Will Kermie's Benoist make it?

N3Njeff · **Posted:** Sat Dec 28, 2013 3:05 pm

What happened to the replica that was built in the early 80's by the local EAA group in st.pete? They were to recreate the anniversary flight also.

JohnTerrell · **Posted:** Sat Dec 28, 2013 3:52 pm

Jeff, that aircraft I believe is currently displayed at the St. Petersburg history museum:
http://travelforaircraft.wordpress.com/ ... -and-more/

Kermit spent some time looking it over, too: http://blog.kermitweeks.com/?p=941

There is also a replica that hangs in the St. Petersburg International Airport.

Last Saturday, Kermit posted on Facebook that it was looking like they were going to be required to fly off 10-hours before being able to carry a passenger.

airknocker · **Posted:** Sun Dec 29, 2013 8:51 am

The Benoist got it's feet wet:
https://www.facebook.com/#!/KermitWeeks

mustanglover · **Posted:** Sun Dec 29, 2013 10:33 am

RobC wrote:

I think there is some confusion here between the requirements for certification under the Experimental - Amateur Built category, which would apply to the Falco, and Experimental - Exhibition. The Benoist would have to be certified under the latter category since the owner did not build at least 51%.

The general fly off requirements for either category would be about the same, however the Benoist would definitely fall under the Amateur Built category.

Since we are comparing airplanes and category, remember Jerry Beck's P-51A was licensed as an Amateur Built airplane.

Baldeagle · **Posted:** Sun Dec 29, 2013 10:50 am

The Benoist is certified Experimental Exhibition, Kermit paid his people to build it, it's by no means "Amateur Built". That's why it has only a 10 hour Phase 1.

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Stephan Wilkinson · **Joined:** Wed Jun 01, 2011 11:23 am **Posts:** 699

100th anniversary replica flight canceled. They can't get the Benoist to fly. Taxis fine but won't unstick. I'm sure they'll figure it out soon, but not in time for the planned 1 January flight.

Warbird Kid · **Posted:** Mon Dec 30, 2013 2:48 pm

I called it, saying that they would not make it in time. They should have been at this stage (taxing and first test flight) by October at the latest. But hey, it's super easy to judge from behind my desk here. So what they have accomplished is nothing short of miraculous. Either way, I'm extremely impressed at the quality of work and craftsmanship that has gone into the replica and commend all who were involved. I did not expect them to get so close to the finish line. I mean really…. really close.

Stephan Wilkinson · **Joined:** Wed Jun 01, 2011 11:23 am **Posts:** 699

The PR-project replica flight that was planned for 1 January is the least important part of the project. Too bad they missed it, but it's no big deal in the grand scheme of things--i.e. the creating of a remarkably accurate and historically important replica. The missed display will soon be long forgotten.

Tiger Tim · **Posted:** Mon Dec 30, 2013 4:17 pm

Stephan Wilkinson wrote:

The missed display will soon be long forgotten.

It's true, as most pioneer airplane replicas seem to be described as, "Built to commemorate the _____ anniversary of ______." Technically it's no less true here, even if it didn't show up at the party.

-Tim

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Will Kermie's Benoist make it?

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