WACO Classic Blog

2T-1A Project Update

2012-01-06T08:19:00.000-05:00

Frame Sn.0 (our first conforming aircraft) is in welding and we expect to have it completed by the end of the month, we have had several delays here as the large aerodynamic tube at the base of the frame (that the gear attaches to) was no longer produced. This then required a redesign, approval, new tooling, and a new fabrication process. That part is now in housed and being welded. Sn. 1 frame components have been ordered and are expect at the end of the month (this is the first customer airplane).

Wings: We have 98% of the parts in stock, including new formed ribs, new spars, and leading edges. We are only waiting on drag/anti drag wires to start assembly of the first wing set.

Fuel Tank: New press just arrived to allow us to fabricate it here.

Fuselage components: Bushings and piece parts are on order or in stock

Gear: parts are on order; the axles were redesigned to allow adjustment of toe in/out. Brakes and Wheels are being provided by Grove.

Cowling: is pending redesign when engine arrives

Avionics and wiring: The new panel has been designed and prototyped; the electrical system has been simplified and lightened. The new electrical schematic is pending approval.

Standard Avionics and Systems will be:

Becker Com radio

Becker Transponder

JPI 930 Engine analyzer

G- Meter

Airspeed

Altimeter

Garmin Aera 500 series in a panel dock, 500 is standard with other available as options.

Engine: Lycoming AEIO-360 is due February 6.

New lightweight starter and alternators in stock

Prop is as Hartzell : HC-C2YR-4CF/FC7666A-2. This is the 74” diameter metal prop. – on order.

Great Lakes by WACO Aircraft in Sport Aviation

2011-12-21T11:00:00.001-05:00

Article Here: http://www.sportaviationonline.org/sportaviation/201201?folio=26#pg28

Production Approval - Obtained !

2011-12-20T08:42:00.000-05:00

We just heard late yesterday that the FAA has granted us production approval for parts. This will allow us to ramp up production of the Great Lakes. Photo is of Rich Hunter with the main frame tube first article.

Finally in Hand - the Great Lakes TC

2011-10-26T08:47:00.002-04:00

It's amazing how our friends in the legal profession can take a one page Letter of Agreement and turn it into over 50 pages, the paperwork is finally done the the Great Lakes TC has been transferred to WACO Classic. With the TC assigned to us, we can now work with the FAA to return the Great Lakes to the Air. See: www.WacoClassic.com for more information.

Great Lakes Update

2011-10-05T08:45:00.000-04:00

Battle Creek, Mi September 29, 2011 – WACO Classic Aircraft, the certified manufacturer of the worlds most desirable sport biplanes, announced today that it has officially received the Type Certificate for the Great Lakes 2T-1A series of aircraft. Now, with the TC in hand, WACO Classic is able to better work with the FAA to return the Great Lakes to the air.

Great Lakes Project Update

Engineering – most of the updates planned have completed engineering and are pending approval. This includes;

Updates to the frame structure and ergonomic updates.
Provisions for new yet to be announced Garmin avionics and radios.
Investigation and engineering related to the new Lycoming AEIO-390, 210 HP engine.

Production

Fabrication of the first frame has started, with completion expected by the end of October.
We expect our first test engine from Lycoming late this year with flight tests starting in late January and continuing through early March, 2012.
The first customer airplane will be started in December, with subsequent starts every 4 weeks.
Numerous vendors are producing component parts.

Staffing

Classic Aircraft has started hiring additional technicians in preparation for production assembly start.

Training

Classic Aircraft, in partnership with Chandler Air Services (Aerobatics.com), has developed a special transition training program for Great Lakes customers.

WACO Fly-In - Troy, OH

2011-09-19T19:44:00.000-04:00

At this years annual WACO Field Fly-In we were well represented with three WACO Classic YMF-5's at the event along with one of our recent restorations. See: http://www.wacoairmuseum.org/

Angela and I drove down with our kids Tyler and Megan, my 8 year old Tyler remarked "this is better then I thought it would be" -quite the statement for an 8 year old, and he was right - the weather was perfect and I am told that it was the biggest fly-in yet held at WACO Field.

First new RIB

2011-07-12T16:40:00.000-04:00

This is a photo of one of the first new production Ribs for the new great lakes. The process starts by laser cutting an aluminum blank then forming it in a press. After forming the Ribs will be alodined for corrosion protection.

