For more than fifteen years, AirCorps Aviation of Bemidji, Minnesota, has built a reputation as one of the premier warbird restoration shops in the world. Among the company’s most celebrated projects are the award-winning PP-51 Mustang known as Thunderbird and the razorback P-47D Thunderbolt nicknamed Bonnie, both recipients of the prestigious Golden Wrench Award. The team is also currently restoring the rare AT-10 Wichita. In early 2024, however, AirCorps shifted its focus to a smaller but no less significant aircraft—the Piper L-4H Grasshopper. We have followed this remarkable restoration several times since work began and are pleased to share another progress report from our good friend Chuck Cravens. As the project moves steadily toward completion, attention has centered on the landing gear, engine installation, cockpit instrumentation, and flight-control systems. A major milestone was recently achieved when the Grasshopper was placed on its own wheels for the first time. Equally important was the aircraft’s relocation to the hangar, where final assembly work is now underway. Click the Image below to read the update.
