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This aircraft has
been in the Big Sky family since
1967 when it was purchased as
a wreck for $150.00. Over the
years Big Sky has used it for
sight seeing flights on both
wheels and floats, a great
performer, it can still earn
its way.
In the mid-80s this
plane flew across America to
promote the observance of George
Washington's National Day of
Fasting and Prayer. Crewed by
John Pike, his father Rev. Claude
Pike and brother Rev. Ted Pike,
they collect signitures through
the States and made heads turn
as they touched down in this
beautiful antique bird. Catching
the attention President Reagan,
the National Day of Prayer was
signed into national observance
once again.
The Bellancas were
known as very efficient aircraft in the late twenties and thirties.
Many long distance record breaking flights were done by them.
Most died a death in the bush hauling freight.
January '09 the Bellanca
was sold to Hawaiian Airlines.
Joe Pritchard has finished the
restoration of the old girl,
and she is back in the air once
again flying under the colors
of Hawaiian Airlines.
This aircraft
was the founding aircraft
for Hawaiian Airlines, purchased
by Inter Island Airways in September of 1929, flying sightseerers
in Honolulu for 3 ½ years. It then came to the States
and wound up in Alaska flying for Alaska Star Airlines later Alaska
Airlines.
Here are some
pictures of the NEW restoration
completed by Joe Pritchard and
his team. First
flight was 9-18-09.
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