As the ten o'clock hour arrived, we were wondering if the few of us who were there were going to be eating BBQ for a hundred and thirty.

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1 Copyriightt Newslletttter Ediittor Larry Robiinson Ediittor IIn Chiieff Katthy Robiinson X58 WITH THE DAWSONS There is a reason they call them "weather guessers". They guessed there would be a 30% chance of rain and sure enough Indiantown was part of the 30% that got some. That and an overcast that blocked out the sun and blue sky. I didn't really need my sunshade hat on this winter day. But, the temperature was nice. Shirtsleeves were the uniform of the day for this January in South Florida. As the ten o'clock hour arrived, we were wondering if the few of us who were there were going to be eating BBQ for a hundred and thirty. 1

2 Then, the hum of Cubs and belches of radial engines were heard coming from all directions under the overcast. Apparently there was enough air between the bottoms of the clouds and ground to allow our aviators to ply the zephyrs. The grassy ramp at Indiantown filled with a colorful menagerie of airplanes and the hangar flying began in earnest. A quiet bunch we have never been. Each has their own story of how they cheated death once again and their excuses for poor landings. One Fleet owner, who shall remain nameless for this publication but is well known by those who attended, received recognition for the highest flare upon landing. We think he started the flare somewhere over Sebring! The Fleet is a rugged biplane. The excuse for the high flare? His goggles slipped!!! That's a new one. As has been the case over decades, Clyde and Nancy Dawson and the Dawson clan managed this event without a hitch. Every detail was planned for and executed flawlessly. The Dawsons, for the Indiantown gathering, and our other hosts for the season, are the true movers and shakers behind the continuing success of our organization. I speak for the membership of the Florida Antique Biplane Association thanking them for their efforts to keep the flame alive. How lucky we are to have such generous folks amongst us. The hangar flying and ramp sniffing went on until we gathered in front of the quonset hangar for a group picture prior to our usual short meeting before lunch was served. A rousing rendition of the Star Spangled Banner was led by John Giliberti at the opening to the meeting. Many commented that we ought to start every meeting this way. There are no half hearted Americans within our ranks. Jim Connell received the traditional tube of Beudreux's Butt Paste for the longest flight by Cub or antique biplane. Our resident ICU nurse, Pattie Duffy, was 2

3 solicitous enough to offer to apply the paste. I think Jim was just a little too eager to have the paste applied!? Clyde Dawson had received the "Wingtip Protector" in years past for his efforts skinning the wing of his biplane and thought it ought to pass to a new recipient. There is always someone within the ranks who has a newly minted wingtip experience so we passed on the Wingtip Protector to the newest honoree. If you attended Indiantown, you got to meet this new member of the wingtip brigade whose initials are G.S. There are those of us who have and those of us who will eventually skin a wingtip. Especially when flying a Stearman. If you haven't done so, you haven't flown them enough in just the right wind conditions and/or on the right runway surface. A proud new member now graces our ranks. Gary Lickle, who just completed a 4700 mile jaunt from Washington State in his new Carbon Cub, filled us in on the plan for our February adventure. This year's Eco Trek, "The Lake O Show & US Sugar Harvest Tour" will include our two AAA Chapters and promises to be fun and informative. Stay tuned for your personal invitation to this event coming via to the membership. My lovely and supportive wife, the Dawson girls and their husbands took over after the meeting and served up an abundant and delicious array of BBQ, sides and the desserts brought by our designated members. There was no excuse for going away hungry from X58 as there was food for 130 and about 85 showed up. Even with the ugly weather, we powered through and managed to 3

4 have an excellent time once again. Those who couldn't brave the elements will have other opportunities to actually fly to another meeting of the Florida Antique Biplane Association. Don't let these opportunities pass. Time is short and the checkered flag is in sight for many of us. Once passed, you can never quite recreate the experience. 4