Frame in Solid Works

2011-07-11T14:37:00.000-04:00

This is a screen grab of the New Great Lakes frame in Solidworks (3D CAD software). Having a 3D frame allows us to generate the programming data for each tube that's used by the CNC tube cutter. We have our first set of frame tubes cut and will start welding frame number 1 in just a few days.

Great Lakes Frame

2011-06-23T08:47:00.000-04:00

The frame redesign is finally done, we needed to replace the main aerodynamic tube that forms the base of the frame with one that's currently available. Tubes are being cut on the CNC tube cutter this week and next, with weldling starting the first week of July.

This is what I call a Fly-in

2011-06-09T16:56:00.000-04:00

Photo from above of Mondays QB Dinner and Fly-in at Waco Classic - nothing but fun!

More Photos

2011-04-23T09:06:00.000-04:00

Welding Fixture

N -Strut fixture

Riggers making room for new tooling and fixtures

Great Lakes Progress

2011-04-22T15:50:00.000-04:00

Our engineering team of Rich, Bob and Carl are full speed ahead on the project, with lots of intangible work currently on the front burner. Things like drawing review, creating bill of materials and working with vendors to produce sample parts.

We have been a little delayed by the need to re-engineer the frame, as the 3.75" streamline tubing that forms the foundation of the frame is no longer available from any vendors including the mill. This has pushed back our first frame by about 2 or 3 weeks as an approved alternative is engineered.

We received our test aluminum spar this week, initial test are very promising, with official test just a few weeks away.

Photo of spar stock:

Peter

2011-02-25T08:18:00.000-05:00

One of the hangars full of Great Lakes tooling - sadly most of this will not be used as modern equipment like Lasers and CNC milling machines replaces many of the fixtures and tools that were used in the 70's and 80's to make the airplane.

Winter Flying

2010-12-20T09:19:00.001-05:00

I went flying on Friday – WOW, how incredibly wonderful it is to be so free and experiencing the virile thrill of flying such an incredible airplane. The power – the sound - the sights – an incomparable experience.

It was cold out, about zero Celsius, but I was nice in warm in the Waco with the heat cranking and the front cockpit cover on. I was flying our new demo airplane N818JB. Departure was west, then north towards Gull Lake. I flew up the lake; much lower then I should have, over my dad’s house, then west to Jim’s grass strip. The crisp air was crystal clear – visibility unlimited. On the way back to Battle Creek, just some light aerobatics then back onto 23 Left. The pattern was empty, so I landed very long, exiting at Bravo for the Waco Ramp.

2010-11-30T07:58:00.002-05:00

Long way to Long Beach

November 8, 2010 by Dave Hirschman, Senior Editor AOPA

Dave Hirschman and Waco at Bullfrog Airport in Utah

The first time I ever saw a Waco Classic biplane, the mere sight of round-engine aircraft conjured up a recurring fantasy involving summertime cross-country flights and sleeping under the wings at night.

The recently concluded “Long Way to Long Beach” trip in a Waco YMF-5D far surpassed anything my limited imagination could have dreamed up. The sights, sounds, and sensations of a low-level, coast-to-coast biplane trip were thrilling to the core–and the people AOPA staff photographer Chris Rose and I met along the way were gracious, friendly, and incredibly welcoming to a pair of warmly dressed strangers.

And it wasn’t our magnetic personalities that won them over. Simply showing up in a rumbling, nostalgic airplane like the Waco brings out the best in fellow aviators. They offered tips for navigating mountainous terrain, ATC, as well as meals, transportation, and accommodations.

Our challenges were limited to predictable things such as numbing cold over the Appalachians, crosswinds and thunderstorms in the Plains, high density altitudes in the Southwest, and turbulence over the desert. But even at those uncomfortable moments, Rose and I were glad to be where we were. We’re incredibly fortunate to have had such an opportunity, and the deck always seemed stacked in our favor. The airplane ran perfectly from a mechanical standpoint during the entire 20-plus flying hours it took to cover 2,300 nautical miles; the weather was clear almost the entire trip and provided rare tailwinds going west on day one; and the technology (Garmin 430 and 696 with satellite weather, SPOT tracker, and IFR instrumentation.) provided tremendous situational awareness and peace of mind.

