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Periodically, we have presented restoration updates regarding the ultra-rare Burnelli CBY-3 Loadmaster at the New England Air Museum in Windsor Locks, Connecticut. Albeit a little late on our part, we are happy to report that the museum’s restoration team has completed their eight year effort to resurrect the sole survivor of this unique blended-fuselage transport. She is now safely ensconced in the museum’s Civilian Aircraft Hangar, following the short journey from the museum’s workshop.
The Burnelli makes its way from the restoration hangar into the main display building. (image via NEAM)
The Burnelli makes its way from the restoration hangar into the main display building. (image via NEAM)
The Burnelli makes its way from the restoration hangar into the main display building. (image via NEAM)
The Burnelli makes its way from the restoration hangar into the main display building. (image via NEAM)
The Burnelli makes its way from the restoration hangar into the main display building. (image via NEAM)
The Burnelli makes its way from the restoration hangar into the main display building. (image via NEAM)
The Burnelli makes its way from the restoration hangar into the main display building. (image via NEAM)
The Burnelli makes its way from the restoration hangar into the main display building. (image via NEAM)
The Burnelli makes its way from the restoration hangar into the main display building. (image via NEAM)
The Burnelli makes its way from the restoration hangar into the main display building. (image via NEAM)
The Burnelli makes its way from the restoration hangar into the main display building. (image via NEAM)
The Burnelli makes its way from the restoration hangar into the main display building. (image via NEAM)
The Burnelli makes its way from the restoration hangar into the main display building. (image via NEAM)
The Burnelli makes its way from the restoration hangar into the main display building. (image via NEAM)
The Burnelli makes its way from the restoration hangar into the main display building. (image via NEAM)
The Burnelli makes its way from the restoration hangar into the main display building. (image via NEAM)
The Burnelli makes its way from the restoration hangar into the main display building. (image via NEAM)
The Burnelli makes its way from the restoration hangar into the main display building. (image via NEAM)
The Burnelli makes its way from the restoration hangar into the main display building. (image via NEAM)
The Burnelli makes its way from the restoration hangar into the main display building. (image via NEAM)
The moving crew, along with NEAM’s Chairman of the Board and President, Bob Stangarone, (second from the left), poses beside their handiwork as the freshly-refurbished Burnelli CBY-3, minus its outer wings, is finally inside the museum’s main display hangar. (image via NEAM)
Restoration Crew Chief, Harry Newman now picks up the story…
Right Wing Installation
With the fuselage in its display position the right wing was moved to the display hangar for installation. The fuselage was placed on jacks to eliminate any movement during the installation process. The wing was then aligned and lifted into the proper attitude to align the four attachment points. Meanwhile, a crew inside the aircraft guided the fine alignment via radio to the lifting crew. When all of the hardware lined up in the proper position the four large mounting pins were driven into place securing the wing.
The crew did a final check of the plan to attach the wing and safety talk. (image via NEAM)
They begin to move the wing into position. (image via NEAM)
The wing is now in position to be lifted. (image via NEAM)
Machine operator extraordinaire, Dick Phillips, positions the lifting arm fork under the wing. (image via NEAM)
Dick raises the wing under the direction of Harry Newman. (image via NEAM)
Carefully raising the wing… (image via NEAM)
The wing is just about at the right height. (image via NEAM)
Bob Vozzola driving the fork lift will work with Dick in the telehandler to make the final moves. (image via NEAM)
Now the four lugs need to be lined up with the receiver slots on the fuselage. The plan is to insert and secure the bottom two first, then swivel the wing up to insert the top two. (image via NEAM)
The bottom lugs are just about in position… (image via NEAM)
…and are now in and secured… (image via NEAM)
…so that the top lugs are moved in and secured. Did you know the wings are secured using only four bolts? (image via NEAM)
The Burnelli is now mated back with at least one of its wings! (image via NEAM)
Propellers
Work has been completed on the propellers with the painting of the prop tips and application of the technical data and manufacturer’s decals. The left propeller was then installed on the aircraft, however the completed right propeller was installed later, after the right wing was installed.
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Right Propeller Installation
We decided to delay the installation of the completed right propeller to avoid interference when mounting the right wing. Once that was accomplished the propeller was brought out of storage and mounted immediately after the wing installation.
The prop was lifted of of its stand using a forklift. The plan was to lift it up and them lower it face down onto mattresses, then after some final cleaning lift it back up with it facing the forklift and move it into position in front of the aircraft – raise it up, slide it onto the prop shaft and secure it. Simple! (image via NEAM)
Carefully… (image via NEAM)
The prop is lifted and then lowered onto the mattresses. (image via NEAM)
It is cleaned up and attached to the forklift. (image via NEAM)
…and raised back up. (image via NEAM)
Then moved to the plane. (image via NEAM)
It is raised and lined up with the prop shaft. The task is not made easier as the shaft is at an angle. (image via NEAM)
Harry checks to make sure the prop is lined with the the splines on the shaft. (image via NEAM)
Once lined up, it is pressed on and secured – yes there is a tool for that. (image via NEAM)
Final step is to attached and tighten the nose cone. Yes, there is a tool for that too! (image via NEAM)
Harry makes on last adjustment to the prop blades. And done! (image via NEAM)
The Burnelli with its wing and both props. (image via NEAM)
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Born in Milan, Italy, Moreno moved to the U.S. in 1999 to pursue a career as a commercial pilot. His aviation passion began early, inspired by his uncle, an F-104 Starfighter Crew Chief, and his father, a military traffic controller. Childhood adventures included camping outside military bases and watching planes at Aeroporto Linate. In 1999, he relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, to obtain his commercial pilot license, a move that became permanent. With 24 years in the U.S., he now flies full-time for a Part 91 business aviation company in Atlanta. He is actively involved with the Commemorative Air Force, the D-Day Squadron, and other aviation organizations. He enjoys life with his supportive wife and three wonderful children.
