Looking at a Pre war Chief

dsherburn · Post by **dsherburn** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 20:45

Hi,
I'm looking a pre-war Chief...a 65-AC. Since this was before the advent of the A.D., is there anything unique to these great little airplanes to be aware of? Other than spars, corrosion and the like? I used to own a Luscombe and didn't learn the significance of things like the carry through spar AD, wierd brakes, main spar inspection holes, round tip vs. square tip and a host of other things. I ordered the Lasher book, but I think it only covers the 7 and 11 series?

Anyway, any information and/or opinions are welcome!

Thanks,
Dan

Post by **joea** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 21:25

Dan,

If you are not familiar with the type then its well worth getting someone who is to help you with a pre-purchase inspection.

The A-65 is a good motor with no bad habits. Would do an oil sample to confirm that its in good shape.

The plane you are looking is also good with no usual issues.

Problems areas are the tail cone area, and look for signs of water damage. Both rust in the lower longeron, rudder and other tubes as well as damage to the wood formers and stringers in that area.

Worth looking at the spars, even if this bird is not included in the AD. Also look at the landing gear attach fittings.

Wheels for the prewar airplanes can be difficult to find, so make sure that they and the brakes are in good shape.

How old is the fabric and what type is it?

Joe

dsherburn · Post by **dsherburn** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 22:03

Hi Joe,
I've got a couple of pictures I could email. Here's some of the info...I'm just looking for something to Sport Pilot fly out of my mechanics grass strip nearby.

1941 AERONCA CHIEF MODEL 65-CA -- The aircraft was recovered around 1999. - The Sensenich wooden prop was rebuilt by Sensenich in 2005.- The Continental engine had a major overhaul in October of 2006.- The engine has approximately 10 hrs total time since the major overhaul.- It has new Millenium cylinders and pistons.
- New bearings on the crank and rods. - Rods were sent off and recertified. - New lifters and all the other things that are done in a major overhaul. - There is no electrical system but it does have an external antenna for a handheld. - It has an auxiliary gas tank and a fuel valve to switch from the front to rear tank.

Captgrumps · Post by **Captgrumps** » Sun Apr 29, 2007 22:49

Check the struts real close if they are still aluminum--for mud daubers and general integrity. Also check to see if rib gussetts are still cardboard material or have been changed to wood. I am on my fourth Prewar Chief. Contact FAA Aircraft Registry and for $10 get the records of the aircraft, unless you are going to do a title check and most companies will include the records for a fee. These records usually will fill in the log book story or lack of.

There is only one AD on the Prewar Chief airframe and it was issued in 1947 [47-30-08] for the seat belt attachment.

Doug

Post by **joea** » Mon Apr 30, 2007 08:35

Dan,

Until you get to the later model Chief's and Champs they all are under the Light Sport weight, so any of them would suffice in this area.

Rest of the information sounds good and as long as the plane was stored properly (not out in the weather) it should be in very good condition.

Joe

Richard · Post by **Richard** » Tue May 01, 2007 00:00

I've had a 1941 pre-war since 1999. I like the way they fly. The flight controls are very light and quick--compared a champ that I fly once and awhile.
They cruise faster and have a higher gross weight than the later chiefs.
Mine had dry rot in some of the trailing edge ribs. An old aeronca guy who had grown up with the pre-war's, told me that was a common problem to look for.

.If you have luscombe experience, you won't be surprised by the poor shinn brakes.

shorty · Post by **shorty** » Thu May 03, 2007 18:20

When I tore in to re-covering my 1941 Chief, I found that the trailing edge on all the ribs were rotten about 2-1/2 to 3". Oh not only does th' pre-war have wood spars, it also has wood ribs.

There is a guy in IN. that builds new wings for it,

Captgrumps · Post by **Captgrumps** » Fri May 04, 2007 01:36

That is common if they sit outside during thier lifetime--replace the rib trailing edges with what is called arrow heads cut out of the proper thickness plywod.

Doug

Paul Agaliotis · Post by **Paul Agaliotis** » Fri May 04, 2007 04:52

Doug,
I,ve come by some aluminum pre-war struts. If someone needs to borrow them they are available to NAA members. I dont want to sell them but will lend them if needed.
Paul

Captgrumps · Post by **Captgrumps** » Fri May 04, 2007 23:52

Paul--

Thanks for the information. If I need to make struts will get in touch to use yours as patterns and return. Thanks much.

Doug