big-sky-stearman

Memphis Stearman Rebuild

Fri, 29 Jan 2021 17:58:13 GMT

Memphis Stearman Rebuild (In Progress)

In September 2020 Becki and Dahr-wynn flew to Memphis, Tennessee and picked up a Stearman project that needed to be recovered and reassembled. They drove the pile of parts back to Sandy, Oregon in a Penske truck. We did an inspection, new fabric, installed the engine, reassembled the aircraft and the owner came and flew it home in May 2021.

Watch the video of Painting the Wings and putting the plane back together and flying it! CLICK HERE.

Cessna T-50

Mon, 11 Jan 2021 23:18:09 GMT

Rescue: 1940 Cessna "Crane" Bamboo Bomber

One of the most intriguing small multi-engine airplanes that were produced in great numbers is the Cessna T-50 Bobcat. It incorporates the “look” that a vintage radial multi-engine aircraft should have. It has a pugnacious little nose with a serious greenhouse cockpit office behind it. Twin, fire-breathing Jacobs 245 HP radial engines mounted on a clean lower wing and fuselage with a retractable landing gear tail-dragger stance. It has a roomy, 5-person cabin offering a comfortable ride at a breathtaking 140 mph.

Cessna built the first examples before WWII (the T-50 Bobcat) as a business/feeder airline aircraft. As WWII absorbed general aviation, many hundreds were produced as a multi-engine trainer for future bomber pilots (the UC78). The airplane earned the nickname “Bamboo Bomber” because of its one piece, 42’ wooden wing. Its U.S. military designation was UC 78 known also as the “useless 78” because of its limited performance and application.

After WWII hundreds of examples were sold for surplus to civilian owners. Because of its size most would not be hangered; the elements quickly reduced the population. At this time, there are very few airworthy examples.

In 2009 John Pike and the Big Sky crew rescued this derelict Cessna T-50 "Crane" (the Canadian "Crane" version) from the desert of Idaho. It is serial # 1122, an early 1940 RCAF Crane. With its 42 foot long wing unit being made out of wood, it is a perfect project for the wood working crew of Big Sky to restore.

The project is for sale at the special price of: FREE with Big Sky restoration contract. It needs a dreamer with big pockets to get it back into the air. As of 2020 Big Sky has restored the ailerons, flaps and empennage components.

If other owners of derelict T 50’s are interested in following our progress or having us help them with their owner produced wooden wings, please feel free to communicate. One thing is for sure, though, there will no longer be any “cheap” Bamboo Bombers!

Also visit the "Bamboo Bomber" Club at: www.cessnaT50.org

Super Stearman

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 23:04:46 GMT

Super Stearman

The famous Super Stearman of acrobatic hero Joe Hughes came through out shop in 2019. We built new wood wings and did a full recover and paint.

Then John and Becki were able to fly it cross-country from Sandy, Oregon to its home in St. Joseph, Missouri. (Read the published article about the flight - LINK coming soon)

1943 Howard DGA-15

Thu, 07 Jan 2021 22:42:23 GMT

The Restoration of the Noble Howard DGA-15

Some airplanes evoke the appearance of grand luxury, but inside they are full of macho, fire breathing toughness. The Howard DGA-15P is one of those airplanes. It evolved out of the intensity of the air racers of the thirties and was appreciated by those with the means of purchasing the finer things in life.

The Howard got its hold on me while I was searching for a family station wagon airplane/floatplane -- which had to have a radial engine! -- that could take me and the family to faraway lakes and inlets. We had sold our 1929 Bellanca Pacemaker float plane that had filled that bill wonderfully.

My friend Pat Russell told me he was ready to part with his Howard DGA 15 “Jobmaster,” the seaplane version created by the legendary Clayton Scott. Years earlier he had retired from his adventurous Alaska life along with his trusty bush plane, the Howard. He had flown it down to their new home in Oregon and parked it in his barn. (See story of Howard Rescue – link coming soon). A price was established and we carried it back to Big Sky and began a survey of its condition.

It became apparent that this veteran Alaska float plane had “been rode hard and put up wet.” It was not going to be an “extensive annual” after all. It would be reduced to a basket case with every screw turned and wood chip carved to bring it back to life. It was going to be a big project.

