Navigating life by foot and by air with a side of optimism
Rosie began her journey to becoming an aircraft mechanic through her sewing skills at a restoration shop. With dedication and support, she progressed from hands-on tasks to studying and passing FAA exams. Her success resulted from consistent effort, preparation, and collaboration, ultimately achieving her A&P license and fulfilling a lifelong dream.
The author reflects on a collaborative volunteering experience with friends from Air Camp, preparing for a STEM event involving vintage aircraft restoration. They worked on fabric modules and frames to teach students essential aircraft construction skills. This initiative highlights the importance of preserving aviation history and mentoring the next generation in aviation.
The past few days have been spent inside, snow coming down around us like a shaken snow globe. Fourteen inches fell in just over a day. Thankfully, it was snow and not ice like areas farther south received. It’s been beautiful and quiet—one of those rare pauses that gently reminds you to slow down, take... Continue Reading →
Progress continues on various aircraft restoration projects, with emphasis on thoroughness over deadlines. The restorer provides valuable insights into the process, enriching knowledge beyond previous experiences. Post-holiday momentum is building, alongside aspirations for better social media engagement. The journey embraces imperfections while celebrating the joys of aviation and personal growth.
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... Continue Reading →
This year’s holiday party was affected by heavy snowfall, resulting in a light turnout. Despite this, meaningful connections were made. A volunteer’s journey in aviation led her to earn a dispatch license, paralleling past experiences. The holidays prompted reflection on community support, mentorship, and the value of shared endeavors in aviation.
After Priming The day after priming Mama’s Chief, we walked into the restoration shop with fresh eyes. Overall, the fuselage looked good. A few places needed touch up where the coverage was light or where the paint gun could not reach between tubes. The other restorer pointed out several areas that needed a bit more... Continue Reading →
The restoration journey of Mama’s Chief, a 1946 Aeronca 11AC, is highlighted through a day of preparatory painting. The restorer emphasizes the importance of protecting the aircraft's steel structure from rust by applying primer and paint. The experience blends the challenges of restoration with personal connections, providing a reflective perspective on teamwork and progress.
The restoration of Mama's 1946 Aeronca 11AC Chief involves crucial repairs before priming. The team will utilize a rotator for accessibility during painting. Extensive preparation ensures a successful primer application to protect the aircraft. With each step, the project honors the past while moving closer to bringing Mama's Chief back to flight.
After meticulous preparation, Mama’s Chief, a 1946 Aeronca 11AC, was sandblasted to remove old coatings, ensuring optimal paint adhesion. The restoration team, along with an Aeronca friend, successfully transported the fuselage, preparing it for priming. This critical step protects the aircraft for decades ahead, continuing a cherished family legacy.