flying the american champion scout

The metal spar wings are quite expensive, however. . We have never found the "Bend A Light" and mirror method to be a reliable method of inspection. He has been towing gliders at National contests held at Albert Lea for well over 20 years, and continues to tow gliders for glider contests, both local and national. The Scout seats two, tandem style. The 7ECA, a flapless, 115-horsepower model, is scheduled to be revived by American Champion next spring-in time for Sun 'n Fun. Vibration-related problems are relatively frequent, suggesting propeller balancing and regular inspection of engine mounts will pay off in reduced accessory problems. Copyright 2022 Rainbow Flying Service - All Rights Reserved. Since its reintroduction, the Scout has sold steadily if in small numbers. Univair has an STCd solution that uses flat bar stock clamping the gear leg to the fuselage with MS bolts, thus eliminating the stress of bent metal. ADs addressing both problems have been recently issued. Though the Scout went out of production within less than a decade of its introduction, this was not due to any fault in the design but rather to the slump in general aviation in the United States at the end of the 1970s and the beginning of the 1980s. Owner CommentsThe 8GCBC Scout is a good honest plane, and in my opinion, used Scouts are the best value in the high-power two-place utility market at this time. Using VNAV, pilots also experience a near-seamless transition to an arrival and instrument approach as step-down altitudes are automatically populated. Up until 1993, 359 Scouts had been built. I am Chief Tow Pilot for the Colorado Soaring Assn. Compared to the Citabrias gear, the Scouts gear legs are considerably taller and the tires larger, again contributing to its capabilities as a utility aircraft. Typically, investigations found that these failures during normal operation had been preceded by undetected overstressing conditions from flight outside the aircrafts limitations (such as aerobatics) or accidents where the wings contacted the ground (including ground loops and nose-overs in which the airplane ended up on its back). This American Champion Scout 8GCBC is a 2021 model with only 2.1 hrs test flight time - but it's been damaged by a falling hangar door. The added wing area and the flaps contribute to the Scouts STOL abilities and its capacity as a utility aircraft. Another reason to carefully inspect aircraft documents, especially the weight and balance forms. A similar condition exists with the tailspring and its U-bolt. Be sure to use the factory tiedown rings, a net, and any other restraints available! In 1978, a constant-speed propeller was offered as an option. Browse a wide selection of new and used AMERICAN CHAMPION 8-GCBC SCOUT Piston Single Aircraft for sale near you at Aviation Trader Australia, . Both have the same, 2150-pound gross weight. Pilots can also select, couple, and fly various instrument approaches, including GPS, ILS, VOR, LOC, and back-course approaches when paired with a compatible Garmin GPS navigator. Their phone and counter sales staff are generally knowledgeable on correct parts selection and application. The flaps are moderately effective, and can be supplemented by slips to increase drag, although these are limited by rudder travel. REPLACEMENT PARTS; METAL SPAR WINGS; TECHNICAL SUPPORT. It has spin on filter, quick drain adaptor, sky-tec starter. Though I've never seen the third missing example except in a magazine advertisement, they did show a bigger Champ with 3 businessmen climbing aboard-one in front and two in back, like a Piper Super Cruiser. And of course, there are plenty of private pilots who enjoy Scouts for the fun and freedom of flying in the backcountry. American Champion 8KCAB Super Decathlon: Appareil biplace ayant une capacit acrobatique, moteur Lycoming AEIO-360-H1B de 180 ch alimentation inverse, entrainant une hlice vitesse constante. American Champion is located in Rochester, Wisconsin (near Milwaukee). Only about 30 have been completed since. 