Photo ID: 1011155
click image to enlarge |
Model: C17L Staggerwing |
Registration: NC16444 |
| Year: 1936 |
Serial Number: 103 |
| Engine(s): Jacobs R755-B2, 275-HP |
Owner: Bruce Dexter
Lynconville, VT |
Location: Greenville Municipal Airport
Greenville, ME |
Photographer: Stoltzfus, Ken |
| Date: 2003, September |
Present Registration: |
Present Owner (FAA info): |
Notes: 10/4/03 - I'm used to Staggerwings having the 450-HP, P&W R985. I was sort of taken back when I looked under the cowl and saw that little Jake.
This pretty Beechcraft C17L Staggerwing was originally built as a C17B with the 285-HP, Jacobs L5MB. That's an odd-ball engine and NC16444 was subsequently converted to a 245-HP, Jacobs R755-9, making it a C17L. It retained that model designation when Mr. Dexter installed the 275-HP, R755-B2. A Hamilton Standard 2B20 counterweighted, constant speed prop is installed with a full spinner.
In spite of their being the object of envy for countless pilots, many Staggerwings have done a lot of "sitting" over the years. NC16444 was bellied in California in 1953. It passed through the hands of several would-be rebuilders until 1983 when it was finally returned to flight. However, it was soon groundlooped, taking out the left gear and seriously damaging the left lower. Bruce bought it in 1984, put it back together and has been flying it ever since. |
Photo ID: 1011156
click image to enlarge |
Notes: Why is a Staggerwing called a "Staggerwing"? It's obvious, isn't it! Is there anything about that profile that stirs you up inside just a little bit? |
| Photographer: Stoltzfus, Ken |
Photo ID: 1011157
click image to enlarge |
Notes: Retractable gear helps the C17L true out at 165-MPH at 65% power with it's little 275-Jake. Not bad! The gear is certainly adequate, but it doesn't look like it would take a lot of abuse in a groundloop. |
| Photographer: Stoltzfus, Ken |
Photo ID: 1011158
click image to enlarge |
Notes: Maine - - September - - 8:00 a.m. - - yeah, that's the kind of sky you can get there!
My sister and her husband live in Vermont. I want to go see Mr. Dexter and NC16444 to get some better shots when we get up to see them. I'm pretty much of an amateur. I had my camera set wrong when I took these, and I washed them out. I'll do better next time! |
| Photographer: Stoltzfus, Ken |
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