Newbie. & new 11AC owner

flyingfool · Post by **flyingfool** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 15:30

I negotiated a deal at Oshkosh to buy a 1946 11AC Chief. N9129E.

I have not taken possession of it yet as the engine had a leaky valve and part of the deal was for the current owner to complete that repair.

I hope to take delivery of it in the next couple weeks.

I am a 750 hour commercial pilot, intrument rated and a CFI. I soloed on my 16th B-day in 1982 in a 46 Champ. I also have some time in J-3 and Taylorcraft. Total tailwheel about 50 hours. I live on an airpark just north of Madison, WI (6P3). This is my first airplane.

I'm sure I'll be pestering you guys with questions for some time! I have a ton of questions.

MikeB · Post by **MikeB** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 16:10

Welcome to the site. Lots of great knowledge on here. I have a Champ at Brion Memorial Field (Strum, Wi 3WN9) and am rebuilding another L16.
South of Eau Claire. Which airpark are you on??

Mike Berg

SFC Hiatt · Post by **SFC Hiatt** » Fri Aug 15, 2008 22:22

Dude............what's up I'm Chris the guy who flew with Ken the guy your buying the Chief from. Your not old enough to have all those flying hours. You really are getting a great Chief and Ken is a really good mechanic. He keeps me in the air.

Welcome to the group. These guys are the best on the net!

flyingfool · Post by **flyingfool** » Sat Aug 16, 2008 21:45

Mike. I live on Waunakee Airpark. It is about 10 miles NNW of Madison. (6P3).

Chris. Saw you on this site as I was lurking. I was kind of wondering if you'd recognize me by my description. Say Hi to Ken!

I started flying when I was 14 years old (28 years ago). So actually on a per year basis I'd say I'm relatively inexperienced. However with getting the Chief I hope that to change . Also I'm thinking about getting re-active in flight instructing again. I have been out of active flight instructing the last 3 years when we found out we were having daughter #3. I didn't feel it was fair to take on any students until I knew I could dedicate my time and effort. After all flight instructing is a part time gig after my full time job. So only night and weekends are available and that is directly taking away from family time.

I plan to get my oldest daughter who will turn 15 this March her LSA certificate in the Chief. Then we'll see about the private pilot depending upon her interest and the rental rates for a C-150 or some thing.

I'm going nuts waiting for Ken to deliver the Chief. But I've waited decades to own a plane, I'm sure I can wait a couple more weeks. The most important thing is that the engine is solid and safe. The last contact with Ken a couple days ago, he said he had the engine back together and flew it for an hour. Hope he got a couple hours on it this weekend. Hopefully everything will be A-OK. Can't wait to see it in my hangar!

flyingfool · Post by **flyingfool** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 10:18

My Chief arrived Saturday evening.

Got Checked out and soloed in it yesterday!

Flew great and got a lot of compliments on the plane.

Can't wipe the smile off my face

Roger Anderson · Post by **Roger Anderson** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 14:48

flyingfool wrote:My Chief arrived Saturday evening.

Got Checked out and soloed in it yesterday!

Flew great and got a lot of compliments on the plane.

Can't wipe the smile off my face

Congratulations. I'm a '46 Chief owner for about the last 7 years. I've put about 600 hrs on it since I got it and like it very much. In fact, although I'm a Champ guy at heart (learned to fly in them) and think about geting one, I just can't get rid of my Chief.....guess I'm becoming a Chief guy also.

SFC Hiatt · Post by **SFC Hiatt** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 15:08

Congrats!

You really did get a great airplane and what about that mechanic you bought it from. Ken Kinsler (my mechanic) could have so easily sold you the plane and rode home with me from Oshkosh however, he is one of the old breed that still believe in an honest deal. He just couldn't bear to sell you a plane that wasn't 100% correct. I'm fortunate that I live so close to such a great person/mechanic. ~Chris

flyingfool · Post by **flyingfool** » Mon Aug 25, 2008 16:04

Ken is top notch man. Treated me more than fair and totally on the up and up.

I've heard of more than a few 1st time aircraft buyers that got stuck by the previous owner. I do not believe I could have asked for a better seller to buy from.

I still remember at Oshkosh you saying: "well boy boys don't look like your average tire kickers". And you were right!

Sure wish Ken lived closer to me as well. He could continue to do the annuals & other maintenance. But at 800 miles the commute is just too much. LOL