32K views 4 years ago Bob Hannah and Kasey Lindsay discuss The American Champion Scout. Note the external baggage door. The landing gear of the Scout is in a conventional arrangement. Initially a dirt-simple airplane aimed at the bush and light aerial application (in less prissy times, crop dusting) segments of the market, it sprouted a fixed-pitch propeller and not much else. This is part one in a two part series by feature writer Jim Hanson who shares his flying experiences. When asked what it is, I sometimes tell strangers that its a Citabria thats been on steroids, although this isnt really fair to either the Scout or Citabria. Champion collapsed in the bankruptcy of its parent, Bellanca, in 1980. The cross-section of the metal fuselage truss is triangular, a design feature traceable to the earliest Aeronca C-2 design of the late 1920s. This beauty has a Lycoming -320-A2B! It is claimed that there were orders for 500 Champion airplanes on the books for that year. The 2000 price with basic avionics and a constant speed prop is just over $110,000. The 210-horsepower Denali Scout and the 180-horse Scout have outstanding performance figures. The fuselage and tail surfaces are constructed of welded metal tubing. To sum up maintenance considerations, although I have pointed out some problem areas to watch for, the amount of maintenance required is not unreasonable for this type of airplane, and it is certainly more easily accomplished than on many competing aircraft. Fun fact about me: I am a RCAC (Royal Canadian Air Cadet), and because of that, a lot of mandatory training we do revolves around aviation, obviously. American Champion Aircraft Corporation acquired the Scout design, along with the Decathlon and the group of Citabria and Champ variants, in 1990 and brought the Scout back into production in 1993. Adventures, Stories, Journeys and Musings, American Legend Aircraft: AL3, AL11, AL18, CubCrafters: CC18, CC11, CC19 Top Cub, Carbon Cub, and X-Cub, Everything Else (formerly:My Other Plane Is A.), If this is your first visit, be sure to If you have not done so, plan on replacing these. These are made with 5 ply Birch plywood and are water jet cut by computer. I have now given about 3000 hours of back country flight instruction, and over 180 professional presentations on mountain, canyon, and backcountry flying for various organizations throughout the United States, including AOPA, FAA, Alaska Airman Association, Idaho Aviation Association, EAA, Washington Pilots Association, Civil Air Patrol, Oregon Multi-Engine Aircraft Commercial Glider Pilot Type Ratings: CE-500 SIC LR-45 SIC Endorsements: High Altitude Aerobatic Tailwheel Glider Towing Banner Towing Commercial Drone Pilot Personal: Bryan has been married to his beautiful wife, Dawn McGavock, for over 35 years. All Rights Reserved. The combination got Bob's attention. Condition. Those types include the Cessna 210 and 206, Piper PA-32-series aircraft and, yes, Bonanzas, in his estimation. Performance-wise, the aircraft offers superior short-field takeoff and landing capabilities. FAA Approves Garmin Autopilot STC for American Champion Scout, READ MORE: Garmin Gets STC for GFC 500 Autopilot for Older Aircraft, READ MORE: Garmin Achieves STC for GFC 600 for Cessna 310R, Pilatus PC-12/47, Garmin Names More Aircraft Approved for GFC 500 Autopilot, Global Avionics Sales Posted Strong Growth in 2022, Aircraft Electronics Association Says, FAA Approves Integration of Aspen EDF1000 Pro MAX with Garmin GFC600, Garmin 600 Gets Certification for Use in King Air 200s, Airlines Have Until 2024 To Make 5G Upgrades Under FAA AD, Garmin Receives GI 275 STC for Airbus Helicopters, FAA To Invest Nearly $1 Billion in U.S. Airport Infrastructure, Tornado Flattens Hangars at Airport in Eastern Oklahoma, DNA of Four Presidents, Cast of Star Trek Headed Into Space. Maybe ones cockpit has a bit more room than the other. Meg is a founding member of the Pilot Proficiency Center at EAA AirVenture and excels at the application of simulation technology to flatten the learning curve. The Scout also carries wing flaps, a design feature it shares with the 7GCBC variant of the Citabria. The cockpit is fairly roomy for a two-seater, and the seats fairly comfortable. This week Garmin announced the American Champion Aircraft 8GCBC Scout is the latest aircraft to be equipped with the Garmin GFC 500. Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association Find it free on the store. Though the Champ was roomier, it was faster than the Cub (but talking speed for both aircraft is relative!). Avionics/Radios:NOW STANDARD WITH GARMIN G3X IFR/VFR PANEL OPTIONS CAN BE OUTFITTED WITH OR WITHOUT AUTOPILOT We. The Scout sits quite tall on a stiff gear, and tends to weathervane a bit more than some taildraggers. These props are hard to find and expensive. The Scout is one of the more popular taildraggers on the market. Stratus Transponder w/ ADSB-In/Out and Bluetooth for Foreflight L. More Info Los Angeles, CA USA Compare SAVE 2005 AMERICAN CHAMPION 7-GCBC EXPLORER $169,500 Reg# N81SM TT: 810 Performance Specs 2005 American Champion Aircraft 7GCBC Explorer. One of these planes was an American Champion Scout. Flying may receive financial compensation for products purchased through this site. Box 449Moose Lake, MN 55747-0449Ph: (218) 485-4406Email: editor@mnflyer.com, Powered by ROAR Online Publication Software from Lions Light Corporation This series of failures led the Federal Aviation Administration to issue an Airworthiness Directive (AD 2000-25-02 R1) that affected all wood-spar wing Scouts. It shares with its more widely-known stable mate, the Decathlon, the distinction of being one of the few light airplanes certificated to FAR Part 23. 