Piper L-4 Grasshopper 12965 (EC-AJY) made its first post-restoration flight recently at Cuatro Vientos, near Madrid, Spain. The plane is operated by the Fundación Infante de Orleans (FIO), and the restoration project was started in the summer of 2011.
The Piper has been back-converted from a J-3C-65 civil aviation variant to its original status as an L-4H military aircraft, including its original color and marking scheme with the serial number 44-80669.
Based on the civil aviation Piper J-3 Cub, the L-4 Grasshopper is distinguishable from civilian models by its plexiglas skylight and rear windows for improved visibility. Carrying a single pilot and no passenger, the L-4 had a top speed of 85 MPH, a cruise speed of 75 MPH, a service ceiling of 12,000 feet, a stall speed of 38 MPH, an endurance of three hours and a range of 225 miles. 5,413 L-4s were produced for U.S. military forces and the L-4 was used extensively in World War II for reconnaissance, transporting supplies, artillery spotting duties, and medical evacuation of wounded soldiers.
This Piper was built in Lock Haven, Pennsylvania in 0ctober 1944, and served initially with the Ninth Air Force in Europe. After demobilisation it was sold as HB-0CM and then registered in Spain as EC-AJY in June 1966. The aircraft is scheduled to make its public debut at an FIO air show early this year.
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.
Our Piper L-4J is the 480299, 65 C, 94th division of artillery, Continental 65HP and Sensenich 72CK42.
Swiss registered as HB-OER since 01-1946. Our L-4 restored in 1998, is based in Portugal since 2005.
We can meet us in Madrid or somewhere…