This is a photo of me on the left working on an North American SNJ5 back in the mid 90s. Sunday, I ran into the owner and he wants to sell the plane and hanger. Talk about agony! I could buy them from him, but then, I could not afford a house which I am looking for. Oh the pain!
Last edited by Stearmen; 08-06-2012 at 11:41 PM.
Shelter and comfort are way overrated. Go for the Stearmen.
AF
The South: Heat and Spanish moss. A Strange hot land of courtly manners and sudden violence, elegance and anger.
Do like Steve McQueen and move into the damn hangar.
No desire, no ambition leads me.
Maybe it's because nobody needs me.
Unfortunately, you can't live in the hanger. Many years ago, Yuppies from California moved in and built some high end houses. To protect their property they made all the stupid covenants! I have been looking into other airports, but their aren't many, and I can't afford the price of a big flat field.
Not sure where I stand on the SNJ right now. I found out the fabric needs replaced, at least I can do that, saves some money. Not sure if all the ADs, (Airworthiness Directives) have been complied with. The wing attachment AD is the expensive one. The engine has 1200 hours on it, so you have to either have it rebuilt, $35,000-55,000 or get a waiver at 100 hour intervals up to 1600. I can hang the engine. And the prop needs rebuilt. So probably at least $50,000 more. Oh, and don't forget 30 gallons of fuel an hour, times $5.30 or more! Plus a couple of quarts of oil, and insurance. Now I remember why I didn't buy one when they were only $18,000! A Stearman is looking better all the time. Just 12 gallons an hour.
I talked to my friend about the SNJ today. Seems every one I new from my Airshow days is either retired from it, or has passed away. Kind of sad. Thats why he is moving on. Maybe, I should just be glad that I once got paid to do what others dream about and just be happy with all the good memories!
Stearman memories are good and you should be grateful, however; if you can get back in the game...I left the AF at an early age of 39 after 22 years. I work 2 miles from Dover AFB, I love watching the C-5s and C-17s, not to mention all the other cool jets flying in/out, I cringe (cause I miss the AF, flightline, exhaust fumes, arms stuck up a jets guts...)everytime one takes off or comes in low and slow over my building....
Jet noise and prop wash all go together brother...
Last edited by Phantomfixer; 08-17-2012 at 07:46 PM.
"It is better to be down here, wishing you were up there, than up here wishing you were down there."
I am still thinking about it. Once I get the house situation out of the way, I may still be able to do a vintage biplane. Nothing better then "low and slow!"
The best place to wear the leather......
"It is better to be down here, wishing you were up there, than up here wishing you were down there."
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