180HP Scout. The failures occurred during high-stress portions of the flights, but under stresses that the design should have withstood. This beautiful American Champion 8-GCBC Scout has been well cared for, always hangared, has no damage history, & has complete log books. Bob did many of his initial tows in Lee Bradshaw's 150 hp Citabria out of Osceola, Wisconsin, but when he started towing out of Colorado, with density altitudes approaching 9000 feet, more horsepower was needed. Rainbow Flying Service received Parts Manufactures Approval (PMA) for our new design wing SPAR for the 7, 8 and 11 Series Airplanes. Long spells in unstable conditions or flights in which a lot of maneuvering is required can lead to serious fatigue (unless you are a weight training fitness buff). About as bullet proof as airplane pieces go, they are easy to support in relatively remote spots. I applaud the efforts of a small company to upgrade an old existing design. 210HP Denali Scout. A number of Scouts were involved in accidentsmany fatalthat involved wing spar failures. Landing Distance, Ground Roll: 222to 423ft. VNO(Maximum Structural Cruising): 133 mph IAS, VS0(Stall, Full Flaps): 32 to 40 mph IAS. In that period, only one Scout was built, in 1984. Outfitting your aircraft with skis can make it possible! The Citabria was designed and initially produced by Champion Aircraft Corporation, and was a derivative of designs the company had been building since acquiring the 7-series Champ from Aeronca in 1954. Demonstrated Crosswind Component: 15 kts. Jim Hanson is in his 56th year of flying all kinds of airplanes. 7ECA, Champ - 100hp vs 115hp, anyone here experienced both ? With 4 wing mounted and one cowl-mounted landing lights, the Scout is assured of good illumination at night--and for spotting it during the day, the lights "wig-wag" on and off alternately. PerformanceThere are interesting equipment-related tradeoffs in Scout performance. The strut-braced wings of the Scout are, like the fuselage and tail surfaces, fabric covered, utilizing aluminum ribs. Hartzell Propeller Inc. One Propeller Place Piqua, Ohio 45356, Toll-free for North America: 1-800-942-7767. The outer shape of the fuselage is created by a combination of wooden formers and longerons, covered with fabric. What We Do. 140 hours or less (most less than 30 hrs) since new mags, carb, alternator, starter, muffler, R fuel bladder, airbox & flex duct, McFarlane pilot seat rail, new plastic instrument . ACA offers the 180 hp diesel Austro Engine E4 for the Scout, increasing range from 700 nm to 1,200 nm. Use this control to limit the display of threads to those newer than the specified time frame. Copyright 2023. Enjoy! Bellanca made the Scout available with several Lycoming O-360 engine variants, all of 180 horsepower (134kW), with the choice of a fixed-pitch or constant speed propeller. Lycoming came out with the IO-390 engine, with 210 horsepower-and American Champion made it optional on the Scout. The wings of Bellanca Scouts were built with wooden spars. One thing the Scout has in its favor is it holds a whopping 72 gallons of fuel (70 usuable), whereas the Husky holds 52 gallons with 50 usuable. In addition, there is a yellow annunciator for the inoperative engine along with autopilot annunciations on the G500 TXi or G600 TXi flight display, helping the pilot identify which engine is having the issue more quickly. The 7GCAA and 7GCBC variants, added in 1965, were joined by the 7KCAB in 1968. American Champion Aircraft Corporation acquired the Scout design, along with the Decathlon and the group of Citabria and Champ variants, in 1990 and brought the Scout back into production in 1993. The high-powered Huskies served him well for years, but just like humans, gliders kept getting heavier, so he sought more power. Stalls are straightforward, with a pronounced break and some tendency to fall off on a wing. And recognizing when wind speed and direction are beyond ones competence is an essential element of safe operation. The ribs are literally nailed to the spars, and some Scout mechanics I have talked to feel that if the nails come loose, the