Some low-tech gear also proved essential, namely wool socks, a neck gaiter, and foam earplugs.

For a flatland flier like me, the mountains provided the jaw-dropping highlights–and the splendor of following the Colorado River and the canyon contours it’s carved from Moab, Utah, to Page, Ariz., at daylight was beyond description. The fall colors and foggy river valleys of West Virginia, the seemingly endless Plains, and the imposing mountains and canyons of the Four Corners also left their mark before we reached our destination on the blue Pacific.

The Recreational Aviation Foundation, especially its president, John McKenna, was a valuable ally. McKenna provided contacts, places to stay, steaks, beer, and elk sausages, and flew his Cessna 185 with the door off as a photo platform on two spectacular flights above the incomparable canyons of southern Utah.

This inspiring, exhausting, and completely unforgettable flying adventure is drawing to a close for Rose and me. But it’s just beginning for the AOPA “A Night for Flight” auction winner who takes home a brand new Waco Classic.

It’s just the start of what’s sure to be an incredible journey.

Fuel stops:
Clermont County Airport, Batavia, Ohio, I69
Jefferson City Airport, Jefferson City, Missouri, KJEF
Col. James Jabara Airport, Wichita, Kansas, KAAO
Dalhart Airport, Dalhart, Texas, KDHT
Mid-Valley Airpark, Las Lunas, New Mexico, E98
Cortez Airport, Cortez, Colorado, KCEZ
Canyonlands Field Airport, Moab, Utah, KCNY
Bullfrog Basin Airport, Glen Canyon, Utah, U07
Kingman Airport, Kingman, Arizona, KIMG
Santa Paula Airport, Santa Paula, California, KSZP

2,300 NM
Average speed: 105 knots
Flight time: 22 hours, 30 minutes
Fuel consumption: 320 gallons (14.8 gph)
Oil consumption: three gallons

Another Centennial Project!

2010-10-06T12:09:00.004-04:00

1931 WACO QCF

Triple Tree Fly-In

2010-09-21T15:44:00.009-04:00

On the way to Triple Tree - the day was beautiful, and so were the sights. Best enjoyed from a WACO, of course!

Here's some photos from the fly-in. They've got a lovely location and this is a really nice fly-in to add to your calendar.

The Spartan Executive 7W

2010-08-03T15:45:00.000-04:00

Another Waco/Centennial restoration project done!

S/N 17, NC17667 (NC17630, N1MJ) - Built 2/22/1939. Sold to Claude Drilling Co. of OK. Later flown with the RAF in CA as KD102. Registered as N1MJ when owned by Malcomb Jacobs. Owned by and displayed at the Lone Star Flight Museum in Texas for a few years. Flown to many airshows and published in many aviation magazines when owned by Kent and Sandy Blankenburg. When trying to return to the original number (S/N 17 was NC17630 but that is used on the P-38 "GlacierGirl") so NC17667 was used.

Everybody Pitches In

2010-07-01T08:55:00.003-04:00

We're proud to say that everybody helps out around here - even Daisy, the Jack Russell mix. Here's the picture to prove it!

WACO Classic

2010-06-24T10:16:00.000-04:00

WACO Classic Aircraft Donates to Young Eagles

for Each New Aircraft Sold

Too often today we find children sitting in front of their video games, living out adventures in a virtual world. The owners of WACO Classic firmly believe that nothing compares to reality. The only way to truly live a fulfilling life is to experience adventures first hand in the real world, and this is even more true of the thrill of flight.

For this reason, WACO Classic Aircraft will make a donation of $5,000 to the EAA Young Eagles program for every new WACO YMF-5 D Model sold between now and December 31, 2010.*

The EAA Young Eagles program was launched in 1992 to give interested young people, ages 8-17, an opportunity to go flying in a general aviation airplane. These flights are offered free of charge and are made possible through the generosity of EAA member volunteers and supporters, and companies like WACO Classic Aircraft. This donation will help the Young Eagles program provide real life adventures for children, and introduce them to the wonders of flight.

Since its inception, more than 1.5 million Young Eagles have enjoyed a flight through the program. Young Eagles have been registered in more than 90 different countries and have been flown by more than 42,000 volunteer pilots. More information can be found on the web at www.youngeagles.org.