We began the work, stripping the plane apart, cleaning and prepping for reassembly. I redesigned the cabin to have two additional seats. The engine was soon apart for overhaul. Even with the distractions of life we were able to add fabric cover to the empennage and fuselage. Yet Eventually I realized this plane wasn’t going to be my family station wagon after all. I didn’t have the time to complete the amount of restoration it required. I needed to offer the project to a new caretaker to carry on the restoration or it would never be finished. The airline pilot Tyler Appleton took ownership and made it possible for this beast to come back to life.

A kaleidoscope of talents was necessary to do that. Kevin Pearson and David Nixon overhauled Pratt Whitney. Brian Pipher and Jeremy Harris built the new wood wings - a massive job from scratch. Pipher and Harris ramrodded the bulk of the project with their exceptional skills. Chris Nissen worked on the sheet metal and hammered rivets. The crew fabricated new landing gear struts, a new instrument panel with fresh instruments and a complete IFR Garmin suite. And I got the paint gun.

It was Big Sky’s primary shop project. Then Covid hit and our airline pilot was flying only 6 passengers out of Denver to Chicago in his Airbus 320. He managed to keep flying throughout the year, but every day is a gift.

Together we made it through. With 98% finished it looks every inch the Art Deco, macho, fire breathing, growling tail dragger of the period. Soon we will have the myriad of final details finished and will return this Howard DGA-15 to the sky. Stay tuned.

- John Pike, Big Sky Stearman (Jan. 2021)

1929 CH300 Bellanca Pacemaker

Thu, 15 Oct 2020 05:51:44 GMT

B1929 CH300 Bellanca Pacemaker recently restored by John Pike with Big Sky crew Jeremy and Brian. The history of the Bellanca's final days in the North country of Alaska is well known but few are aware they also pioneered the north country of Canada.

The stories of the pioneering aviators who dared take on the "Barrens" of the Canadian Artic northland are legendary. Everything East of the McKenzie River was a Glacial wasteland where the compass didn't work and temperatures dropped down into the minus 50's but the lands were rich in minerals prompting early exploration by aircraft.

The Bellanca is now based in Norman Wells, NWT on the McKenzie river. There are no roads into Norman Wells. The bush airservice owner will use the aircraft as a living memorial to the heroism of those early pioneers.

4-Aileron Stock Stearman

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:49:19 GMT

4-Aileron Stock Stearman

Big Sky has completed the restoration of this stock Stearman with new wood wings, 4 aileron modification, fueselage covering and overall paint.

President George Bush the Elder Stearman wing build

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:49:17 GMT

President George Bush the Elder Stearman wing build

President George Bush the Elder soloed in a Stearman PT trainer as a teenager in 1943 Minneapolis, MN. He went on to fly the Grumman Avenger in the Pacific, being shot down at the tender age of 19 raiding the Chi Chi Islands and rescued by a submarine.

It was very important that the wings were built and covered to original Boeing drawings.

Stinson L5

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:49:15 GMT

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Many a wounded GI was grateful for the little ambulance airplane that got them out of harm's way during WWII and Korea. The Stinson L5 Sentinel came in two versions, the observer and ambulance versions. It was used under fire as a forward observation platform with aerial photo capability, personnel transportation, ambulance and about every other use that an aerial "Jeep" would be useful for. It was "STOL" airplane that utilized fields, roads and other "bush" areas for takeoffs and landings.

Waco UPF-7

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:49:13 GMT

Waco UPF-7

An historic Waco UPF-7 which was owned by Pacific Northwest legend, Wally Olson, Evergreen Aviation, Vancouver, WA, underwent finishing touches by a friend of Big Sky. The owner obtained this Waco and has given it tender loving care toward restoration.

John Pike, owner of Big Sky Stearman, soloed this Waco at the age of 16 in 1961 for $12.00 an hour dual. Many individuals were given the opportunity to check out in it. Wally was being very unselfish in allowing it to be rented.

Wally is gone now but his memory will be forever honored by this Waco UPF-7 that gave so many people and opportunity to enjoy the thrill of open cockpit biplane flying.

FEATURED: "Ghost Ship" Custom Build

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:49:11 GMT

The Ghost Ship flown by the ghost....

The 600 HP "Ghost Ship" FLIES!