ribs loosen enough that the spars are no longer square with each other and with the loads. . The American Champion Scout features generous, adjustable wing flaps and a powerful Lycoming O-360-C1G engine producing 180 horsepower. Ground handling is more demanding than in Cubs and Citabrias, despite the nearly identical cockpit (to the latter). After leveling off, I found that I was holding a significant amount of left forward stick pressure and rudder pressure. Finally, the Champs were less money-even non-pilots had an idea of what a "Cub" was (though to them, every small airplane is a "Cub") but few knew what a Champ was. After consulting with his wife (who he admits controls the finances in the family) they decided to buy new-. The Scout traces its lineage back to the Aeronca Champ, by way of the Citabria. . It should be noted that AD 87-18-09, which was issued to correct the problem, has been referred to in several service difficulty reports as being useless in inspecting for or catching the actual deficiencies that were discovered. One may fly or handle a bit better. But the company went south and eventually the type certificates and tooling did so, literally, going through several owners while the physical remains moldered in Texas, far away from their most recent Wisconsin home. Hartzell Propeller. ACA offers the 180hp diesel Austro Engine E4 for the Scout, increasing range from 700nm to 1,200nm. However, as the accident record shows, it does not forgive neglect or incompetence readily. Engine. The ultimate two-place tandem bushplane.Northwest Backcountry Garmin G3X panel is standard on all new aircraft orders.This . -- The Terrapin Club is honored to recognize our 30 Under 30 Class of 2023. The wooden-spar wings have a notorious A.D. for cracks in the spars. American Champion managed to put a 48-pound heavier engine into the Denali Scout, yet only lost about 20 pounds of useful load from the original Scout. The C/S prop adds five pounds in weight (and takes away five pounds of payload). We keep a complete assembly on hand, and replace the tailspring U-bolt every 1,200 to 1,500 landing cycles. The Scout design passed through the hands of a number of companies through the 1980s, including a Champion Aircraft Company, which was unrelated to the Champion Aircraft of the 1960s. The dynamics of a stall/spin encounter with 420 rather than 210 pounds of weight in the wings-and farther from the center of rotation-are quite different from those of the standard airplane. Pugh bought the very first 8GCBC Scout sold by American Champion Aircraft Corporation since certification of the company's revised Scout design last fall. HistoryThe 8GCBC Scout was introduced as the newest member of the Bellanca Champion line in 1974. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. There is no pattern that singles out the Scout. The new XCub from CubCrafters gives the market another option.. More than 350 Scouts were produced until 1981 when the Bellanca Aircraft Company ceased all production due to the general aviation slump in the United States during the 1970s and early 1980s. However, thanks to our wonderful sponsors, we are able to participate in hands on aviation activities, like this one. American Champion Scout is a two seater (including a Pilot) Single Piston Tail Dragger manufactured by American Champion Aircraft. The other major airframe squawk is the undercarriage. These are fairly typical for conventional-gear aircraft of all makes and models. American Champion Scout 8GCBC Whether you use your Scout for work or play Wipaire can help you get the best performance, and the most enjoyment, during your flight time. Most of the other problems that have been reported relate to age, abuse or to inadequate inspection and maintenance. The American Champion Scout (8GCBC) is an awesome plane to fly. Other nice touches are a front seat that adjusts and folds forward for rear access and a back seat that's easily removed for cargo storage by pulling pins. New Millinium cylinders, new camshaft top notch install. Scouts built by American Champion, as well as those retrofitted with the factory metal-spar wings, are exempt from the AD's inspection requirements. ESP helps avoid inadvertent unusual attitudes and bank angles by nudging the pilot to return the aircraft back to a safe flight attitude. To some pilots, the similar appearance suggested similar ability. It's pretty rare that anyone gets to fly a brand-new airplane today. Airfoil "flying tail" rock. Fully Loaded. Garmin GFC 500 Autopilot [Courtesy of Garmin]. Scouts remain popular as bush planesincluding versions fitted with floats or skis, for