The new WACO YMF- D model is the newest evolution of the YMF sport biplane, and includes many new features and upgrades. The WACO YMF biplane has and always will represent the essence of true aviation pleasure. It combines today's technology and safety features with yesterday's graceful design.

For more information please visit our website at www.wacoclassic.com.

For a copy of the press release, visit www.wacoclassic.com/pdf/youngeagles.pdf.

Photo: Peter & Bob doing rides for EAA / Airforce ROTC young eagles in Dayton, OH June 19, 2010.

Virginia Fly-in

2010-05-24T16:59:00.000-04:00

I had a great trip to the Virginia Fly-in, I spent most of Saturday at the event, then flew over to the Fighter Factory in Virginia Beach for dinner. Departing Sunday late morning for Battle Creek. Photos taken in-flight, I just love the weather data-link for cross country trips.

Weather Report from Battle Creek

2010-05-21T09:57:00.000-04:00

Need we say more?

Why use WACO / Centennial to restore your aircraft?

2010-05-13T16:27:00.001-04:00

As the repair and restoration division of Waco Classic Aircraft, Centennial has the skills and expertise that produces exceptionally high quality work. Be it simple fabric re-cover or museum quality refurbishment, Centennial Aircraft Services offers complete turn-key restoration to your specifications. Our Facility is a quality factory setting where experienced craftsmen and women provide the highest quality wood, fabric, metal and paint services in the industry.

Centennial Aircraft has won multiple national restoration awards at Oshkosh and other prestigious events, including 6 major national awards in five years.

The ingredients to our success are:

Professional project management, using a defined time line with specified milestones. This helps both the customer and us track our progress to completion.
Experienced craftsmen and women who provide the highest caliber wood, fabric, metal and paint services in the industry.
Specialized staff dedicated to aircraft manufacture and restoration including on staff DAR, DER, engineering and draftsmen.
The same FAA approved quality systems used in the manufacture of WACO YMF-5 are applied to all restoration projects.
40,000 square feet of temperature and humidity controlled workspace in a modern and professional facility.
Aircraft recovery and relocation.

Antiques, vintage and classic aircraft restoration and repair are our specialty, with numerous award winning projects to our credit. Our expertise with the design and construction of these classic beauties gives us a unique ability to bring your vintage plane to life.

Craig Fuller with AOPA visit's WACO

2010-03-24T16:27:00.002-04:00

Craig Fuller, AOPA President, visits Waco Classic - see blog post here:

http://blog.aopa.org/aopanow/?p=343

New 360-degree Virtual Tour!

2010-02-18T08:12:00.009-05:00

Check out the new interactive 360-degree virtual tour of a WACO rear cockpit - visit our website at http://www.wacoclassic.com and click on the links to see a well-equipped panel, or an all-glass panel. Not a single round gauge in that one!

Good Job!

2010-02-05T15:14:00.003-05:00

We like to encourage each other around here, and give a well deserved pat on the back once in a while. Its always nice to know that others appreciate your good work.

But please, wash your hands first.

Flying Executive Desk

2010-01-19T15:39:00.015-05:00

We're showing off one of our Flying Executive desks in the lobby. It really looks great!

And it's a convenient spot to work together.

Don't you wish this were in your office?

It can be! Follow the link below to our online store.

Flying Executive Desk

$4950.00

We will even paint the legs to match your plane.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-14T14:48:00.008-05:00

Here's wishing you everything you could ever want this Holiday Season!

Merry Christmas from the whole
crew at WACO Classic Aircraft.

At right, WACO F5C122

East Coast Tour

2009-09-26T19:58:00.004-04:00

Bob and I had a great demo trip to the east coast, all starting with a delivery to Sussex, NJ, then on to Portsmouth, NH, Allen Town PA, Potomac, MD, Washington DC area, First Flight Airport, Dare County apt, then finishing up at the Triple Tree Fly-in (SC00).

We flew over the "back-up" air force one, waved to a C-5 on approach, did some air-to-air with a stearman (I needed to pull the WACO back to idle so they could catch-up). Now I know what F-16 feel like when trying to intercept an errant 172 pilot in the DC ADIZ.

2009-09-15T10:05:00.001-04:00

Now that's an airplane

2009-08-30T10:25:00.002-04:00

Singin' in the rain...

