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Thread: World's Oldest Flying Cessna airborne again

  1. #1

    World's Oldest Flying Cessna airborne again

    I had the distinct privilege of ferrying the world's oldest flying Cessna from Poplar Grove, IL to its new home at the Eagles Mere Air Museum last week, a trip of about 9 1/2 flying hours spread over two days. This aircraft, a 1928 Cessna AW, was restored by Gar Williams and was Grand Champion at both Oshkosh and the AAA fly-in at Blakesburg in 1981, still the only airplane to accomplish that feat as far as I know. I thought there might be some interest in photos of the 'plane, so will post some here.

    At Poplar Grove with the Thomas' Waco SRE






    Poplar Grove



    Rear view at Wynkoop Airport, Ohio


    Some of these are a bit over exposed, here is the open rocker 110 Warner engine

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    Two views of the tail





    and the emblem


    Cockpit door, pretty small


    .

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    And some cockpit details


    The left stick grip was loose so I took it off for the trip so it didn't come off inadvertantly


    Trim lever on the far side of the cockpit


    and compass on the spar behind your head. It originally had a reverse printed card and was read with a mirror over the instrument panel


    Cruise was about 90 mph running the Warner at an easy 1675 rpm. Brakes are from a 1925 Ford Model T and just barely work, which is OK. The tailskid does most of the slowing, and the brakes are mostly used only to help turn around at the end of the landing roll. Ailerons are frise type and work well, while the rudder is too small and needs to use quite a bit of travel to be effective. Quite a fascinating trip and thanks to Gar Williams and George Jenkins for making my part in it possible

  4. #4
    rosiejerryrosie's Avatar
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    With that complex of an instrument panel, it should require two pilots. Seriously, it looks like a fun ride. 90 MPH is not shabby at all!
    Cheers,
    Jerry

    NC22375
    65LA out of 07N Pennsylvania

  5. #5
    Chad Jensen's Avatar
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    I wish I woulda known this was leaving Poplar...I would have come up to see it leave. Awesome airplane...
    Chad Jensen
    EAA #755575

  6. #6
    Adam Smith's Avatar
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    Beautiful. Thanks for posting these photos Andrew.

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    Hangar10's Avatar
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    Awesome! Thanks Andrew.

  8. #8
    Some great video thanks to Steve Thomas at Poplar Grove:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2j4qsCV_24

    Last edited by Hal Bryan; 08-18-2011 at 10:07 AM. Reason: Adding video embed - Hal.

  9. #9
    Chad Jensen's Avatar
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    Wow. That was a fantastic video...very nostalgic feeling.
    Chad Jensen
    EAA #755575

  10. #10
    MickYoumans's Avatar
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    Awesome! Thanks for posting the pictures and video link.

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