Late morning, Robert J. Drake Jr. is flying, making an approach to a short
narrow runway. In landing, Fairchild, she’s a heavy tail wheel airplane, with a
special spirit, and at times, a mind of her own. |
| Red Bluff, CA |
Late afternoon arrival, weather turning bad, with gusting winds, and poor
visibility. We decide to wait out the storm, and relax. |
| Dunsmuir, CA |
Early afternoon, Cory is flying, hard to find a way through the mountain
pass, in poor visibility and heavy rain. Bill Winnop can see light to the east of us, and
is telling us to fly there, but unfortunately, that’s heading to Nevada. Cory,
does some great flying. |
| Mt. Shasta, CA |
We relax at the Veterans Club, Bill Winnop needs a drink. We socialize
with a very attractive, and friendly, barmaid, telling a few stories, and having a great
time. |
| Weed, CA |
Next morning, we have to land. Wood propeller is cracked, and we
can’t find another one. We are a little angry and decide to leave my airplane here.
Bill Winnop wants to stay the night and party, with the ladies. I agree, but we decide
to leave - via Horizon Air, Klamath Falls, Oregon. |
| Klamath Falls, OR |
Cory says, ”Robert, we are flying a good Fairchild airplane,
now”! Not very funny! |
| One Month Later: Weed, CA |
We have new propeller and drive 12 hours straight, to get it
there in time for Cory to install it. We fly the Fairchild home at last. |
| Prosser, WA |
I'm having fun flying the Fairchild, but it appears the main engine oil
bearings are about to fail (angry), my nice airplane is grounded. We remove the engine and
send it out, to be overhauled by Jack Lanning in Arlington, Washington. Jack, does
great work, and the Warner Radial Engine never looked better. We decide to restore the
whole airplane. |
| April. 17, 1996 |
With the guidance and help of Richard Bogert- I A, the restoration has
started on the Fairchild. To take on the responsibility of a project like this, requires
expertise in many crafts, such as wood cabinetry, fabric, upholstery, welding, machining,
electrical, etc. We are fortunate to have the artistic talent of Richard Bogert, a
master aviation craftsman- I A. |
| April. 1996 to Feb. 2001 |
Restoration of Fairchild: We performed an extensive overhaul of all wood
in the vertical and horizontal stabilizers (tail), as well as the steel airframe.
We installed all new wiring, tires, aircraft bolts and hardware. A new windshield,
upholstery and new radios were also installed, making this tired
and old Fairchild “The Grand Dame Of Vintage Airplanes“! Once again
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| A Few Thoughts... |
Life can be stressful
Especially when you run out of time and money to finish
The rewards are great, an experience, that is priceless
Then comes that day, she belches smoke, fires on all seven cylinders
And makes that romantic radial engine roar, as she gracefully slips through the air
Adventurous Flight
If we can believe in the miraculous Spirit of Life,
Then even a tired old airplane can be ready for flight.
For she once did, surrounded by California storms and mountains of treachery
Fly some brave new friends, safely, as if on a mission of destiny.
Robert J. Drake, Jr.
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