Planes of Fame F8F Bearcat first engine run

JohnTerrell · **Posted:** Thu May 07, 2020 1:19 pm

It's quite exciting to see this project coming to fruition. Steve Hinton and the guys at Planes of Fame and Fighter Rebuilders do such impeccable work. It's pointed out in the video, and in the last video they shared a few weeks back, that the aircraft should be flying just about any day now.

This is of course the Bearcat that had at one time been owned by Elmar Ward. I really like the paint scheme choice they'll be completing it in, judging by the V on the tail, that being of the NAS Glenview Naval Reserve markings, like the old Testors Bearcat model I remember building as a kid, with the orange band around the fuselage. It would be a neat sight to see it flying with the Warbird Heritage Foundation's FG-1D, in their matching Glenview markings.

Michel Lemieux · **Posted:** Thu May 07, 2020 1:49 pm

Nice!!!! Thank you for sharing and cool wrap around by Mr Steve.

JohnTerrell · **Posted:** Thu May 07, 2020 3:03 pm

In-case anyone missed it, Planes of Fame posted this video three weeks ago about the Bearcat project too, which is narrated by Steve Hinton and provides some great close ups of the aircraft and the fantastic quality of the workmanship that went into the restoration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRdgJazwLSY

bdk · **Joined:** Sun May 02, 2004 1:16 am **Posts:** 11330

It was taxiing around last week.

This isn’t really a POF owned project though.

https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquir ... ertxt=3025

https://app.ntsb.gov/pdfgenerator/Repor ... y&IType=FA

mike furline · **Joined:** Wed May 05, 2004 3:45 pm **Posts:** 2668

Some pics from Oshkosh 93ish.
viewtopic.php?f=3&t=66005&p=600573&hilit=elmer#p600573

Snake45 · **Joined:** Sat Apr 05, 2014 5:49 pm **Posts:** 864

JohnTerrell wrote:

...the old Testors Bearcat model I remember building as a kid...

You must be young-ish. When I built that kit in the '60s, it was made by Hawk. It disappeared for a couple decades, and then it reappeared under the Testor name.

I've built a total of six of them over the years. :wink:

MKD1966 · **Posted:** Thu May 07, 2020 7:40 pm

JohnTerrell wrote:

It's quite exciting to see this project coming to fruition. Steve Hinton and the guys at Planes of Fame and Fighter Rebuilders do such impeccable work. It's pointed out in the video, and in the last video they shared a few weeks back, that the aircraft should be flying just about any day now.

This is of course the Bearcat that had at one time been owned by Elmar Ward. I really like the paint scheme choice they'll be completing it in, judging by the V on the tail, that being of the NAS Glenview Naval Reserve markings, like the old Testors Bearcat model I remember building as a kid, with the orange band around the fuselage. It would be a neat sight to see it flying with the Warbird Heritage Foundation's FG-1D, in their matching Glenview markings.

I hope they do the full NAS Glenview markings complete with the orange band around the fuselage... That way she'll also be representing a little bit of her "Gulfhawk" paint history from the early 90's with the orange... I'm just thrilled to see another Bearcat back in the air soon...Congratulations to Steve Hinton and the entire Fighter Rebuilders crew !!!
Mike

phil65 · **Posted:** Thu May 07, 2020 7:55 pm

Maybe he will bring it to Reno..... :drink3:

Phil

bdk · **Joined:** Sun May 02, 2004 1:16 am **Posts:** 11330

MKD1966 wrote:

That way she'll also be representing a little bit of her "Gulfhawk" paint history from the early 90's with the orange... I'm just thrilled to see another Bearcat back in the air soon...

Registered as a G-58, so there is still that.

Archer · **Joined:** Tue Nov 30, 2004 3:13 pm **Posts:** 448

The fact that it's registered as a G-58 is probably to avoid the Experimental category. As there is a civilian type certificate available, it probably saves on paperwork and hassle (although I don't know the details) to register it under that TC.

Kyleb · **Posted:** Fri May 08, 2020 7:39 am

Archer wrote:

The fact that it's registered as a G-58 is probably to avoid the Experimental category. As there is a civilian type certificate available, it probably saves on paperwork and hassle (although I don't know the details) to register it under that TC.

I would think it would be easier to register/maintain as an experimental. But with a TC, you can (may?) be able to get a standard airworthiness certificate, instead of something like Experimental Exhibition, which can be restrictive as to the use of the airplane.

Mike · **Joined:** Tue May 04, 2004 8:54 am **Posts:** 3333

Or instead of guessing, you could just look it up on the FAA website

Registered under the Limited classification

https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquir ... ertxt=3025

phil65 · **Posted:** Fri May 08, 2020 2:44 pm

Mike wrote:

Or instead of guessing, you could just look it up on the FAA website

Registered under the Limited classification

https://registry.faa.gov/aircraftinquir ... ertxt=3025

What fun would that be....

Phil

Archer · **Joined:** Tue Nov 30, 2004 3:13 pm **Posts:** 448

I don't think we were guessing about how it is registered, but about why. I've got no choice there as I don't have Steve Hinton's phone number... :wink:

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Planes of Fame F8F Bearcat first engine run

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