Update on the Vintage Flying Museum’s Beechcraft E18S “Hollywood Bomber” Project
This 1954 Beechcraft, known as Hollywood Bomber, is undergoing a return-to-flight program at the Vintage Flying Museum (VFM) in Fort Worth, Texas. The aircraft once belonged to Jacqueline "Jackie" Cochran, the renowned record-setting aviatrix and founder of the WWII Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) organization.
According to the National Air & Space Museum, this was the last aircraft personally owned and flown by Cochran, registered as N13JC. After her ownership the aircraft became the transportation tool of 1970’s television personality Merv Griffin, as N333MG, and used to fly numerous stars around southern California - because of this, the aircraft the restoration team has given the aircraft the moniker of the 'Hollywood Bomber'! Photo by Moreno Aguiari
Vintage Aviation News first reported on the restoration progress of the 1954 Beechcraft E18S-9700 “Super 18” in January 2023. This aircraft is currently under a return-to-flight program at the Vintage Flying Museum (VFM) located at Meacham International Airport (FTW) north of Fort Worth, Texas.
One of the two carburetor assemblies is now to be installed. Photo by Gary Daniels
The Vintage Flying Museum’s Beechcraft E18S “Hollywood Bomber” project was not completed in time for AirVenture 2024 as originally planned. The team, dedicated to ensuring the aircraft is done correctly and safely, has encountered and resolved several major airworthiness issues discovered over the past year. With 7000+ manhours invested by an all-volunteer team, significant progress has been made, including engine tests, avionics installation, and wing reinstallation. The aircraft may debut at the Beech Party this fall, depending on the health of the core engines.
Current Equipment Status:
Aspen Evolution: Installed, awaiting power-up.
Cleveland Wheels and Brakes: Installed and operational.
Electronics International Oil and Fuel Gauging: Installed, awaiting power-up.
Concorde Batteries: Installed and operational.
The team hopes to present the aircraft at various events in 2024 and 2025, including Sun ‘n Fun, Wasp Homecoming, Wings Over Cowtown Airshow, Breckenridge Airshow, AirVenture, Ranger, TX, and Beech Party. Some team members will attend AirVenture to connect with supporters. The project’s progress is documented on YouTube, focusing on straightforward aviation without drama. The museum appreciates the support that has made this project possible, aiming to deliver a reliable aircraft to the aviation community.
The restoration team’s work can be viewed in weekly video updates on the HangaRatz YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/c/HangaRatz. If you would like to donate to the project, visit www.vintageflyingmuseum.org/join-and-support/. You may also contact the team directly at [email protected].
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.
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.
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