5 LAKE O SHOW & SUGAR HARVEST TOUR In keeping with the tradition of the last several years, this year's adventure will occur in February and concentrate on an aerial sightseeing tour of features completed and underway around Lake Okeechobee to help clean up the drainage runoff water capable of polluting our natural resources. We'll meet at the north end of Lake Okeechobee for an early breakfast, refueling and pre-flight briefing of what we'll be seeing during our trek south. A written guide will be distributed prior to lifting. Our destination will be Clewiston (Air Glades Airport) where we'll tie down for the overnight. The afternoon will be consumed with a sugar cane harvest tour before we check in at the historic Clewiston Inn ( for the overnight stay. You will receive your personal invitation to this exclusive function via . It is being designed and executed for the members of the Florida Antique Biplane Association, Inc. We'll need to get an accurate head count for this function, so let me know if you intend to attend. 5

6 IT COULD HAVE BEEN A PETTICOAT! JOHN LUMLEY I can not remember if it was Orville telling Wilber or visa versa that a funny thing happened to him on the way back to the airport. I was high on final and suddenly I got a cramp in my right leg and it shot out pushing the rudder to almost full deflection. At the same time a large crow attacked my right ear and I threw the control wheel over to the left to avoid him. Amazingly the Flyer descended on track to the runway and lost considerable altitude while not gaining any airspeed. The cramp and crow vanished at the same time and I continued in for a normal landing. I wanted to remember exactly what happened so I jumped off the Flyer and saw a lady standing by the runway admiring my piloting skills. I quickly grabbed the pen from her hand and not seeing anything readily available to write on, I pulled up her petticoat and wrote the description of what happened there and then. The lady swooned as I cut out a chunk of her petticoat with my Swiss Army Knife and I dashed off to tell others of my most unusual experience now that I had it in writing. (There will be a quiz at the end of this article and question number one is: Why did I not use my French Army Knife to cut out a piece of fabric?) Back at the hangar, I laid out the piece of petticoat on the table and all the local pilots read and discussed the experience. We all decided to try the maneuver deliberately the following day and meet back at the hanger for a debrief. The consenus was unanimous that by using right rudder with left aileron (and visa versa) the aircraft will descend at a higher than normal rate and stay on track to the runway. Everyone also emphasized that it was essential to maintain a safe airspeed by using elevator forces during the maneuver and throttle remains in the closed position. Since our small group felt we discovered this new and useful maneuver, we felt we should have the right to name it before sharing it with the general pilot population. With the waning light softly falling on the piece of cloth on the table, several pilots volunteered rakish names as Death Fall, Diving Slide and the such. One brash pilot suggested calling it a Petticoat since the description was written on the material. The room became alive with conversation and discussion on how it would sound for an 6

7 instructor to command a student to perform the maneuver. Ok Clyde, let's perform a Petticoat to the right. Tee, hee, ho, ho, ho the fellows chortled. We are a manly group and cannot descend into jargon akin to light in the loafer terminology. So by general consensus it was decided to call the new maneuver a SLIP. New students are exposed to the benefits of learning how to perform a forward slip and many of the pilots that come in for their BFR find themselves a bit rusty on remembering and demonstrating a proficient forward slip. With the advent of wing flaps it became less and less necessary to develop the skill as the flaps would provide the necessary drag to stay in the slot on the final leg. Now all you boys & girls in the FABA and Cub Club are natural born forward slippers, so I will simply attempt to pass on some useful information for the C150/Citation pilot that just bought a non flap taildragger. A Forward Slip is generally thought of as a way to lose altitude on final approach without gaining an excessive amount of airspeed. A LEFT forward slip is performed using LEFT aileron ( and right rudder) and a RIGHT forward slip uses RIGHT aileron (and left rudder.) When I teach a new student, we endeavor to fly down a straight highway or canal so we have a long reference to a forward track. We start the maneuver at 2,500 feet MSL,(clearing turns) carb heat on and throttle closed using a normal glide speed of 80 mph. The student leads with left aileron and applies right rudder smoothly The aircraft goes into a cross controlled flight condition and you can control the track of the aircraft by varying the amount of aileron and rudder application. (On some aircraft it is possible to execute the maneuver with large inputs). The airspeed will begin to decay and it is necessary to apply down elevator pressure to maintain the 80 mph speed desired on the final leg. Initially the student is uncomfortable in the cross controlled configuration and has to adjust the amount of aileron and rudder to balance the flight condition for the desired forward track. The student can increase or decrease the airspeed by varying the amount of elevator pressure and the result is the aircraft will be able to lose the 7

