The restorer and I stopped by his mentor’s shop to pick up a drawing for a small part needed on his Staggerwing project. He has had good luck locating some components, but others, like these tiny washers, will need to be replicated directly from the drawing.
It was a familiar scene. When the restorer was working on restoring his family’s Cub, this same mentor helped with painting and other parts of the labor of love. Knowledge passed hand to hand. Experience shared quietly.
We knew we would be at the restoration shop over the weekend and would have time to review stock and think through how to make the part.
There was no rush. Just the steady confidence that the work would get done.
Watching Another Project Take Shape
While we were at the restoration shop, we got to see the progress our Champ friends were making on their wing rebuild. They came in after Christmas and will be heading back to school from here. Their dad arrived on New Year’s and will head home soon, then return in a couple of weeks to continue covering the wing.
On their previous visit, wing ribs had been repaired where needed and new spars inspected. This time, ribs were installed and secured, and the wingtip bow was mounted. You could see the structure returning to something that resembled an airplane again.
The son, who is studying aeronautical engineering while also working toward his airframe and powerplant certificates, was explaining to his father how the metal skin over the leading edge is installed. He referenced the drawings and standard practices laid out in FAA guidance. Watching that exchange felt like witnessing the continuation of a long line of hands-on learning.
Their goal for the week was to get the leading edge installed and the wing ready for covering before heading back to school. That way, their dad could do the covering on his next visit with help from the other restorer.
Thinking Ahead While Working Where We Are
One wing on their Champ needed significant repair once the fabric was removed, so that is the wing they tackled first. The other wing has been inspected and evaluated to determine what work will be required and which parts should be ordered ahead of time. The spars and ribs on that side are in better condition, which will make the next phase more straightforward.
Conversations with our Aeronca friends often circle back to Mama’s Chief. We will likely replace some spars using the same source our Champ friends used. Wing ribs may be trickier to find. When the restorer worked on his Cub, ribs and other parts were readily available.
That is not quite the case with the Chief and Champ wings today.
For now, the restorer has been clear-eyed about priorities. Focusing our energy on the fuselage while keeping an eye out for serviceable wing parts is the better use of our time. It is a reminder that progress is not always linear, and that good timing matters as much as hard work.
Learning Even When We Are Not Turning Wrenches
I am reminded how much I am learning, and how much we are still doing, even when we are not actively working on our own project. There is value in collectively supporting and encouraging others as they move their projects forward.
Phone calls about parts and materials are simply part of the story.
Life is never truly straightforward. The path may seem simple, but it is rarely uncomplicated. Even when the primary focus is on an airplane, care still has to be taken with everyday life.
We have accomplished more than I often realize this year. The move and setting up house took real time and effort. I am not entirely finished, but it feels like I can focus better now. Writing is coming more easily again, and with luck I will return to online training as well.
Life is not exactly what I thought it would be, but in many ways it is measurably better.
Focus on what is necessary in the moment. What is needed down the road can be addressed when the time comes.
Community, Coffee, and Cold Starts
I am starting to see parallels between my running community back in suburban Chicago and the restoration and vintage aircraft community here.
Both are built on encouragement, shared effort, and showing up.
The son and his girlfriend talked about their favorite coffee place back home, Cuba Coffee Co. Along with good coffee, the owner has a Taylorcraft project of his own. They keep encouraging him while sharing updates on their Champ wing rebuild.
That is how these communities grow. One conversation at a time.
Before the kids left for school, they made a point of getting the Champ out and starting it. Since it had been a while since the engine last ran, the tail was held high to help oil make its way back toward the engine. The engine started, but oil pressure did not register.
They shut down and talked it through. The son asked the restorers for advice, and another method was used to get oil into the line. On the next start, oil pressure came up as it should. The engine ran for about fifteen minutes before shutting down.
As it chugged along in the cold air, the light shifted toward evening. The colors felt like a quiet marker of their imminent departure.
When Things Work Out
By the end of their week at the restoration shop, the first wing was nearly ready for aileron rigging. Their goal was met.
It is kind of nice when things work out the way they were planned.
Even if the path getting there is anything but simple.
Leave a Reply