(Image Credit: Paul Stecewycz)
After a very long restoration project and recent FAA sign off, a Stinson L-1 Vigilant owned by Kermit Weeks’ Fantasy of Flight Museum of Polk City, Florida took the sky today for the first in years. Other than some minor teething issues that one would expect with any first flight, the plane performed admirably and spent 25 minutes in aloft. Once landed the necessary adjustments were made, and there are plans to fly her again tomorrow.
Mr. Weeks himself commented on his Facebook page: “Only flew for about 25 minutes due to a couple of issues, mainly needing to tweak up the oil pressure as the oil temp came into range. Not a big issue on a new OH engine. The main problem was that the throttle quadrant has no friction lock and the prop control kept creeping back at a rather brisk rate. I eventually stuck my left knee behind it so I could focus in other things. Did a very brief hook up for pics with the Storch before deciding to land. Everything that’s important has been tweaked so we’ll be back flying in the morning! Congratulations to Paul for all his years of hard work in creating his latest piece of art!”
(Image Credit: Paul Stecewycz)
In 1940 Vultee acquired the Stinson Aircraft Company and developed the O-49 Observation braced high wing monoplane. In 1942 the US Army Air Corp changed the “O” Observation designation, replacing it with the new “L” Liaison category with the Stinson being the first first to receive such treatment, thus becoming the L-1. Most L-1s went to the UK under the Lend Lease program and hence tend to be a rare bird in civilian guise. Adding to the rarity, extensive production of the L-1 was curtailed in favor of the lighter-weight “Grasshopper” types being producted by Piper, Aeronca and Taylorcraft. This particular aircraft is one of the few that remained in the US and had the USAAC serial of 40-3102.
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.
Does that airplane have leading edge slats? Also that it will fly very slow like around 20 mph? I think my dad said they would slow fly them irun strong winds and see who could fly backward down the ru
Hey Scott,
The Stinson did employ leading edge slats and is capable of stable flight at just 31MPH.
I’ve heard those stories about these plane flying “Backwards” in a strong headwind before too, and it’s completely believable under the right conditions.
Thanks for Reading!
Roger
The L-1 looks fantastic !! I spotted (and photographed) a L-1 at the Orange County Airport (Santa Ana, CA) in 1958. Registration N63230. Is it the same aircraft ??
Wow John,
It IS the same plane. This plane had been owned in CA and was used for movie work before Weeks bought it in 1981. The plane was damaged in Hurricane Andrew in ’92, and has been under long-term restoration until yesterday.
Full story on the plane is available here:
http://www.fantasyofflight.com/aircraft/golden-age/stinson-vultee-l-1e.aspx
Roger
Just saw N63230 in an old rerun of the TV show Starsky & Hutch.