8 desired amount of altitude while maintaining a straight forward track and a controlled airspeed. Your proficiency will dictate how low you maintain the forward slip configuration. While slips can be performed in either direction it is preferable to forward slip INTO the wind if there is a cross wind. It is highly recommended that pilots that are not proficient in performing slips, arrange for an hour of flight instruction in slips to regain their proficiency under a safe environment. Quiz: 1) Why not the French Army Knife? It only has a cork screw & white flag. 2) What is a debrief? Similar to taking a petticoat but a little more dangerous. 3) What is Light in the Loafers? A pilot from the Rainbow Coalition. 4) How does a slide slip differ from a forward slip? (Next issue). Cheers, Captain Apache OFFC REPORT If you need a flying fix between our regular functions, you may join the OFFC at no charge. These "Dutch Treat" lunches occur periodically and are usually announced with a few days notice as this is a very loosely organized group. No affirmative RSVPs necessary but it would be good to know if you are planning to join us. The most recent function occurred at Okeechobee Airport at The Runway Cafe and was VERY WELL attended. In fact, we completely filled the outdoor patio with OFFC members. Unfortunately we don't have an official photographer to document these events but this was captured of a few of the members in attendance. You'll notice one thing they have in common, besides being very good looking. If you want to know what OFFC stands for, let me know you'd like to be included on the meeting notice list and come to a meeting and see if you want to join us. There is always a ton of good tales being spun at these gatherings. Some are even true!? 8

9 LAKE CLINCH FLY IN - FLOAT IN Lynn and Lou Amato and the gang at Lake Clinch Airpark have once again invited us to their facility for a gathering in March. Stay tuned for your personal invitation as a member of the Florida Antique Biplane Association, Inc. Don't miss another excellent opportunity to actually fly your biwinged aeroplane to a function with like minded folks in attendance. If the airplane is sitting in the hangar collecting dust, you might as well sell it. 9

10 ACTUAL WW II DIARY Submiitttted By Gary Snodgrass Red Clendenning was from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, my cousin in law, a S/Sgt attached to the 351st Bomb group, 509 Sq, based at the Polebrook Airfield England (due north of London and due east of Birmingham). He was a waist gunner and crew chief, called flight engineer by the airlines. AC was Richard Sutton, 2nd Lt... Wow! First mission was 7 June 1944, D-day invasion near Caen, France A chronology of "Red" Clendenning, his diary of the 20 missions he flew over der Faderland. Note the endurance of the B hour mission one time but most of the missions were five to six hours. 10

11 Onward and upward for

12 DIISCLAIIMER NOTIICE & MIISSIION STATEMENT:: All information contained herein is believed to be correct. However, it is intended to be for informational purposes only and is not to be relied upon. You are reminded that Federal Air Regulations Part 91 places primary responsibility for ensuring the airworthy condition of an aircraft on the owner or operator. Any person who maintains, modified or otherwise changes an aircraft must do so in accordance with manufacturer s recommendations and all applicable FAA regulations. You should independently verify any of the information contained herein. No warranty is expressed or implied. The Florida Antique Biplane Association Inc. does not project or accept any responsibility for participation by readers of the Flying Wire, non members or members at fly-ins listed in this issue. This publication is produced as a medium of communication for those antique biplane enthusiasts and members of Florida Antique Biplane Association, Inc. The Florida Antique Biplane Association Inc. is a 501C6 corporation incorporated in the State of Florida. It s purpose is to promote the preservation, restoration and safety of flying antique biplanes. Membership in FABA Inc. is open to all antique biplane owners, whether or not the airplane is airworthy. An antique biplane is defined as one having had its original type certificate issued on or before E-Maai ill Dissccl laai imeerr The FABA newsletter and meeting notices are distributed via on the Internet. These transmissions contain information, which is intended for the sole use of the recipient or authorized representative. Any person who receives these s by mistake shall immediately notify the sender and destroy it. transmissions cannot be guaranteed to be error-free as information could be intercepted, altered, or contain viruses. The sender therefore does not accept any liability for damages caused by the fraudulent alteration of this message including, without limitations, damages caused by any virus transmitted by it. FABA MEMBERSHIP APPLICATION NAME: ADDRESS: CITY: COUNTY: STATE: ZIP CODE: PHONE:( ) ADDRESS: FAX#: CELL: OCCUPATION : AIRCRAFT OWNED: Must Be An Antique Biplane With Original Type Certification Prior to IS THE AIRCRAFT LICENSED?: N NUMBER: NAME & A/C LOGO TO APPEAR ON YOUR NAME BADGE: YOUR SPONSOR IS: MEMBERSHIP DUES: $48.00 PER YEAR PAYABLE TO FLORIDA ANTIQUE BIPLANE ASSOCIATION,INC. SECOND YEAR S DUES ARE PRO-RATED IF YOU JOIN DURING THE YEAR. SEND CHECK TO DENOEU ROAD-BOYNTON BEACH,, FLORIIDA

