Home       Aeronca    Stinson                                                                                                               ... by John Baker

Middletown 2000
Updated 7/31/00
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Every other year in June, the National Aeronca Association holds a fly-in convention in Middletown Ohio, home of the Aeronca, Inc.  The event is held at Hook Field, adjacent to the factory where Aeronca aircraft were built in the late 1940's.  Though poor weather was a factor throughout much of the country, about 30 or 40 Aeronca's made it to the 2000 convention, down from the 100+ aircraft that attend in good weather.  Though I had planned to fly to the Convention in my Chief, weather forced me to fly low in my Volkswagen.  Below are some photos from the event.


NC9647E is a pretty 11AC Chief registered to Eugene Swanger, Springfield, Ohio.


This 7AC Champ, N83HP, converted to a 7BCM and shown in Navy colors, was one of two similar Champs that arrived in formation.  This one is registered to Hoyt Petty of Flint, Michigan.  It won the best in class award for military Aeroncas.


Brian Matz had the whole family there, including his two little boys, Joseph and Stephen.  Brian's 11AC is complete
with a quasi-warbird paint scheme.  For more photos, go to: http://photos.yahoo.com/bwmatz

N4659E is a 1950 Aeronca 7EC owned by Doug Conciatu of Sterling Heights, Michigan.  This Champ is immaculate,
and won the "Peoples Choice" award and the best in class award for post-war Aeroncas.  Power is from a 90 HP Continental.


My son Andy stands in from of an outstanding 1946 11AC Chief, NC9756E.  It was flown to the event by owner Kari Friel of Brooklyn Center, Minnesota.  This Chief suffered a ding to a wing tip when a heavy storm blew through one night, ripping out a tie-down stake.


Pre-War Aeroncas also attended. NC22389 is a 1939 65-C owned by the National Aeronca Association.


Like Warbirds?  Here's an L-16 in original colors. N6286C is owned by Lloyd Thompson of Jasper, GA.


One highlight of the event was a tour of the Aeronca Factory, including the old portions of the factory where thousands of Champs were built.  This part of the factory is in poor condition after 50 plus years, and will be torn down over the next year or so to make way for an improved facility, including a new entrance to the Airport.


While Aeronca no longer makes complete aircraft, it does make components for the aviation industry, including giants such as Boeing, Grumman, and Airbus.  Here, Andy shows off a FAA-PMA approved replacement engine nacelle cover for a Southwest Airlines 737.


Another highlight of the trip was meeting so many wonderful people involved with Aeronca aircraft.  Here, Andy poses with Hap Grainer, who worked for Aeronca, developing the paint schemes and interior finishes for Aeronca Champs and Chiefs.  Chief owners can thank Hap for that stylish instrument panel!

 

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