Category Restorations and Alterations

Built in 1929, this D25 was one of the last New Standard built.  A brief history shows that the airplane was used to ‘smuggle’ Canadian Whiskey  during the prohibition and carried passengers from 1934 to 1941, later to be used as a crop duster until 1964.  The aircraft was sold to the “Flying Lady Museum” in Morgan Hill and was later acquired by Hugh Bikle.

Since the fall of 2006 “The Flying Lady” has undergone a complete restoration to a ‘Better Than New Condition’ by Vintage Wings & Wheels.  She has been returned to service in June of 2014.

Some additional unique features include

FAA field approved Electrical system using a Bendix Eclipse starter and wind generator

FAA field approved Avionics using Becker radio and Sandia transponder

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The fuselage was originally renovated by renowned Stearman restorer Harry Halajian with intentions of restoring one more stock Navy Stearman. John Hodgson acquired the fuselage from Harry and consulted with Vintage Wings & Wheels to restore a unique custom 450 Stearman.

The restoration was finished in 2007 by Vintage Wings & Wheels and “Ol’Harry” has received the “Vintage Custom Aircraft Champion award at Oshkosh 2007” and has been awarded “Grand Champion” at the Watsonville Fly-In and Airshow in 2007.

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This 1926 Curtiss built TravelAir has the original Wright J4 engine installed as well as high pressure tires.

Modifications to the aircraft include:

• Field approved electrical starting system utilizing an Eclipse Bendix starter for safer starting operations
• Removal of heel brakes and installation of FAA field approved brake pedal and master cylinder assemblies

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This Aircraft is being restored to original U.S. Navy specifications for 1944

Currently the aft fuselage is undergoing restoration including removal of all old paint, repairing and replacing fuselage skin where needed and repairing existing tail hook system for aircraft.

The vertical stabilizer has been installed in a fixture and totally been rebuilt including new skins, leading edge skin, ribs and spars.

Currently the horizontal stabilizer are being restored.

Specifications:

• 2 seat Tandem WWII Navy advanced training aircraft
• P&W 600 hp 1340 engine
• Cruise: 150 to 180 mph
• Landing speed: 90 mph

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The Ryan PT20 has been used as a military trainer in the 1930’s.  Originally only 30 PT20’s were manufactured.  This aircraft in one of the only 3 PT20’s still flying.  The airplane is powered by a Menasco Super Pirate D4 engine 134 hp for take-off.

Modifications to the aircraft include:

• Y150 angle drive starter
• Re-installations of battery, voltage regulator and generator
• Engine was removed for re-installation of original optional internal starter gears
• Reassemble all necessary brackets and bell cranks for overhauled magneto advance and retard
• New cowling fabricated and new spinner installed to replace damaged original spinner
• Manufacture radio box on right side rear cockpit with original flex condu...

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