"I approached the test flight of the Ghost Ship with some trepidation because of its experimental nature: Pratt Whitney R 1340 600 hp, 109” Hamilton Standard prop, fuel injection, inverted fuel and oil and clipped 4 aileron wings. We made sure the CG was right (although, in the forward part of the range a heavy empty weight resulted in a lowered Vne, and a restriction against snap aerobatic maneuvers). After taxi and engine tests we were confident that it was running right. I decided to use only climb power for the takeoff, 32 hg, 2100 rpm and that was more than enough for a dramatic takeoff and climb reaching 5000 feet before I knew it. I was very pleased to find the ailerons very light and responsive. The ship was balanced and the trim was very effective. There was some vibration so we will have a dynamic prop balance done. The ship trimmed very well for a 70 mph short final on the approach and finished the flight with a good three point landing. Other than the fuel consumption this aircraft will be a delight to fly. The best part is takeoff, with so much extra horsepower the acceleration and climb is dramatic. The noise is perfect, recreating the sound of early biplane fighters with short exhaust. The only purpose of this aircraft is to make lots of noise and lots of smoke! I just need to find an aircraft carrier that I can get qualified on!

"Many thanks to the Ghost Ship skeleton crew for the assistance in the realization of a dream. We are going to tell everybody that we found it in a barn; it could have competed with Boeing and Curtiss in Test Squadron VX-1, Hampton Roads, VA!"

-Captain Cloud, alias John Pike

The Creation of the "Ghost Ship"

We have all seen pictures of the small sporty bi-wing fighters of the thirties flying formation above some aircraft carrier in some exotic locale. Well, be careful if you are flying along through the clouds some day and a phantom ghost ship of the past slips up along side you. Big Sky (we are 80 years behind the times and proud of it!) made an X-plane to terrorize the skies. It’s a 600 HP bi-wing with bombs under the wings and a Jolly Roger squadron insignia on the side.

Details:
Copying Stearman structural integrity we are fashioning a pre-war carrier based biplane with the nostalgia of an early Boeing or Curtis. Using a Pratt Whitney R-1340 engine of 600 horsepower and a Hamilton Standard 109 inch propeller it will have incredible climb performance. The “look” will be obtained by a Ford Trimotor ring cowl, a Norseman shutter winter front, large 32x6 wheels with open Curtiss wheel pants. The upper wings will include 2 extra 15 gallon fuel tanks. The fuselage will have a custom configuration that resembles the early fighter biplanes. A “500 lb bomb” external fuel tank will hang underneath. It will include an inverted fuel system and smoke.

Update: (11/30/09)

Update: (05/13/10)

Update: (08/01/10)

Cessna C34 Airmaster Wing Spars

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:49:09 GMT

Cessna C34 Airmaster Wing Spars

Big Sky has recently laminated the spars for a 1938 C34 Cessna Airmaster. The smooth strutless one piece wing of the Airmaster was made possible by laminated spar beams made up of many pieces of spruce laminates that were scarfted 20:1 for length, edge glued for height and face laminated for thickness.

Big Sky has developed the necessary laminating clamps and table to do this kind of spar. The Cessna T-50 "Bamboo Bomber" wing spar is similarly constructed. Big Sky will be fabricating new wing spars for the 42" T-50 wooden wing. The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Callair Fuselage Repair

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:49:07 GMT

Callair Fuselage Repair

Big Sky repaired two Callair fuselages from wrecked remains.

Fortunately a sound forward section was located from which to build a fixture upon which the two frames were straightened and welded. The Callair was built in Afton, Wyoming and is a three place side by side aircraft. Both an agricultural version and passenger versions were produced.

1950 Stinson 108-3

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:49:05 GMT

1950 Stinson 108-3

This the third "Super Stinson" for Big Sky. The 230 HP Continental 0470 engine make this an outstanding performer. This Stinson will be fitted with floats.

Chukar Flats - Creation Explorers Field Notes:

Creation Explorer Sea Plane Tender

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:49:02 GMT

Creation Explorer Sea Plane Tender

Big Sky sponsored the refurbishment of this retired trawler for the Creation Explorers Club. A group of dedicated young people have chipped and scraped on this vessel and returned it to seaworthy condition.

