What’s happening at PIONEER AERO RESTORATIONS

‘Happy New Year’ to everyone.

    2003 is looking good already.

First and most obvious event to be looked forward to is the running and then flying of the La-9.

The engine is now on the airframe and most of the plumbing, wiring and controls are connected. Still a couple of minor issues to sort (such as the recalibration of the fuel pressure transmitter to the gauge) but nothing that is of great concern.

As part of the contract with the engine overhaul shop, their representatives will be here when the first engine runs are done. Accordingly 2 Czech’s will be arriving from Prague next Saturday. Subsequently there will be various system checks done and then hopefully smoke and noise. Stay tuned!

Jerry Yagen’s P-40E is also approaching completion. The Avspecs guy’s are handling the majority of this with our team having the tasks of Tailplane, Mainplane, Keel and Undercarriage Fairings.

All of our work is completed with the exception of the Mainplane Fairings which should be done by Friday.

Avspecs move out at the end of this week and will be transferring this aircraft to their new hangar for completion.

Mainplane Fairings nearly done	Finished Keel Fairing ‘in waiting’

Assembly & Fitting of “front stuff” nearly complete

Judy Pay’s Mainplane assembly’s are now ahead of schedule. The R/H Wing is almost complete and should be out of the main wing jig by the end of this month. The L/H Wing has been built up to Spar 3 in the Leading Edge jig and has most of the components between Spar 3 and the Trailing edge completed and awaiting assembly, however this can’t be done until it’s transferred to the Main Wing jig when the R/H Wing comes out.

R/H Wing almost finished	from another view

L/H Wing awaiting it’s turn

The remainder of the components to complete Judy Pay’s Mainplane assembly are either finished or nearing completion with Fuel Tanks on the shelf and Wing Tips in the final throes of assembly.

Our “in-house” P-40 has been sitting rather forlornly in the corner while we focus on the completion of the La-9 and Judy’s Wings.

However….. as soon as one or both of these are out of the shop work will recommence.

Additionally we have another project on the water from California. The customer is a conservative person who enjoys his privacy so all we can say at this stage is that it’s a Curtiss. ( again )

And to close this month, 2 P-40’s that have been rebuilt in our shop, formatting at Wanaka 2003. Bet those guys aren’t having any fun!

( Xavier Meal photo )

Regards

Garth

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