Dang, Juan, you have the gift of giving each owner the feeling that the dream that has become their contribution to aviation history is alive, well, and worth the time, money, and love they have invested.
My father's best friend owned one in the 1960s. I used to ride right seat with him. The gear was retracted and extended with the crank handle on the left just forward of the window crank. It was connected to a long bicycle chain and took a lot of winds to get the job done. He once test flew another Staggerwing as a courtesy after a major overhaul. From what I remember the engine threw a rod, but he had fortunately stayed in the circuit. He cranked like hell to get the gear down as he did a deadstick fighter approach to the runway, but only managed to get the wheels out a little past 45 degrees. He was a wonderful pilot and greased it on. When the ground crew came out to push the aircraft off the runway, the gear collapsed. He also owned a Dragonfly and a Tigermoth, both of which I have great memories as well. He flew the Tiger with his English sheepdog, Pandora, who had her own goggles.
Brian, Staggerwing Boys, Beautiful presentation of a Beautiful ship. I also grew up with an "F" model, a 1937 F 17 D, with (I was told) a unique engine conversion. My Pop bought it in 1958 from two Bell Engineers in Dallas when we were stationed at Perrin AFB, Sherman, TX. Our ship (then licensed as N53754) went back to Kansas in 1949 to have the Jake pulled and a Lycoming installed. Pop economy cruised (a low paid Capt Then) at 140Kts. We carried 101 Gal of Fuel. We flew the wings off ours till 1963 when a SAC pilot from Minot AFB, ND bought it. Most remarkable thing I noticed in this Cockpit tour was the Control Wheel(s) Setup. Have never seen Two. Ours was traditional Beech, one sided, pull the pin, lift the wheel over to the right for the Co-Pilot. What a grand use of income helping this museum piece survive. Stew, Reno, NV
When I was 10 years old I took my first airplane ride in my uncles red Staggerwing out of the Nut Tree Airport in Vacaville CA. It was so much fun and a memory I will have forever!
Fantastic plane, great report, wonderful memories. I'm 76, and still flying. In 1980 I went to Oshkosh with my late friend, Rom Cochi . You remind me so much of Rom because he had the same enthusiasm for flying. I had only been flying for 3 years then but Rom was retired Air Force who had flown the F86 and F100. He knew every airplane and we'd walk around all day while he'd explain the history of all the old airplanes.
Built this as a .049 Cox Engine control line plane,,same silver color. It flew really fast for a model biplane I remember. Ran it into a big gust while flying , , and the lines went slack. Managed to glue it back together , but it wasn't as fast. Fast forward many many years , , as I crawl into a red and white 1939 Beech Stagger and go for a awesome radial ride. The old circle string plane circled back around. Was almost in tears when we landed. Thanks for the vid Juan.
Wow! Beautiful restoration. Quite a piece of work especially after that 2nd fire. Dad is sitting upstairs smiling. Thanks for the tour. Have a nice time. Stay safe ☆
now that's how ya review an old airplane !! Browne, that was outstanding !! The Staggerwing has always been one of my favorites. Beech has had it going on for over at least 84 years. What a history.
We all must have to really appreciate this design, with performance to spare for that era! One thing you Juan owe to us, is a little of THAT engine sound... as it is UNIQUE!
What I get from this kind of interviews is to let me know in a few minutes all the LOVE and knowledge, it seems intended to shine a light on all the passion, dedication, skills that is present behind in such a beautiful restoration project that goes even beyond a single lifetime.
I had a chance to talk with the brothers on Thursday. Great guys and a fantastic airplane. I believe this airplane and the one to the east of it were award winners
A Staggerwing Beech. I didn’t know there were any of those left! This one is a doozy. All I have from Beechcraft is a scarf I was given by Mrs Beech when I went to KingAir school. Thanks Juan 👍
Juan, you pack more interesting technical information into an 11 minute video than anyone else on the internet. What a great airplane, and I hope there's another generation behind these brothers that will keep it flying for years to come.
What a beautiful airplane. Landing gear wells are immaculate, the chrome is gorgeous! The interior is stunning, and I like the modern avionics. Somehow they don't detract from the ambiance and classic beauty of the airplane.
