Home       Aeronca    Stinson                                                                                                               ... by John Baker

On February 14, 2000, Hangar 9 Aeroworks received a note from Larry Richardson regarding an important Stinson article to appear in AOPA Pilot Magazine.  Here's the text of Larry's note:

"My name is Larry J. Richardson and I am a member of the National and International Stinson Clubs.  I own a  1937 SR-9C Stinson, NC18416. Jim Reeves did the restoration on this plane from 1994 through 1999 and I bought the  plane on Oct. 28, 1999.  Jim has terminal cancer and I wanted him to receive recognition for his restoration. I called AOPA Pilot Magazine and they came down on  February 8th from Maryland to do an article on  the plane. It is expected to make the April, 2000 issue. The editor at large, Tom Horne, did the  article and interview.  Mike Fizer, the photographer out of Witchita, Kansas, shot the photos all day: on the ground, touch and goes, fly-bys and air to air from an L-19 Birddog. It was quite an experience.  Can we let our members know about this article through the newsletter and the website? I would like for them to read about Jim's restoration.  Thank you.

Larry J. Richardson"

News Flash!!  Updated 3/23/00.  Not only did Larry's Gullwing make the April issue of AOPA Pilot, but to his surprise and delight, it made the cover!  Look for a tribute to the work of Jim Reeves and a full color article on this outstanding aircraft by AOPA Pilot Editor at Large Thomas A. Horne. Photography by Mike Fizer.  The photos below are some you will not see in the magazine.  All photos courtesy of Larry Richrdson.

Restorer Jim Reeves is in center, with his friend Sid who helped on the left.  Owner Larry Richardson is on right. I received the following message from Larry on September 10, 2001:

"My friend Jim Reeves who restored the Stinson Reliant NC18416 I now own
passed away this morning. Jim was a very talented person when it come to
restoring planes. He had a long and hard battle with cancer for two years.
Now he is pain free and in a better place."

Photos below (by Mike Fizer with permission) added 4/27/00