2009-08-27T12:18:00.004-04:00

We like creative problem solving. Here's how you use a forklift in the rain.

Thank goodness we have big umbrellas in the shop.

Oshkosh Bound

2009-07-13T11:35:00.015-04:00

EAA Airventure, Oshkosh, WI

July 27 through August 2

Come visit us at booth #270, next to Hangar A, and see a couple of these airplanes in person!

(Click on the map for a larger version.)

Let Them Eat (airplane shaped) Cake!

2009-06-18T10:34:00.004-04:00

This week marks 1 year under new ownership!

Yup, it's been one year since Peter Bowers and his father, Jon, bought WACO Classic and Centennial Aircraft.

To celebrate the date, we were treated to this adorable airplane cake, courtesy of Pete's wife. Yeah, it's not a biplane, but they don't make biplane cake molds.

Anyway, it's almost too cute to cut into, but we managed to make the sacrifice. (It was delicious!)

Now, who wants to be the first to order a new yellow and green
WACO YMF-5D-model with the new prop and a snazzy Garmin panel?

WACO Factory Fly-In, and Bob Wagner, Master Pilot

2009-06-17T13:55:00.026-04:00

Saturday, June 13, was the WACO Factory Fly-In! We started the day with special WACO Cloud Pancakes - Matt's secret recipe, but if you ask he'll probably give it to you. The weather was not good for flying WACO's that day, but we had a good time anyway.

After breakfast, we had a special award ceremony for one of our favorite pilots, Mr. Robert Wagner, who recieved the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award from the F.A.A. His wife, Pat, shared with us some photos of Bob throughout the years, and we had a couple of framed photos - one of Bob as a young pilot, and one of him having FUN at Sun n Fun! Also, Peter gave us a brief review of Bob's flying career.

We were very pleased to be able to see Bob Wagner receive the Master Pilot Award! Bob was joined by his wife and mother for the honor.

And Bob got a big Congratulations greeting from one of our WACO owners,

Steve Watson. It was huge!

We all offer huge congrats to Bob, our very own Master Pilot.

What's your color?

2009-05-27T09:10:00.004-04:00

WACO Classic can paint your new biplane with pretty much any color combination you like. We have worked closely with
Scheme Designers (schemedesigners.com) in the past to produce exactly the right look for customers.

If you're interested in the process, just visit this case study , which walks you through a real development process for one of our very happy WACO owners.

They can do the same for you, and we highly recommend that you work with them when choosing the paint scheme for your new WACO biplane.

Windscreen & Canopy Design Project

2009-05-04T11:33:00.005-04:00

You may have seen it mentioned in our newsletter that we have been looking at a new windscreen and canopy design for the WACO. A group of students from Western Michigan University have been working on the design, and recently gave us a full report.

If you'd like a copy for yourself, just send us an email at flywaco @ wacoclassic.com and ask for the Windscreen and Canopy Design pdf file. We'll send you a link to download it. (The file is 10 mb.)

We thought they did a really great job (and they got an "A" on the project.)

2009-04-25T18:20:00.001-04:00

New website design

2009-04-06T17:26:00.002-04:00

Check out the new website at
www.wacoclassic.com!

Dust Be Gone

2009-03-19T10:49:00.004-04:00

Wow - cool machine.

This is a photo of our new down-draft dust collecting sanding table for the paint department.

New 24 month Warranty

2009-03-17T12:24:00.005-04:00

WACO CLASSIC AIRCRAFT CORPORATION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WACO CLASSIC AIRCRAFT CORPORATION ANNOUNCES ENHANCED 2 YEAR WARRANTY

Battle Creek, Michigan, March 17, 2009 – WACO Classic Aircraft Corporation is pleased to announce that all newly manufactured WACO YMF’s now feature a new extended Warranty offering 24 months of coverage, including no-charge global dispatch of factory technicians.

2009 Limited Warranty – standard on all Waco Classic Aircraft - Waco warrants to you, the original owner of any new model Waco aircraft, that the aircraft and its equipment will be free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use and service for a period of twenty-four (24) months or 1,000 hours, whichever comes first. One thousand hours would be equivalent to more than five years of normal, personal use.

Major components are supported by their individual manufacturers with their dedicated, specialized service and support networks. These third-party suppliers provide the engine, propeller, and avionics.