The Piper Cub seaplane is lifted onto the back deck and carried to interesting destinations where it is used for scientific observation and training.

The vessel is being used for marine and aviation training for young people in conjunction with non-profit ministry exploring God's creation.

Please feel free to inquire about this interesting project.

This film is now complete and available for purchase at CreationExplorers.com !

Trailer for the Creation Explorers film:

Work accomplished on the Creation Explorer, formerly the Susan Nicole of Astoria, since 6-04 :

Engine Room
Cleaned bilge, painted with Ameron Red Oxide.
Cleaned engine room and painted Ameron Grey.
Cleaned battery areas and installed batteries in boxes with new battery cables.
Recent oil change and oil / fuel filter service, main and genset ( 10-06).
Cleaned engines and painted.
Placards applied to engine room.
Installed 35 gallon holding tank, macerator pump and plumbing on ceiling.
Installed new 6” exhaust on main engine with new muffler and deck plate.
New welder leads and painted welder.
New ¾ plywood floor boards installed in engine room.
New shaft seal in hydraulic pump, new hoses and hydraulic piping.
New bilge / deck pump hoses and piping through deck plate.
Certified 3 Halon engine room fire bottles.
Improved wiring.
Cleaned air filters.
Replaced primary fuel filter.
Replaced stdb. and port main fuel tank valves.
Added diesel fuel additives.

Head
Installed marine head and plumbing.
Installed wash basin and plumbing.
Installed ventilator.
Carpet.
Painted walls.

Galley
Painted walls / Cupboards
Installed new stove ventilator.
Installed new refrigerator.
Carpet.

Focsle
Repaired floor boards.
Cleaned out bilge.
Constructed storage shelving.
Fresh paint.
Repaired bunks.
Carpet.

House
Constructed Railing on house roof.
Certified all fire extinquishers.
Constructed “crows nest” and ladder on mast.
Repaired doors.
Removed misc. weldments.
Installed 2nd bunk in no. 2 Stateroom.
Installed carpets.
Fresh paint.

Wheel house
Cleaned up electrical.
Installed bell.
Installed horn.
Repaired doors.

Hydraulics and boom
Constructed a boom gooseneck and installed a boom.
Installed hydraulic winch on boom and mast, routed cables and pulley blocks.
Installed some new hydraulic hoses to winches and new hydraulics to anchor winch.

Lazarette
Installed new chain on rudder steering.

Deck
Removed old wood deck, various steel brackets and fish gear.
Painted deck.
Removed aft bulwarks and installed stanchions and rope rail.
Installed water access steps in stern chute.
Installed Port bulwarks step down hinged dock stair.
Installed stern bits.
New hand rails on bulwarks opposite wheelhouse.
Installed diving board bracket at stern.

Anchor
Constructed hydraulic anchor winch and controls.
Anchor drum fitted with 150’ of new 1” nylon rope and 80’ of galvanized ½ chain.
Constructed new 300 lb. Anchor.

Paint
Chipped, needled gunned rust overall.
Applied Coroseal Rust Converter overall.
Appled two coats of Ameron primer and topcoat overall.
Painted bottom while in dry dock.

Drydock (2005)
Repacked prop shaft seal.
Painted bottom
Checked / cleaned zincs.
Checked bottom condition, cooler tubing.

Fuel tanks
Added fuel additive
Pump fuel out of rear tanks and filled with water ballast.

Fish hold
Removed debris.
Stowed 20 each 50 gallon barrels of water ballast.

Peggy the Wing-Walker

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:49:01 GMT

Peggy the Wing-Walker

Big Sky completed an STC'd 4 Aileron set of wings for European Wing-walker Peggy Krainz.

Watch Peggy wing-walk at her website: www.wing-walkers.de

EQC-6 Custom Waco Wings repaired by Big Sky

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:48:59 GMT

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EQC-6 Custom Waco Wings repaired by Big Sky

Big Sky recently completed the repairs of 2 Waco EQC-6 Upper wings for Addison Pemberton. Repairs included replacing spars and most of the ribs. Technicians Jeremy Harris and Brian Pipher were able to complete the repairs in record time. Kind words from Addison confirm their expertise.

John Pike

I am very pleased with the progress on my 1936 Waco EQC-6 Custom Cabin upper wing set rebuild effort. Your shop did what few shops in the country cold have done in the 11 weeks you had my wings for rebuild.

