A few months ago AAA member Roy Hinklin of Somerset, KY informed us of his intentions to donate his Rearwin Cloudster, N44533, to the APM.
The Cloudster arrived safely at Antique Airfield despite Gary's less than friendly encounter with one of Kentucky's "finest" on the trip.
The airplane had not been flown in several years and it was determined the safest (but least glamorous) way to transport the airplane to Antique Airfield would be via a trailer. AAA National Director Gary Van Farowe, a recognized Rearwin guru, volunteered to travel to Somerset, disassemble the Cloudster, load it on a trailer and transport it to the APM.
The unloading begins. That's Gary Van Farowe on the left.
On Sun June 26th we were a bit surprised to see Gary, with the Rearwin in tow, turn in the driveway here at Antique Airfield. We did not expect his arrival until sometime later that week. His arrival turned out to be a bit serendipitous however, because it just happened that a small group of our local members/volunteers were on hand. Lou Norman, Dave Coop, Cliff Hatz, Ben Taylor along with your author/photographer helped Gary unload and re-assemble the Cloudster in short order.
Right wing on, Cliff Hatz (L) and Dave Coop (R) getting ready to install the left wing.
The airplane is in very good shape appearing to need some minor work, a thorough annual inspection and refinishing of the propeller to be airworthy. Our "Thanks" to Gary Van Farowe for his efforts to transport the Cloudster to the APM.
To Roy Hinklin, the APM Board of Directors appeciates your faith in our direction/future and offers our most sincere and humble "Thank You" for your generous donation.
Brent Taylor
Treasurer APM
The re-assembled Cloudster in front of Hangar #1.
