Chapter 77 members
and airport/hanger residents are active in a number of aircraft building and restoration
projects. Anyone currently involved in one of these projects is encouraged
to provide details of the builder and project airplane to the webmaster for
publication on this page.
For more insight on
the kit aircraft building process go to the KitLogPro
and ExperCraft websites to
view the build logs of many builders representing multiple kit types.
11/13/08:
Dan has his heated building area complete. Will be starting his
build after his Florida trip. Plans to use an O-235 engine which
provides some very efficient performance.
CHUCK
MORRIS - BEAR HAWK.
Building in his home garage in Holly.
June
2009: Working
on fuel line, then the brake lines.
12/11/08:
Chuck provided 3 more pics - 2 of airframe, 1 of gascolator/fuel
selector. 11/13/08: Chuck had photo album of project at
tonight's Chapter 77 meeting. A few of
these were scanned to present here. Fuselage and tail frame
are mostly complete. In one pic you can see an old engine
block being used to set the crank center line with the airframe so
the engine mounts can be accurately welded in place.
KEVIN
MARTIN- RV-10N729KM.
Building in his garage in Grand Blanc.
9/12/08: Kevin
provided these pictures of his progress. He has the tail
complete and is working on section 29 of the fuselage.
CHAPTER
77 MEMBERS - PIPER J3 CUB. One example of an excellent restoration
project completed by our members was this Cub which
was donated to our Chapter by former member Gene Tanner. The project was completed
in 2005 and the airplane was subsequently sold in 2006. A more complete story of
this project was presented in The Flushing
Observer.
FRED FAGAN -
RV-9 (taildrager). Building in his pole barn at home in
Chesaning.
June
2009: Installed electrical system and turned engine over.“90% done, 90% to go!”
Click on
color picture for more of Jeff's history. The B/W pics were also in
the September Flypaper.
Status:
First
flew in October, 1976, tore down for rebuild and recover in December
2005. Changed oil cover and front cowl. Stripped all sheet
metal, gear legs and N-struts. Poly Fiber covering with Aerothane
finish paint. Flew again in June and all seems to be well.
DENNIS BOWE
- PIPER SUPER CUB.
In his home garage in Flushing.
Picture
is NOT Dennis' plane but is representative of the one he purchased.
Status:
Plane in pieces after being shipped here from Ireland. This will be
a rebuild project.
MIKE
MARTIN - ZENITH 601
HD. Building in his family hangar at Dalton Airport.
6/21/08:
The canopy now has a hinge like a 601XL. Mike is getting back
into his project after several years of inactivity. Engine is an NSI Subaru EA81.
DAVE
BURCH - MURPHY
MOOSE. Building in his home hangar on Dalton Airport.
Picture
is NOT Dave's plane but is representative pic of a Moose from the
web.
Picture
is NOT Greg's plane but is representative pic of a C-175 from the
web.
Status:
This
airplane has been in Greg's family for a very long time. It is
not currently flyable and there is no current activity but I've
asked Greg for some history and refurbishment plans.
Update
from Tom 12/10/07: Dear Peggy
and Fellow Members I'm excited to announce that on December 8th,
2007, I lifted N5121K
from it's earthly bonds for the first time. I have to admit the
experience was the most exciting yet uneventful event I've ever
had. The aircraft performed beyond my expectations and yes even
dreams. I'm looking forward to expanding the envelop. Just a word
of encouragement to fellow builders with dust on their projects.
Somehow 22 years flashed by since I first started this RV-4, You
know how it is life gets in the way of living. But with patience
and perseverance the crates of aluminum became N5121K. A word of
thanks to the many members who offered their experience and advice
over the years. Fred Fagan and Walt Hancock just to name a couple
Picture
is NOT Larry's plane but is representative pic of an RV-7 from the
web.
Status:
Awaiting pictures and update from Larry
GARY
HOPCRAFT and Volunteers - Kiddie Train for Dawn Patrols and
parades.
A
6-car train was purchased for $100. Our first workshop night was
held 11/15/2007 with 4 adults and 3 kids. We managed to remove the
necessary old components and installed new wings, tails and seats in 2 of them.
After all of the reconstruction is complete
we can paint and decorate. One of our members (Dave) will provide a
tractor to pull the train. 4/28/08: Illustrated update from Rod
Curtis showing all of the airplanes in progress and another pic of Hoppy
in formation lead with Kerry and Sandy Matthews as wingman.