All tasks were accomplished in a skilled manner with excellent craftsmanship. Find final payment fort the project. I look forward to bringing the airplane to Portland when finished for you to see the airplane in its completed stage. Thank you for all your help , responsiveness and professional business practice on the task.

Addison Pemberton
Pemberton and sons Aviation

1929 CH 300 Bellanca Pacemaker

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:48:57 GMT

1929 CH 300 Bellanca Pacemaker

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.The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

Prior to Sale to Hawaiian Airlines:

1938 Beechcraft E17 Staggerwing

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:48:52 GMT

1938 Beechcraft E17 Staggerwing

New! Read the short story "The Adventures of Beechcraft StaggerWing" by John Pike

Big Sky has completed a monumental restoration (involving some 6000 hours of labor) of a 1938 E17B Staggerwing. Some might say that it would be a risky investment to tackle such an endeavor, but an historically significant example such as this just can’t rot away and be lost to posterity. This Staggerwing went straight from the factory to Indian National Airways of New Delhi, India. INA was an agent for Imperial Airways of Britain. One can just imagine the adventures it must have experienced during WWII in that part of the world.

The aircraft became derelict sometime in the fifties, serving as a training aid in an Indian aircraft maintenance facility. It was imported back into the US in the 1970’s as a rotting basketcase. The aircraft was bought by Chuck Hamilton of Portland, OR who began the restoration. It was later acquired by Jim Parish owner of Phoenix Restorations of Brightwood, Oregon. Big Sky Stearman was contracted to finish the restoration.

Big Sky received the skeletal remains and performed a ground up restoration. The intent was to keep it as original as possible save for some safety and reliability modifications. The original Jacobs L5 285 hp engine was replaced by a Jacobs 755B2 engine of 275 hp. Other improvements included disk brakes, improved wiring, avionics. The original paint scheme and period upholstery was retained. Original low frequency communication and navigation radio consoles conceal modern IFR Garmin avionics.

After a 2 ½ year restoration period it flew on September 16, 2007, some sixty years after its last flight in India.

We would appreciate any knowledge of the history of India National Airways if someone has insight on that airline.

Piper J5

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:48:51 GMT

Piper J5

Big Sky has completed the restoration of a 1941 Piper J5A. This is a fun flying example of a practical prewar airplane that is still an amazing bargin for the pilot who wants to enjoy inexpensive leisure flying. This example has a Continental 100 hp engine and is very snappy!

1931 Great Lakes Biplane

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:48:49 GMT

1931 Great Lakes Biplane

This 1931 Great Lakes Biplane went through an extensive partial restoration at Big Sky.

It’s a little “barrel chested” hotrod with an 165 Warner engine installed.

Fairchild F46

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:48:47 GMT

Fairchild F46

Big Sky brought this Fairchild F46 back to life by doing a complete wood work reconstruction of this airframe. It was in derelict condition requiring all new wood replacement of its structural components.

Piper J3 Cub

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:48:46 GMT

Piper J3 Cub

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450 Stearman

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:48:42 GMT

450 Stearman

Big Sky built new wood wings and recovered this 450 Stearman.

1942 Ryan PT-22 Recruit

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:48:41 GMT

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Big Sky did a recover job on this PT.

After assembly and rigging the engine failed catastrophically on the test flight leaving John holding his breath over the woods at 700’.

Fortunately the prop stopped (so hard it split the wood prop), reducing the drag, allowing him to make a 180 and squeak in between two fir trees on the runway overrun.

It since has had a fresh Kinner R55 160HP engine overhaul and a brand new Sensenich wooden propeller.

Hawker Jet

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:48:39 GMT

Hawker Jet

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1950 Super Stinson

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:48:37 GMT

1950 Super Stinson

1950 Super Stinson, Continental 0470 engine, 230 HP. Fitted with wheels and floats. Big Sky Restoration.

1940 Stearman A75N1

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:48:35 GMT

1940 Stearman A75N1

Stearman N63035, model A75N1, serial 75-374 was built in 1940, one of the 150 aircraft in the first order of PT 17’s for the US Army. It was accepted and assigned to Love Field, Dallas, TX. Afterwards there ensured a variety of assignments in Georgia and Florida. It was stricken from the US Army records on June 25, 1945 at Eagle Field, Dos Palos, California.

