New Vintage Airplane Owner

Hello everyone,

Started flying in the 70s with most time in Cessna and Piper tri-gear aircraft.

Have not owned an airplane for over 10 years. Found a 1948 PA-17 Vagabond for sale earlier this year and purchased it last March.

Having plenty of fun flying the Vag with C-85, metal propeller, and no electric system!!!!! Flying off of a grass strip in North Carolina.


https://photos.smugmug.com/Vagabond/...IMG_1524-M.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vagabond/...IMG_1713-M.jpg

Visited Sentimental Journey Fly-in, Lock Haven PA last June, met plenty of nice people with fine airplanes:

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...-6XjZRgm-M.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...-CMXmssK-M.jpg

Visited Sebring FL EAA gathering earlier this year, too:

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...-qXp82Vt-M.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-...-z7zJJL5-L.jpg

Happy to be flying again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

Looks very nice. We are on NC26 (about 6m due south of SVH or the very north end of the CLT clas B). Saturday, Sept 29 is our annual neighborhood flyin. Drop on in (we're grass as well).

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Originally Posted by FlyingRon

Looks very nice. We are on NC26 (about 6m due south of SVH or the very north end of the CLT clas B). Saturday, Sept 29 is our annual neighborhood flyin. Drop on in (we're grass as well).

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Ron,

Small world, I'm at Laneys! Flew close to your airport yesterday around 7:00PM! Laneys will be having the annual fly-in first Saturday of October.

Appreciate the invitation, was wondering if y'all still had a fly-in. !!!!

Thanks!

Been to Laney's flyin a bunch of times. Drop in on us any time. I'm in the sort of Frank Lloyd Wright looking house at midfield.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FlyingRon

Been to Laney's flyin a bunch of times. Drop in on us any time. I'm in the sort of Frank Lloyd Wright looking house at midfield.

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Ron,

Flying the Vagabond over Lincolnton late today. Will fly into Long Island soon!

Thanks,

Wander across the lake to Lake Normen aviation 14A. My brother (David) lives to the right while on final for 32. Used to restore lots of birds there, our old hangers are gone, but a nice little paved strip airport.

That is one lovely Vagabond. Always liked that airplane model!!


Derswede

Beautiful aircraft.

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Originally Posted by Derswede

Wander across the lake to Lake Normen aviation 14A. My brother (David) lives to the right while on final for 32. Used to restore lots of birds there, our old hangers are gone, but a nice little paved strip airport.

That is one lovely Vagabond. Always liked that airplane model!!


Derswede

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Quote:

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Originally Posted by gbrasch

Beautiful aircraft.

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Previous owner owned the Vag for last 47 years hangared in MN. He had it recovered with Ceconite and painted. He also had a FAA field approval installation with the C-85/metal propeller and auto gas STC. The Vag climbs well, too!

Have the original Bill of Sale from Piper Aircraft Corporation. On June 8th 1948 this Vagabond was purchased by Des Moines Flying Service Iowa for $2175.00. First flight by new owner of 15 minutes on 6/11/48. The Vagabond has appreciated $ :thumbsup:.

Hope to be visiting many of the local airports! Look forward to meeting everyone!

Thanks!!!!!

It's back to basics for me with the Vagabond and would not have it any other way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vagabond/...ond%2031-L.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FlyingRon

Been to Laney's flyin a bunch of times. Drop in on us any time. I'm in the sort of Frank Lloyd Wright looking house at midfield.

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Ron,

Flew into NC26 today, it was after 7:00PM, did a touch and go. Will drop in earlier some time so I can stop and visit.

Beautiful Vagabond, love that it's still kept simple.

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Originally Posted by cluttonfred

Beautiful Vagabond, love that it's still kept simple.

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Matthew,

I wanted a two seater with low operation cost. It's easy on fuel and no electrical system. The Vagabond also meets LSA rules with 1150 pounds gross and 45MPH stall. It has an advertised max cruise at 100MPH, but I enjoy flying at 2100RPM around 80 to 85MPH. With C85 climbs 900FPM at 80F while solo. Use a hand held comm with headset connected to an external antenna. It only takes 30 seconds to install or remove.

Thanks,



https://photos.smugmug.com/Vagabond/...MG_1655-XL.jpg

https://photos.smugmug.com/Vagabond/...IMG_1710-L.jpg

Quote:

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Originally Posted by rideandfly

Ron,

Flew into NC26 today, it was after 7:00PM, did a touch and go. Will drop in earlier some time so I can stop and visit.

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Ah, we were over in Mooresville having dinner with friends. I missed it.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by FlyingRon

Ah, we were over in Mooresville having dinner with friends. I missed it.

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Hope I can visit before the end of the year!