13 FABA LEADERSHIP DIRECTORS // OFFICERS JIM "RED" HAWKES-President JON RISING-Immediate Past President TOM WOOD-Vice President CAROLYN MYERS-Secretary/Treasurer HERB CLARK-North Division Executive Director LARRY ROBINSON-South Division Executive Director PATTIE DUFFY Official Photographer

14 CLASSIFIED ADS Members are offered FREE advertising in the newsletter. If you have stuff to sell, trade or want, please get me a detailed account prior to the next meeting and I will include your treasures in the next newsletter. FOR HIRE: Experienced pilot/mechanic available to ferry your Stearman including other Antique, Classic or Vintage aircraft. Contact John Lumley

15 COMPLETE EXTERIOR MARKINGS for the restorer of Boeing/Stearman Model 75 airplanes to original military schemes is now available. Items include National Insignias, Squadron Numbers, U.S. Army - U.S. Navy Service Designations, U.S. Navy Model Designations, BuAerNos, FAA registration numbers, all on full size layouts. 1" and 1/2" size authentic custom stencil sets and detailed military history and information on your Boeing/Stearman model 75 airplane is also available. Similar services also available on other military aircraft. For more information send a SASE #10 envelope to Ken Wilson, 2324 East Florida Street, Evansville, IN, or phone , idora@wowway.com NOW AVAILABLE: STC for the 2 place front seat for the Boeing Stearman. This STC keeps your airplane in standard category for better insurance rates and increases the value of your Stearman as well. Ride hopping revenue will increase dramatically with a 2 place front seat. Even if you are not in business hopping rides its better for the passenger having someone to share the excitement of the open cockpit ride. Contact John Lumley for particulars and price. captainapache@aol.com or If you own an antique biplane and aren t flying it, sell it to someone who will! TRADE: Will consider trades plus cash for my 1942 A75N1 450 HP Hawaiian Special. She has a Standard Airworthiness Certificate and features a two place front seat. Approximately 330 on engine SMOH, Redline Brakes, Gasser approved tow hook, Seat pack parachute, intercom, King KY97A 760 digital flip flop comm and King KT76 transponder. Current pitot/static/transponder/encoder certification. Priced at $149,00.00 minus your trade. John Lumley

16 ANTIQUE ACRES AIRPARK Airpark Living, Goshen, OH. Ohio s premier aviation community is located just 26 miles from Wilmington, OH (ILN) and less than an hour from Cincinnati (CVG). This friendly, gated community has 2 five-acre lots remaining one runway lots and one wooded lot. All have a great view of the runways and very easy runway access. We have underground electric, telephone, cable along with public water. A septic system is required. There are TWO turf runways the first (12-30) is beautifully crowned and x 80. It is definitely the smoothest grass anywhere. The second one (6-24) is 1870 x 100 and favors the prevailing winds. If you love aviation and country living, then Antique Acres is the perfect place for you. Being only 11 miles from I-275 brings all the amenities of the city just a stones throw away. We welcome Antique airplanes as well as those who are still learning to love the grass. We all have a common bond so let s join together to preserve the freedom of flight. There are TWO lots left, Lots 8 & 12. New homes are complete and there isn t a better investment than a lot at Antique Acres. For an appointment or more information, please call Pete or Jeanne Reed at (513) or jeannereed55@earthlink.net. WANTED: I am looking for a unairworthy stearman wing to hang on the wall. I am making a book shelf so I prefer old and antique looking. Contact Terry Robertson terrynr@aol.com 16

