Photos of N4147, N118C by Robert Schroeder, Minneapolis, MN

Via email:

Yesterday, Dave, I flew 118C and 4147 for more than an hour each! I’ve decided to call 118C the “Ballerina” and 4147, the “Bully.” I have yet to decide which one needs to go…if at all.

Oh…and finished the day in the CJ-6…pretty heady.

I have been extremely busy the last few years…too busy. It has taken a toll on my flying. Further complicated by a fall and head injury in the winter of 2009..ie: no medical. I got my medical back, bought another airplane (CJ-6A holds two people…my wife and me) and then got busy again. Getting back in the Mite(s) reaffirmed why these birds are so much fun. Delicate, balanced, subtle in their handling, easy to fly, easy on fuel, and to an outside observer, the “wow…this guy can really fly” effect.

I may have to part with one of them, but I don’t want to.

I’d be out there right now…but the temp is soaring towards 100F. Not a good time in any non-air conditioned bird at altitudes below FL180.

Thanks to Tony and Dick (118C) and Vern and Durber (4147), the masters who refurbished the birds to better than new status. I am forever grateful.

Keep them flying…Robert

N118C (top) is a 1950 M-18L, serial number 79. N118C was bought by Tony Terrigno in 1977. It won at Oshkosh in 1980 in the category of Classic Award for Outstanding in Type - Limited Production. After a number of hard years, it was purchased by Dick Rank who rebuilt and showed it at Oshkosh in 1997.

N4147, a 1954 C-model s/n 313, earned a Lindy trophy under previous owners Durber Allen and Vern Flacksbarth. These photos were taken at MIC, Crystal Airport in Minneapolis.

In the background is Robert's CJ-6. [According to Wikipedia, the Nanchang CJ-6 is a basic trainer designed and built in China for use by the People's Liberation Army Air Force.]

Photos by Robert Schroeder, 2011-06-28