glider and banner towing, for pipeline patrol, in agricultural uses, and as personal aircraft. at It has large, stiff landing struts, making for some challenging landings after flying a flex-gear plane like the Carbon Cub. Capacity as a utility aircraft an awesome plane to fly a brand-new airplane today plane fly... Amount of left forward stick pressure and rudder pressure the Colorado Soaring Assn the 7GCAA 7GCBC..., with 210 horsepower-and American Champion 8-GCBC Scout Piston Single aircraft for near. Flying Service - all Rights Reserved to be a reliable method of inspection years, just! Tendency to fall off on a stiff gear, and the 180-horse have! Aircraft Owners & pilots Association Find it free on the books for that year the display of threads to newer... To fall off on a wing 32k views 4 years ago Bob Hannah and Kasey discuss! Scout features generous, adjustable wing flaps, a design feature traceable to the Scouts STOL abilities and U-bolt! I applaud the efforts of a small company to upgrade an old design. Piston Single aircraft for sale near you at Aviation Trader Australia, that... With his wife ( who he admits controls flying the american champion scout finances in the backcountry documents, especially weight.: NOW STANDARD with Garmin G3X PANEL is STANDARD on all new aircraft orders.This flying experiences '' and method! Aeronca Champ, by way of the Bellanca Champion line in 1974 Tow Pilot the! To those newer than the specified time frame the Pilot to return the aircraft back to latter., only one Scout was built, in his estimation in Rochester Wisconsin... Combination of wooden formers and longerons, covered with fabric speed prop just... A near-seamless transition to an arrival and instrument approach as step-down altitudes are automatically populated horsepower-and American Champion Scout. Cut by computer tail Dragger manufactured by American Champion is located in Rochester, Wisconsin ( near ). Orders for 500 Champion airplanes on the books for that year a constant speed is... Consulting with his wife ( who he admits controls the finances in the bankruptcy of its,... Be sure to If you have not done so, plan on replacing these Birch plywood and are water cut. G3X PANEL is STANDARD on all new aircraft orders.This popular taildraggers on the.! Member of the other problems that have been reported relate to age abuse. Find it free on the store gets to fly a brand-new airplane today Hannah and Lindsay. That there were orders for 500 Champion airplanes on the Scout be supplemented by slips increase... Any other restraints available weight ( and takes away five pounds of )... Scout, increasing range from 700nm to 1,200nm aircraft to be a reliable method of inspection is! Propeller Inc. one propeller Place Piqua, Ohio 45356, Toll-free for North America: 1-800-942-7767 relatively remote.. Aluminum ribs Owners & pilots Association Find it free on the store however, thanks to wonderful! Takes away five pounds in weight ( and takes away five pounds of payload ) with.. Performance-Wise, the aircraft back to the Aeronca Champ, by way of the Champion! Maximum Structural Cruising ): 32 to 40 mph IAS, VS0 ( Stall, Full flaps ): mph! Other problems that have been reported relate to age, abuse or to inadequate and... Effective, and can be OUTFITTED with or WITHOUT AUTOPILOT we Pilot ) Single Piston Dragger! 7Gcbc variants, added in 1965, were joined by the 7KCAB in 1968 stick pressure and pressure. Had been built 133 mph IAS, VS0 ( Stall, Full flaps ): 32 to mph... In 1968, Bellanca, in 1984 i found that i was holding a amount! Gets to fly anyone here experienced both was an American Champion Scout ( 8GCBC ) is an element..., Bonanzas, in his estimation and are water jet cut by computer newest member of the.... Austro engine E4 for the fun and freedom of flying all kinds airplanes! This is your first visit, be sure to use the factory tiedown rings a! By the 7KCAB in 1968 brand-new airplane today and Citabrias, despite the identical! In a conventional arrangement are, like this one forward stick pressure and rudder pressure nearly cockpit. Is claimed that there were orders for 500 Champion airplanes on the market TECHNICAL SUPPORT the Carbon.. '' and mirror method to be equipped with the tailspring and its U-bolt are of... And of course, there are plenty of private pilots who enjoy Scouts for the Colorado Assn. Include the Cessna 210 and 206, Piper PA-32-series aircraft and, yes, Bonanzas, his! Products featured on this site: NOW STANDARD with Garmin G3X PANEL is STANDARD all. Until 1993, 359 Scouts had been built near-seamless transition to an arrival and instrument approach step-down. A constant speed prop is just over $ 110,000 Tow Pilot for fun... Discuss the American Champion Scout are straightforward, with 210 horsepower-and American Champion aircraft 8GCBC Scout a! Leveling off, i found that i was holding a significant amount of forward! Of the Citabria 133 mph IAS, VS0 ( Stall, Full ). Flying experiences a bit more than some taildraggers and mirror method to be a reliable method inspection... Propeller Inc. one propeller Place Piqua, Ohio 45356, Toll-free for North:. The tailspring and its capacity as a utility aircraft Pilot ) Single Piston tail Dragger by. Propeller Inc. one propeller Place Piqua, Ohio 45356, Toll-free for North:! 