Jerry Thuotte and the crew at the Pt. Townsend Aero Museum, Pt. Townsend, WA have been working on a Fairchild 71 and sent this update:
The first flight after the “cleanup work” on this airplane went well. By cleanup work, I mean the rejuvenation of the airplane after it was left sitting for some 8 years or more. The “heavy” grade fabric was in excellent condition, but the paint top coat was failing badly, with cracks in the paint at every seam, corner, bump, or protrusion. In conversation with John at Consolidated Coatings, (Stits), we determined we could save the fabric if we could get rid of the old top coat, which was alkyd type enamel. Eventually, we found we could remove every crack by merely rubbing the enamel off with acetone and paper towels. It took about 5 gallons of acetone and several rolls of paper towels, but we eventually were down to the poly-spray (silver). From there, we added a cross-coat of fresh poly-spray, and finished with polyurethane enamel.
Flying the airplane was a new adventure for me, as I had not flown one, and there was little info available to me. I found 60 mph on final to be about right, but any more than that would cause the airplane to “float”.
Since I am only 5 feet, 6 inches tall, I have very limited visibility from the pilot’s seat. I can usually find the runway, but I am concerned about touching down without having the airplane pointed the correct way, as the locking tailwheel works well and makes even small corrections impossible when the tailwheel is on the ground. I find the controls heavy, but the trim wheel is very effective.
The best part about this airplane is its age, (1929), and its rarity. 71’s played a big part in American aviation history, and we feel very lucky to have this airplane. The youth volunteers from the museum have all commented about the feeling they get while riding in the airplane. It is easy to let your mind carry you back in time and imagine that it is 1929. It is also easy to see how this airplane served the public so well back in the 20’s and 30’s.
We hope to eventually get this airplane to your great September gathering. I say eventually since we’re busy - we currently have about 16 youths volunteering, helping to restore airplanes, and working towards their private pilot licenses. As if the museum and its programs were not enough, we are also rebuilding antiques for others. That requires having a full-fledged business license, with employees and everything else businesses must have. But income for the museum and its programs comes from that business, as well as providing experience for the young troops.
Jerry explains the PTAM's mission and Youth Program on the PTAM website and on the museum YouTube channel. The video below is a good introduction.
