1941 Aeronca Chief restoration

Herbco Herb Clark, Proprietor P.O. Box 449 Weirsdale, Fl, 32159 Services for Pitts Airplanes	*1941 Aeronca Chief* *This airplane was restored to flying condition at our facility*

Services for
Pitts Airplanes

Tel (352) 821-2618
Fax (352-821-2833

Hobby Hill Airport

2FD1

1 Mile S.E.
Weirsdale, FL

Jacksonville
Sectional Chart

N 28° 58.53
W 081° 55.12

OCF VOR
132° 20 nm

ORL VOR
316° 40 nm

Here's a view of the 1941 Aeronca Chief on fixed floats, flown by its owner Weldon Ropp. The photo was taken many years ago. Our goal, to restore and fly the Chief to Sun-N- Fun April 2005.

The Chief hadn't been flown in a number of years due to un airworthy fabric. The wings and empennage had been covered by others thru silver, so the restoration started with the fuselage, as in the above photo, in October, 2004.

The fuselage was stripped and repainted with epoxy primer and paint. New window frames, baggage door and floor boards were fabricated in our shop and finished with epoxy varnish.

Above is the original instrument panel as it appeared before our work began.

Here is the finished panel.The control yokes were also restored using original medaillions.

Here's the fuselage primed and ready for the addition of the wood stringers and ribs. All these will be added before recovering begins.

Dick aligns the fabric.

Recovering is now complete as the fuselage is moved into our paint spray booth after having the white areas completely masked for the addition of the blue trim colors.

Here's the finished product with its happy owner - Weldon Ropp. The project was begun in October 2004 and delivered on time, as promised, in March 2005

After a Successful test flight, the Chief is ready for Sun 'n Fun with time to spare. Our goals have been met - Quality product, happy owner, on time delivery!