If you should need any parts on your aircraft repaired or replaced, Waco Classic will coordinate with a locally approved service center to repair or replace those parts without charge. If a convenient service center is not available, then Waco Classic, at its expense, will dispatch a factory technician to correct the issues, anywhere in the world.

EXCLUSIONS: Like all good warranties, there are some commonsense exclusions. Obviously, accidents, negligence or misuse are excluded. Aircraft used in commercial or promotional activities are excluded. Scheduled maintenance services such as cleaning, control rigging, brake adjustments and 100-hour or annual inspections are not included; nor are replacement of consumable items such as brake linings, filters, hoses, fuel, oil and tires.

For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact:

Peter F. Bowers, President or Carl L. Dye, General Manager

Phone: 269-565-1000
Email: flywaco@wacoclassic.com

www.wacoclassic.com

F5C120

2009-02-06T15:32:00.004-05:00

Here's a short clip of our newest WACO, S/N F5C120.

Boy it's cold here!

Happy New Year, and happy new mezzanine!

2009-01-16T13:55:00.005-05:00

The new deck is done, and we've got the woodshop all moved in. Everything is up and running, sawdust is flying, and everybody has more elbow room as they settle in to their new digs.

We think it looks great!

Christmas Greetings

2008-12-23T11:47:00.000-05:00

Let us keep Christmas, holding it close to our hearts...for its meaning never ends and its spirit is the warmth and joy of remembering friends.

Merry Christmas and every happiness in the New Year!

Let There Be Light

2008-12-12T13:27:00.003-05:00

Lots and lots of it. I guess no one can hide in the corners now.

Somebody pass me some sunglasses.

Mezzanine Update

2008-12-09T10:40:00.011-05:00

The new mezzanine is coming along great! Here's the view from our current one, looking out onto the new floor. The back walls are half pegboard, for hangin' stuff.

It's looking a bit gloomy under the deck at the moment, but we're ading great lighting for the guys who work in those areas.

The wood shop will be up here, with easy access to the wood storage area behind the large door.

The whole thing should be pretty cool when it's done!

WACO Under the Christmas Tree

2008-12-01T09:38:00.001-05:00

Christmas is coming. If your gift list includes someone you never know what to buy for, check out some of our merchandise.

For WACO parts and accessories, go to http://www.wacoclassic.flyingcart.com/. You can find all kinds of things for the WACO owner, and we're adding more all the time. Sometimes the practical gift is the perfect one - maybe this year they'd like a pitot tube cover, stainless steel exhaust system, or some parts for their plane rather than a sweater!

If you don't see what you need, give us a call at (269) 565-1000 and we'll get it for you.

If a shirt is the perfect choice, you can get them and other things with the WACO logo at www.cafepress.com/wacoclassic. There's lots of different merchandise, from shirts to coffee mugs - even a radial engine wall clock! Check it out and maybe you'll find something that's just right for the WACO lover.

WACO CLASSIC AIRCRAFT CORPORATION ANNOUNCES NEW WEST COAST PARTNER

2008-11-22T15:56:00.003-05:00

WACO Classic Aircraft Corporation is pleased to announce that USAERO is now a distributor in the western half of the country for the WACO YMF-5.

USAERO has offices and hangars in Colorado and California, and serves pilots and aircraft owners in those states as well as Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah. Their staff of aviation professionals include ATP jet rated and piston pilots.

For information or to schedule an interview please contact:
Peter Bowers, President & owner
WACO Classic Aircraft Corp.
2850 Territorial Road
Battle Creek, MI 49015
(269) 565-1000

USAERO
2845 E. Spring St.
Long Beach, CA 90806
562-257-3200
http://www.usaero.aero/
http://www.diamondair.com/

USAERO
5460 S. Quebec St., Ste. 250
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
(877) FLY AERO (877-359-2376)

Movin' On Up

2008-11-20T11:47:00.005-05:00

We've outgrown our floor space, so we're moving up!

We've started building a new mezzanine above the current production floor to add some work space. The ceiling is high in this area, so we might as well take advantage of it.

We're really looking forward to more elbow room, and more space for airplanes in the final production area. Yay! More airplanes!

2008-11-11T16:29:00.004-05:00

One of our WACO owners has a ride operation in California. I found this clip and thought you might like to check it out. Looks like he's having a good time with his WACO!