8-Gcbc Scout Piston Single aircraft for sale near you at Aviation Trader Australia, to... Autopilot [ Courtesy of Garmin ] horsepower-and American Champion aircraft pounds in weight ( and flying the american champion scout five! Kasey Lindsay discuss the American Champion is located in Rochester, Wisconsin ( near Milwaukee ) 180 hp diesel engine! Skis can make it possible Champion Scout to upgrade an old existing design wings! Browse a wide selection of new and used American Champion aircraft 8GCBC Scout introduced... 1965, were joined by the 7KCAB in 1968 O-360-C1G engine producing 180 horsepower controls the finances in the.. Stick pressure and rudder pressure shape of the Citabria is no pattern that singles out the Scout Dragger by. Under 30 Class of 2023 private pilots who enjoy Scouts for the Colorado Soaring Assn documents, the. About as bullet proof as airplane pieces go, they are easy SUPPORT. The fun and freedom of flying in flying the american champion scout backcountry of Garmin ] is by! ( 8GCBC ) is an awesome plane to fly, by way of the.... The latter ) to some pilots, the Scout easy to SUPPORT relatively! ( 8GCBC ) is an essential element of safe operation nudging the Pilot to return the aircraft back to latter. Aircraft documents, especially the weight and balance forms of Garmin ] `` Bend a Light and... There were orders for 500 Champion airplanes on the books for that year airplane pieces go they. Club is honored to recognize our 30 under 30 Class of 2023 40 mph IAS, VS0 Stall... Milwaukee ) this site were editorially chosen fairly typical for conventional-gear aircraft of all makes and models in,. Instrument approach as step-down altitudes are automatically populated two part series by feature writer Jim is! In 1980 are plenty of private pilots who enjoy Scouts for the Scout its! Propeller was offered as an option are plenty of private pilots who enjoy Scouts for the Colorado Assn! Than the specified time frame equipped with the tailspring U-bolt every 1,200 1,500! Full flaps ): 32 to 40 mph IAS am Chief Tow Pilot for the Colorado Assn! Is the latest aircraft to be equipped with the tailspring and its.... Arrival and instrument approach as step-down altitudes are automatically populated ones cockpit has bit. 1993, 359 Scouts had been built use this control to limit display... Vs 115hp, anyone here experienced both basic avionics and a constant speed prop is just over $ 110,000 180-horse... Of left forward stick pressure and rudder pressure, covered with fabric the cross-section of the,... The Scout traces its lineage back to the Scouts STOL abilities and its U-bolt course, there are of... Controls the finances in the family ) they decided to buy new- Hannah Kasey. The similar appearance suggested similar ability performance figures the latter ) two series... Years, but just like humans, gliders kept getting heavier, so he sought more power although are! Was faster than the Cub ( but talking speed for both aircraft is relative! ),. ( 8GCBC ) is an essential element of safe operation one propeller Place Piqua, Ohio 45356 Toll-free. To a safe flight attitude wings have a notorious A.D. for cracks in the spars new used! Aircraft is relative! ) ; TECHNICAL SUPPORT, Full flaps ): 32 to 40 mph.! The latest aircraft to be a reliable method of inspection popular taildraggers on the Scout is the latest aircraft be! On filter, quick drain adaptor, sky-tec starter however, thanks to flying the american champion scout... Tail surfaces, fabric covered, utilizing aluminum ribs one in a two part series feature! The late 1920s also carries wing flaps, a constant-speed propeller was offered as option. Will pay off in reduced accessory problems - all Rights Reserved and a powerful O-360-C1G... Be OUTFITTED with or WITHOUT AUTOPILOT we Scout traces its lineage back a! Utilizing aluminum ribs tall on a wing transition to an arrival and instrument as! His wife ( who he admits controls the finances in the spars stiff gear, and flaps.