17 FOR SALE: Stearman horizontal stabilizer and elevators. Stabilizer needs fixing. $ STEARMAN TAIL WHEEL HUB ASSY. NEW BENDIX 2004-A-863M SC $ EAM 4-5 man life raft for sale. It comes in the standard case and was inspected by EAM 2 years ago. $600 USD. Excellent condition and stored in A/C when not in use.. John Lumley FOR RENT/FOR SALE 1) Hangars for rent at Grass Roots Airpark - 06FD. Enclosed hangars / shade hangars / 48' door oversize hangar. Contact: David Gay grassrootsairpark.com First month rent 1/2 price for FABA members with an antique biplane. FOR SALE: 1941 DE HAVILLAND 82A TIGER MOTH FOR SALE Swedish Airforce yellow and red colors, in Florida. Serial and N Brakes and tailwheel. Alternator, KLX135A GPS, Radio and Intercom. Mode C transponder, ELT, Slick magnetos. A/C 4,140 h. Engine 830 h. US$ ldejounge@aol.com FOR SALE: One Strong Parachute, Squadron Seat pack, show some usage makes from getting in and out of airplane. $750 Complete set of Stitts fabric envelopes for PT-17, Aircraft Spruce $804 as of last catalogue, $600 Contact Tim Kirby stearman885@comcast.net or

18 FOR SALE: Boeing Stearman PT18; Manufacture date: 1942; Registration #: N42PT: Serial #: ; Jacobs R755 A2-B2-A2m, 275 hp. (150 hours since new); Hamilton Standard propeller 2B20/6135a (93 inch); Jasco starter; AirWolf oil filter; Gid Townsend Master Cylinders; ELT (new battery); Solid Tail Wheel; Large luggage compartment insert. (flat bottom); Garmin Apollo VHF, Garmin transponder, Sigtronics interphone; Garmin 396; Lowrance GPS. $135,000. Gary Snodgrass Cell Home Custom Stearman for Sale with 300 Lycoming. The airplane has been flying since 1995 and has approximately 900 hours since total restoration. The AT10 cowling has been modified to fit the Stearman Firewall. There are Wag Aero Wheel Pants, Redline Brakes, a Garmin 250XL GPS/Com, Transponder and Encoder, Air Repair gear seals, and a Russ Tail wheel. It's an award winner many times over including Grand Champion at Galesburg and Best Custom at Sun 'n Fun Asking $134,900. Contact: Pete Reed (513) or at r55pr@earthlink.net. STEARMAN COCKPIT COVER $495 FOR SALE Stearman cockpit cover that covers the baggage door and requires no holes in the existing sheet metal. I have had a lot of compliments on the cover over the years, so I thought other people might be interested too. Available in most colors and satisfaction is guaranenteed. All necessary hardware included Contact Peter B. Reed, Owner - located Goshen, OH USA Telephone: AVAILABLE: Biennial Flight Reviews/Flight Instruction, Comprehensive BFR's, Instrument, Private, Commercial, Multi-engine, seaplane, tail wheel endorsement, ATP, International check out with eapis tutelage, ferry flights and guitar lessons with FABA member. John Lumley captainapache@aol.com or

19 FOR SALE: 1940 Stearman 300 HP Lycoming 774 SMOH, 2B20-9 prop, Jasco alt, Redline brakes. Restored 1970, same owner since. Ceconite 101, Butyrate finish. $85,000/make offer. Located at Aero Fabrication and Restoration 354 Bartow Municipal Airport Bartow, Fl FOR SALE: 1941 STEARMAN (CUSTOM) A75-N1 PT-17 SER # 814 N60185 COMPLETE RESTORATION IN 2000 P & W H.P. SMOH 68 HRS. PROP HYDRA-MATIC 22D30/6531A12 SER. #E4462 LAST INSPECTED 10/19/10 TOTAL TIME AIRFRAME SINCE RESTORATION 217 HRS. OIL TANK AND COOLER LOCATED BEHIND REAR COCKPIT DER APPROVAL SMOKE SYSTEM 2.5 GAL. TANK ELECTRICAL CONSOLE RADIO BENDIX-KING KX96A W/STANDBY CHANNEL TRANSPONDER: BENDIX-KING KT76A SNF AWARD WINNER, COVER OF SPORT AVIATION & VINTAGE AIRPLANE EAA CALENDAR PAGE, MARCH, 2003 BOBBY $125,