1920s biplane added to state air museum

— The Arkansas Air Museum at Fayetteville Municipal Airport’s Drake Field has long been a regional attraction in Northwest Arkansas, but a new addition should boost statewide interest, museum Executive Director Warren Jones said.

The last functioning Command-Aire 3C3-T Biplanedropped onto the grass at Drake Field on Wednesday because a landing on concrete would possibly damage the plane. It will make the Hugh Brewer Exhibit Hangar its home for the foreseeable future.

The plane’s statewide interest stems from the fact it is one of 300 planes built by the Arkansas Aircraft Co., which later became Command-Aire.The Little Rock-based company was the first aircraft manufacturing company in Arkansas and rose in prominence throughout the country in the 1920s.

The planes were targeted at trainers and private owners.

The 3C3 had a range of 440 miles, a cruising speed of 85 mph, and a price of$3,350.

“This is truly a historic plane for Arkansas,” Jones said. “It something we can all be proud of and we’rethrilled to have it here.”

Sitting among other historic and antique planes, the 3C3 doesn’t really stand out until Jones starts talking.

“Have you seen our new plane?” he gushed as a museum patron strolled past. “You really need to check this plane out.”

The 3C3’s description is attention grabbing. An information plaque in front of the plane highlights the design of the plane’s cockpit as “bathtub” style, which was an apt description of its basin-styled seating with the pilot’s seat situated in the front and a passenger’s seat directly behind.

The plane was also labeled a “basket case” between 1955 and 1993, which meant it needed major repairs to remain operable.

Art and Betsy Knowles of Jacksboro, Texas, took on the task of revamping the aircraft, hiring Tom Brown of Unity, Wisc., to do the restoration work.

In 1996 the plane was officially back in action and has been going strong ever since.

“They did a fantastic job of restoring this plane,” Jones said, taking a second to admire the craftsmanship. “That is the original wooden propellor and as many of the original parts as could be used are still in use on the plane.”

The two-tone white and orange biplane, meaning the plane has two main wings, is in pristine condition, but its age and wear are uncovered by a gravel-filled oil catchpan that sits under the leaking plane.

Despite adding an extra chore to volunteer Zac Hale’s list of things to do, Hale, 17, is excited about the addition.

“I hate I missed seeing it come in,” said Hale, who will be a junior at Fayetteville High School next year. “I didn’t even know it was here, but when I walked in Thursday, I was like, ‘Whoa, where did this come from ?’It is a really nice plane.”

Even with the historical significance of the plane, Jones said finding a home wasn’t as easy as one might think.

“Art [Knowles] used to fly this plane during an event in Bartlesville, [Okla.], every year,” Jones said. “But last year was the last year for the event, because the museum there closed, so he wanted to find a new home for the plane. Of course his first choice was to have the plane in Little Rock, but it just didn’t work out.”

That’s when local aviation enthusiast Jim Youkin, who also flew in the Bartlesville event, stepped in.

“Jim encouraged Art to take a look at our hangar,” Jones said. “When he did, he knew he had found a home for this plane.”

The plane is now on permanent loan to the museum.

Jones said the fabric wings and fuselage make it a showpiece, but also the simplicity of its design adds to its appeal.

“This plane only has four flying instruments,” Jones said. “But the real kicker is the air speed indicator is on the right wing and it works surprisingly well.”

Jones, 68, has been flying for 46 years, but an addition like the Command-Aire 3C3-T keeps the joy of flying alive for him.

“I haven’t flown it yet, but I can’t wait to,” Jones said. “I hope people take the opportunity to come out to see it.”

The museum is open 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Sunday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

More information about the museum can be found at www.arkairmuseum.org.

Northwest Arkansas, Pages 7 on 06/14/2010

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