After many years in storage, it was purchased as a project by Dick Aaron, a retired Hyster corporate engineer, in 1999 at Shafter Field near Bakersfield, CA. Considerable restoration work had already been accomplished on the airframe providing a good foundation for the completion of the restoration by Dick. It appears from the FAA records that very little activity was recorded from the early fifties to present substantiating our belief that the airplane was not used as a duster but was in storage. The original civil logbook from 1946 to 1952 reflects 4,153.35 hours when the aircraft was sold surplus in 1946. The current total time is 5,085.00 hours.

The current aircraft description is as follows:

New wood lower wings were constructed; the upper wings and center section have no history but are airworthy and were retained. The airframe was media cleaned and primered with epoxy green primer. New parts include: control cables, bearings, pulleys, fairleads, panel shock mounts, firewall, windshields, tires, tubes, wiring, navigation lights (no strobes), seat belts, shoulder harnesses, baggage canvas, battery, ELT, Sensenich propeller, and AN hardware. The front and rear cockpit instruments were overhauled. A control lock was installed. The Continental W670 engine and accessories, including the Eclipse electric inertia starter, were overhauled by Aero Engines of Los Angeles. The current time since the overhaul of the engine and aircraft is 28 hours. STC’s include Redline brakes, Jasco alternator, and regulator, and Jacobs shielded ignition harness. A Becker Com radio and sigtronics intercom was installed. The aircraft was covered in the Poly-Fiber process with Aerothane finish. Dick was a navy guy so the plane was finished in a pre-war navy scheme.

The aircraft was completed at Big Sky Stearman under our supervision. The aircraft was inspected for conformity and issued a Standard Airworthiness Certificate on September 12, 2002. Photos follow.

John Pike
A&P2078065IA

Army Stearman

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 17:48:34 GMT

Army Stearman

Big Sky built new wings and recovered this stock PT13.

Navy Stearman

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 04:01:53 GMT

Navy Stearman

Big Sky built new wings and covered them for this beauty.

1946 Aeronca Champ

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 04:01:52 GMT

1946 Aeronca Champ

Big Sky has repaired many "puddle jumpers". Aeroncas, Taylorcrafts, Stinsons, Pipers, etc.

Award Winning Custom Stearman

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 04:01:50 GMT

Custom Stearman

This was a ground up restoration performed by Big Sky. A custom award winning aircraft we called the "Purple Passion". A beautiful aircraft.

1946 Aeronca Chief

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 04:01:45 GMT

1946 Aeronca Chief

Big Sky repaired a wing and applied a beautifull new paint job over a 1989 Cenconite surface.

The aircraft has been detailed and is an award winner. It is a perfect eco nomical Sport Aircraft.

Travelair Biplane

Sat, 10 Oct 2020 14:54:20 GMT

Travelair Biplane

Big Sky built a new landing gear and wing for this Travelair Biplane.

Stearman A75N1

Sat, 10 Oct 2020 14:51:02 GMT

1941 Stearman A75N1

1941 Stearman A75N1. Serial# 75-592. N/NC58068

Superb Continental W670-6N, approximately 100 hrs. SMOH by Air Repair. New crankshaft, master rod assembly, cam, cam followers, pistons(!), aircraft cylinders, etc. Virtually the last of its kind. No cobbled together junk with unknown history or hours.

All new wood in wings and center section.

Overhauled main landing gear.

Airwolf oil filter, Brackett air filter. New exhaust collector. Sensenich prop W98AA-66. Redline disc brakes. Diamond tread main tires. Whelen strobes. King KY-97A com, KT-76A transponder.

Painted in the colors of Parks Air College.

N58068 dusted for a couple years after the war (front cockpit hopper; the fuselage is uncut). It then t owed banners in the Northeast for about 25 years. Has been in private hands ever since.

Some logbook extracts:

October 1960:
Towed banners over the World Series games in Pittsburgh, including "the greatest Game 7 in World Series history" with Bill Mazerosky's famous 9th-inning homer that won the Series for the Pirates.

August 1963:
Towed a "JFK" banner around Hyannis, MA for several hours.