Coming soon to a WACO near you...

2008-11-03T09:01:00.001-05:00

If you're one of those people who is hard to buy gifts for, we've got some good news.

Our team of professionals has been working on some new accessories for your WACO!

Keep watching the blog and get your Christmas Wish List ready - your friends and family will appreciate how easy it will be to get you something you'll really like this year.

A Most Incredible bit of Flying

2008-10-30T19:43:00.002-04:00

Check out this incredible bit of flying:

Now you know why every new Waco comes with a spare set of wings built right in, no extra charge!

AOPA Expo 2008

2008-10-29T16:00:00.001-04:00

November 6 - 8, 2008, in San Jose, California.

We'll be there with a WACO on display - stop by and see us!

Doghouse Boot

2008-10-24T14:06:00.005-04:00

With colder weather setting in, you might think about adding this handy little item to your WACO.

It's a boot that fits over the control rod tunnel - a.k.a. the Doghouse - directly under the pilot seat. It helps minimize the air flow into the rear cockpit. In cool weather, this could mean a more comfortable temperature for the pilot. More comfort = happy pilot, and we all want the pilot to be happy!

Call the WACO factory at (269) 565-1000 for info.

Oil Change

2008-10-14T16:10:00.003-04:00

WACO Classic and Centennial Aircraft Services are located in the same building in Battle Creek (KBTL). Centennial has an oil change special going on this month - $99 flat fee, and that includes oil, filter, and filter inspection.

You can fly in, get an oil change, get a tour of the WACO factory while you wait and be back in the air the same day. Check out the website at www.centennialair.com.

WACO's and general aviation planes are all welcome to take advantage of this special.

I think it's a pretty good deal!

New European Dealership

2008-10-10T15:41:00.006-04:00

We are pleased to announce that Soko Aviation located in Madrid, Spain, is our new exclusive European dealer.

Their focus will be on sales and service to the European, Middle Eastern, and North African market. Soko Aviation is a general aviation company and Cirrus sales and service center, as well as a provider of private business air travel.

Welcome, Soko Aviation, to the WACO Classic family!
http://www.soko.es/

WACO Gator

2008-10-01T16:43:00.001-04:00

Our new "WACOgator" aircraft tug.

YMF-5D Super-Duper

2008-09-08T14:47:00.002-04:00

Summary of both internal and customer supplied feedback for D Model (YMF-5D Super Duper)

1 - Jacobs A2 300 HP
2 - Servo tabs on Aileron’s
3 - Cabin Ventilation - reduce heat in FC, improve in RC, add fresh air capability
4 - Taper Tip Prop as Standard
5 - Hartzell 3 blade prop - constant speed as optional
6 - Canopy - Removable
7 - Adjustable rudder pedals in rear cockpit.
8 - Standard cushions options for FC
9 - Increase gross weight by 100 lb
10 - Standard front door hold open device
11 - Aerodynamic enhancements to reduce drag.
12 –Redesign fuel shut-off valves linkage to minimize maintenance problems.
13 – Address static issues related to radios.
14 – Isolate front instrument panel to minimize vibration.
15 – Address various serviceability issues.

Model D

2008-09-03T09:22:00.001-04:00

Hello WACO Owners

Our last major aircraft revision was in 1991 with the introduction of the Super model (C model).

WACO Classic is considering launching a new model of the YMF Super, (D Model) and would like your input on what improvements could be made to the existing aircraft.

The basic design would not change, but we could introduce enhancements like a Jacobs A2 300 hp engine, better windscreen and new propeller options.

Please take a few moments and share you ideas.

Thanks, Peter

The 50th Waco - "The Spirit of Adventure"

2008-09-02T16:54:00.015-04:00

First moments of life,
first touch of grass,
eagerly breathing the open sky.

This is Waco #50, in 1993, freshly rolled out, just outside the Lansing factory doors.
Can there be a more lovely work of art?

This biplane was shown at Oshkosh in 1993, then flown directly to its new home in San Diego, CA, with Chief Pilot Carl Dye as pilot-in-command.

Blog Site for WACO Owners and Enthusiast

2008-09-02T16:40:00.001-04:00

Blog Site for WACO Owners and Enthusiast

Now were bloggin

2008-09-02T08:38:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the WACO Classic Blog