Will Kermie's Benoist make it?

[N3Njeff]

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]

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]

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

[mustanglover]

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]

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]

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]

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.

Last edited by Warbird Kid on Mon Dec 30, 2013 4:21 pm, edited 1 time in total.

[Stephan Wilkinson]

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]

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