Warbirds at Cheraw, SC

Wed Apr 29, 2009 11:08 pm

Visited the airport at Cheraw, SC, a couple of weeks ago. Found these birds on the field:

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[img][img]http://i64.photobucket.com/albums/h175/mckinneywc/JetProvost2.jpg[/img]

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The Provosts appear to be airworthy, as does the DC-3. The DC-3 engine is being overhauled. The Gnat is derelict.

The DC-3 is 42-32817. She's not in the Registry.
The red/white Provost is N204JP.
The blue Provost is N399PS.

Walt

Thu Apr 30, 2009 9:58 am

The JPs don't look to have flown for a while. There is something very wrong with their nosewheel legs. Were you impressed at just how small the Gnat is when viewed up close?

Thu Apr 30, 2009 1:41 pm

The Gnat was really tiny. I don't think I would have fit in either cockpit.

The red/white JP was on the active ramp, and its reg is current, so I suspect its flyable. The blue one has a terminated reg, so it may not be currently flyable.

The DC-3 has a long history, which is written on the left wing next to the fuselage. I'll have to transcribe it from the photo I took.

Walt

Thu Apr 30, 2009 2:57 pm

The DC-3 has visited the Geneseo airshow once or twice, I think the last time was in 2007?

Thu Apr 30, 2009 4:38 pm

RareBear wrote:The Gnat was really tiny. I don't think I would have fit in either cockpit.

Walt

Yet 2 slim 6 footers could fit in the pocket rocket wearing full flying kit. The controls were very sensitive - most would describe them as overly so but the RAF display team 'The Red Arrows' used that feature to maximum advantage. The Gnat had a de-rated engine, but was still a sprightly performer. The ground crews were not nearly so fond of it as it was a complex little beast with very little room to work in.

Thu Apr 30, 2009 6:18 pm

What's the story on the C-47? Who owns it?

Thu Apr 30, 2009 6:36 pm

It was flow out of Plattsburgh, NY but It may have been sold as the FAA says it.

BGA-VIATION INC
BENNETTSVILLE, SC

http://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquiry ... ertxt=59NA

Tim

Thu Apr 30, 2009 7:22 pm

See this link for a photo and the history:

http://1000aircraftphotos.com/Transports/3788.htm

Tim's post above has current registration data.

Bennettsville is a small town east of Cheraw.

Walt

Thu Apr 30, 2009 8:05 pm

A certin Wixer has his handy work in her!!!!! And some blood too!!

Thu Apr 30, 2009 8:11 pm

Anyone know why the #2 is off???

Thu Apr 30, 2009 10:20 pm

Cool, a Dakota Mk I.

Fri May 01, 2009 10:07 am

Wow, that airframe has some interesting history behind it. It would be cool if it could be repainted in RAF markings someday.

Fri May 01, 2009 10:44 am

kalamazookid wrote:Wow, that airframe has some interesting history behind it. It would be cool if it could be repainted in RAF markings someday.

I tried the 1st time. I really pushed to try and have it back in RAF markings but it was not the owners or my decision, that fell on the DOM of the company who happened to be my uncle. :roll:

Since he took care of other C-47s in his previous MX career, that was the paint scheme we put her in. When we stripped off all the paint, you could still make out the RAF crown and letter designation on the fuselage. It was very obvious of her RAF history. one of the guys found a wartime shilling in her belly. I spent a fair amount of time on her. More so then the other 3 that the company had. Out of all of them, I wish that one stayed in the area. Oh well maybe some day our paths will cross again.

Fri May 01, 2009 1:27 pm

The #2 engine off the Dakota was in the hangar, on a pallet, wrapped in plastic. It looked like they were getting ready to send it out for overhaul.

Walt

Fri May 01, 2009 6:15 pm

RareBear wrote:The #2 engine off the Dakota was in the hangar, on a pallet, wrapped in plastic. It looked like they were getting ready to send it out for overhaul.

Walt

Just wondering why, Those engines were not that old, something must have let go to warrent the change.