February 1969:
Towed banner over Lewisburg Federal Prison in PA:
"Happy Birthday Jimmy Hoffa"
Plus skywrote "JRH" with a heart

Award Winning Screamin' Eagle 450 Stearman

Sat, 10 Oct 2020 14:46:26 GMT

Screamin' Eagle 450 Stearman

Big Sky Stearman complete ground up custom build Screamin' Eagle 450 Airshow Stearman.

Award Winning Custom Stearman

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 06:12:11 GMT

Custom Stearman

Big Sky Stearman custom ground up build: Red Lycoming-Powered Stearman.

"Befo re Takeoff"

"After Takeoff"

First Stearman restoration project, 1977

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 06:05:41 GMT

First Stearman restoration project, 1977

Big Sky Stearman's first Stearman Restoration

Stinson L-5 Liaison

Fri, 09 Oct 2020 05:56:21 GMT

Stinson L-5 Liaison

Big Sky Stearman Restoration: Stinson L-5 Liaison

1959 PA23-160 APACHE

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 05:05:32 GMT

Big Sky Stearman has this nice clean Apache ready for multi training and time building.

Total time 2580
Fresh engines, 6 hrs. SMOH
Props, 6 hrs. since AD
Four new fuel cells with STC wing drains
Fresh paint
Good interior
Current annual at time of sale, all AD's up to date, maintenance record on adlog.
Narco 120 Com, Narco AT150 TX, Narco 122A

Price: $39,500.00

big-sky-stearman

Memphis Stearman Rebuild

Memphis Stearman Rebuild (In Progress)

Cessna T-50

Rescue: 1940 Cessna "Crane" Bamboo Bomber

Super Stearman

Super Stearman

1943 Howard DGA-15

The Restoration of the Noble Howard DGA-15

1929 CH300 Bellanca Pacemaker

4-Aileron Stock Stearman

4-Aileron Stock Stearman

President George Bush the Elder Stearman wing build

President George Bush the Elder Stearman wing build

Stinson L5

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Waco UPF-7

Waco UPF-7

FEATURED: "Ghost Ship" Custom Build

The Ghost Ship flown by the ghost....

Cessna C34 Airmaster Wing Spars

Cessna C34 Airmaster Wing Spars

Callair Fuselage Repair

Callair Fuselage Repair

1950 Stinson 108-3

1950 Stinson 108-3

Creation Explorer Sea Plane Tender

Creation Explorer Sea Plane Tender

Peggy the Wing-Walker

Peggy the Wing-Walker

EQC-6 Custom Waco Wings repaired by Big Sky

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1929 CH 300 Bellanca Pacemaker

1929 CH 300 Bellanca Pacemaker

1938 Beechcraft E17 Staggerwing

1938 Beechcraft E17 Staggerwing

Piper J5

Piper J5

1931 Great Lakes Biplane

1931 Great Lakes Biplane

Fairchild F46

Fairchild F46

Piper J3 Cub

Piper J3 Cub

450 Stearman

450 Stearman

1942 Ryan PT-22 Recruit

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Hawker Jet

Hawker Jet

1950 Super Stinson

1950 Super Stinson

1940 Stearman A75N1

1940 Stearman A75N1

Army Stearman

Army Stearman

Navy Stearman

Navy Stearman

1946 Aeronca Champ

1946 Aeronca Champ

*Award Winning* Custom Stearman

Custom Stearman

1946 Aeronca Chief

1946 Aeronca Chief

Travelair Biplane

﻿ Travelair Biplane

Stearman A75N1

﻿ 1941 Stearman A75N1

*Award Winning* Screamin' Eagle 450 Stearman

Screamin' Eagle 450 Stearman

*Award Winning* Custom Stearman

﻿ Custom Stearman

"Befo ﻿ re Takeoff"

"After Takeoff"

First Stearman restoration project, 1977

First Stearman restoration project, 1977

Stinson L-5 Liaison

Stinson L-5 Liaison ﻿

1959 PA23-160 APACHE

Apache Flight Around Mt. Hood

Award Winning Custom Stearman

Travelair Biplane

1941 Stearman A75N1

Award Winning Screamin' Eagle 450 Stearman

Award Winning Custom Stearman

Custom Stearman

"Befo re Takeoff"

Stinson L-5 Liaison