7BCM/L-16A Serial Numbers

[williamc]

Sam,
I'm going to say its probably 47-1079. When I get the information I requested for s/n 7BCM-298 I'll be in a better position to figure it out. At least you now know the military history of your plane, since both Utah planes have identical history. Have a great day.
Bill

[williamc]

Summary
Aeronca manufactured 524 model 7BCMs. 509 were delivered to the military and 15 were delivered directly to the civilian market. Most military serial numbers followed a logical pattern. However a few carried a number that was not sequential.
I talked or corresponded with 30 plus individuals and all but one was over 60, most over 70. I appreciate everyones help. If you need help determining your serial number or military history, please feel free to e-mail me. My e-mail address is in my profile.
I am presently attempted to restore L-16A serial number 7BCM-90 which was formerly with the New York CAP. There is always a wealth of information on the forum and i'm looking forward to reading about all of your many experiences. Have a great July 4th.
Bill

[markl]

Dear Bill
I have L-16A 47 1172 7BCM-499 and 47-878 is owned by a friend. My aircraft started life with the Oregon National Guard and then went to the Utah CAP. I got it as a project in 1993, it flew its Second First Flight on its 49th birthday in 96. Since then it has taught many pilots how to fly tailwheel aircraft since that it what i do. I also teach fabric work at the customer's location. I do have some leftover parts if you need anything for your project. Do you have Rich Wallin's L-16 on your list?

[williamc]

To all the L-16 owners out there. I would really like to have a snapshot or sketch of your data plates to go with my serial number list. Also, if your plane is registered with the military serial number, do you have a U S Army Air Corps data plate and an Aeronca data plate? I own one registered with the military serial number another one registered with the 7BCM serial number. Both have an Aeronca data plate and no US Army Air Corps data plate. I now know both the military and the 7BCM serial numbers for 48 L-16s out of the 171 registered. If you're missing either number, i'll be glad to help. Thanks for all your help. You can send me a private message if that works better for you.
Bill

[markl]

Dear Bill
I own L-16A sn 47-1271 manufactured in Dec 47. It is restored as close to original as I can figure out. N6420C. Pictures on my website www.tailwheel-and-fabric-spoken-here.com

[bigedac]

I have been trying to post on this site for some time. Mess up in password I guess. At any rate the Aviation Cadet Museum, Inc. in Eureka Springs bought an L-16-A last June. Serial #47-1147, 7BCM-372, N9098C and was built 11-14-47. All of this came off of the two metal plates in the aircraft. Most interesting is the military plate says "US Army Air Forces". If you didn't know, on June 20, 1941 the US Army Air Corps became the US Army Air Forces, they also went from the Flying Cadet Program to the Aviation Cadet Program on that date. The USAF came into being on Sept. 18, 1947. Apparently there were no plates with the new designation even though this aircraft was in the USAF. This AC also has an O-200, 100 hp conversion, elec. start. It is in excellent condition and will be repainted in it's original silver this spring. We also have the decals ready to put on it. It is a memorial to Henry (Gus) Albrecht who was my basic flight instructor at Vance AFB in 1960-61. He was shot down in Vietnam while flying with the Air Commandos in a T-28. I have been trying to get some interest up in a fly-in here, 55AR, Silver Wings Field in Eureka Springs, AR. So far no interest! Please check out our web site:www.aviationcadet.org All the photos on the home page have more behind them by clicking on them.
bigedac

[Richard Murray]

Great bit of info Bigedac and glad you have found your way into this forum. Bill Chappell has a lot of knowledge about the "L" birds and I will try and get him to add to this thread.

[MikeB]

Richard,
Is there any kind of a web site or group for those of us with L16's ? Other than this site or FB.

Mike Berg

[Paul Agaliotis]

Mike,
At one time there was the International Liason Pilots Assn., it may still be around. I was a member but it was a little chatty with very limited technical information. Which is more of an interest to me.
Paul

[Richard Murray]

Mike what Paul said. International Liason Pilots Association or here. Bill Chappell lurks here and is as good an authority on the L-16 as I know. Tom Holmes who hangs around the maillist is really knowledgeable about the L-3/L-16 too.