A weekend encounter, a few hidden surprises, and a reminder that rushing is never worth it.
Over the weekend, the restorer ran into the welder at the airport—a timely and serendipitous meeting that brought some important updates to light regarding Mama’s Chief.
As it turns out, removing the channel around the doors for a better look was exactly the right move. Hidden beneath the surface were more areas that needed attention—trouble spots that would otherwise have gone unnoticed.
These channels, tucked away from obvious view, funnel water from other areas of the aircraft into places where it becomes trapped, unable to escape.
Given how much time this aircraft spent sitting out in the elements, it’s not exactly surprising. Still, it’s sobering. Moisture, especially in aircraft restoration, is a quiet but persistent enemy.
According to the restorer, the plan now includes replacing sections above the cabin and the attach points for the lower—or “boot”—cowling. These aren’t cosmetic fixes.
They’re critical structural repairs that must be done right to ensure safety later. Thankfully, the type of repair the welder intends to perform on the cabin roof will be virtually invisible once the fabric and paint are applied—an art in itself.
The conversation reminded me of my uncle’s workshop in our basement growing up. He always stressed the importance of planning before cutting, thinking before diving into a project. “Measure twice, cut once,” wasn’t just a saying—it was a philosophy.
That same mindset echoes through this restoration: thoughtful inspection before action.
Aircraft restorations have a way of revealing their secrets slowly.
You can plan and prepare, but often, the deeper you go, the more you find.
Course corrections become necessary.
And while it can be frustrating to uncover new problems midstream, that process is part of doing the work right.
Taking the time to repair and replace components now—while the aircraft is apart—is an investment in safety.
It may seem like overkill, especially on a light aircraft like the Chief, but even small airplanes can have big consequences if something goes wrong.
If you missed the start of this phase of the project, you can read about Mama’s Chief going to the welder and bringing Mamas Chief home.
I’m looking forward to Mama’s Chief returning from the welder. But I also know we have a long road ahead before it begins to come back together. Still, with time, effort, and care, we’ll get there.
And when we do, we’ll know we did it the right way.
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