ATCT
Registered User
Big T Airpark - Senoia, GA
Hey Guys 'n Gals,
Long story short, It looks like I might be able to get a damaged Aeronca L-16A for a great price. Lost power, put into a gas line right of way, a couple longerons were bent and the engine quick stopped. C-85-8 with low time up front, left wing tip has slight impact damage (just the bow), right wing is fine. The main's were bent back so both those mounts are probably toast. I'm currently working on my A&P, logging time ever so slowly and this seems like the perfect project to get in, learn how to cut and weld (ha! if it was that simple), RnR, overhaul, and recover.
My background;
ATC for career, been flying taildraggers since I would walk, just started taking the A&P route seriously about 2 years ago when I bought my Super Cub. Ive been able to do minor fabric repairs, covered a rudder, and worked on the annual with a member from this site (thanks for your instruction DB!!!). The past few months been working on radials and warbirds on my off time working on practical for my A&P.
The Good:
I know the airplane, all logs, who worked on it etc. Most of the fuselage is fine. The right wing has no damage.
The Bad:
Engine lost power causing forced landing (landed with some power causing quick stop). Landed in 4ft grass that caused the gear to buckle, engine mount bent, A couple of the forward longerons bent and need replaced (I counted 4 that were visibly bent without going into a jig). When the gear buckled, she rotated 180 degrees and grabbed the left wing tip - breaking the bow but no other visible damage.
I've been musing a project to learn and earn my A&P on and a good plane to teach my kids in and let my dad (who wants to get rid of his medical, go LSA) fly. I currently have a flying airplane, a '76 Super Cub so I am not without a flying bird while she takes my time for a rebuild. I know the fuselage and engine need going over 100%, the right wing is most likely okay, the left (for my sake) I plan on taking down to wood and RnR what is needed.
I appreciate anyone's input as I am #1 clueless about Aeronca's and #2 new to the world of restoration!
Long story short, It looks like I might be able to get a damaged Aeronca L-16A for a great price. Lost power, put into a gas line right of way, a couple longerons were bent and the engine quick stopped. C-85-8 with low time up front, left wing tip has slight impact damage (just the bow), right wing is fine. The main's were bent back so both those mounts are probably toast. I'm currently working on my A&P, logging time ever so slowly and this seems like the perfect project to get in, learn how to cut and weld (ha! if it was that simple), RnR, overhaul, and recover.
My background;
ATC for career, been flying taildraggers since I would walk, just started taking the A&P route seriously about 2 years ago when I bought my Super Cub. Ive been able to do minor fabric repairs, covered a rudder, and worked on the annual with a member from this site (thanks for your instruction DB!!!). The past few months been working on radials and warbirds on my off time working on practical for my A&P.
The Good:
I know the airplane, all logs, who worked on it etc. Most of the fuselage is fine. The right wing has no damage.
The Bad:
Engine lost power causing forced landing (landed with some power causing quick stop). Landed in 4ft grass that caused the gear to buckle, engine mount bent, A couple of the forward longerons bent and need replaced (I counted 4 that were visibly bent without going into a jig). When the gear buckled, she rotated 180 degrees and grabbed the left wing tip - breaking the bow but no other visible damage.
I've been musing a project to learn and earn my A&P on and a good plane to teach my kids in and let my dad (who wants to get rid of his medical, go LSA) fly. I currently have a flying airplane, a '76 Super Cub so I am not without a flying bird while she takes my time for a rebuild. I know the fuselage and engine need going over 100%, the right wing is most likely okay, the left (for my sake) I plan on taking down to wood and RnR what is needed.
I appreciate anyone's input as I am #1 clueless about Aeronca's and #2 new to the world of restoration!