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Culver General Discussion / Culver Story
« on: October 17, 2012, 06:27:33 PM »
Hello Culver people:
As a follow-up to my first post, I thought I might interest you in a bit of personal history. Let me explain: I've always been nuts about airplanes, so around age 5 my parents asked me if I'd want to attend the grand opening of a local drive-in theater which featured a "stunt pilot?" (they already knew the answer). The "stunt pilot" was Wes stetson and the plane was his Culver LCA. What I witnessed was so quick and abrupt that I thought I was watching a MODEL airplane!
Fast forward several years: When I started the flying lessons that I'd been dreaming about -- 24/7 -- for about 15 years, the owner of the FBO was none other than Wes Stetson. He mentored me through the ratings, then employed me as a pilot until the airlines called.
It wasn't until after his death in 1977 that I realized that my flight instructor was the pilot in that childhood vision. It was a poignant time, indeed, when I was allowed to attend an informal viewing of his personal items. The picture in the attachment is of a painting comissioned for him in 1966 (I rescued it from the estate sale). Wes was the recipient of many awards/accolades flying the airshow circuit in the early 1950's.
Happily, his Culver Cadet -- N29273 -- still has valid FAA registration and presumably survives today.
Thought you guys might enjoy that....................
Best regards,
David
As a follow-up to my first post, I thought I might interest you in a bit of personal history. Let me explain: I've always been nuts about airplanes, so around age 5 my parents asked me if I'd want to attend the grand opening of a local drive-in theater which featured a "stunt pilot?" (they already knew the answer). The "stunt pilot" was Wes stetson and the plane was his Culver LCA. What I witnessed was so quick and abrupt that I thought I was watching a MODEL airplane!
Fast forward several years: When I started the flying lessons that I'd been dreaming about -- 24/7 -- for about 15 years, the owner of the FBO was none other than Wes Stetson. He mentored me through the ratings, then employed me as a pilot until the airlines called.
It wasn't until after his death in 1977 that I realized that my flight instructor was the pilot in that childhood vision. It was a poignant time, indeed, when I was allowed to attend an informal viewing of his personal items. The picture in the attachment is of a painting comissioned for him in 1966 (I rescued it from the estate sale). Wes was the recipient of many awards/accolades flying the airshow circuit in the early 1950's.
Happily, his Culver Cadet -- N29273 -- still has valid FAA registration and presumably survives today.
Thought you guys might enjoy that....................
Best regards,
David
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Culver General Discussion / Newbie
« on: October 10, 2012, 08:05:48 PM »
Hello All,
I've always admired all things Al Mooney. Legend has it that my original flight instructor flew an airshow and received many aerobatic awards flying a Culver Cadet. (I have a painting of his Cadet inverted sporting his name "right-side-up" on the fuselage).
My interest in Culver aircraft lies with the "V". I recently saw an unflyable example on ebay (no bidders). I haven't flown a V -- or any Culver aircraft, for that matter -- but have quite a bit of time in older Mooneys.
I'd appreciate pointers on the plus & minus of this aircraft -- especially regarding parts availability.
I've worked with wood (mostly furniture) for years and recently retired from an air carrier, so I'm itching for a project to rebuild/fly.
Thanks in advance!
---------David (macanimal)
I've always admired all things Al Mooney. Legend has it that my original flight instructor flew an airshow and received many aerobatic awards flying a Culver Cadet. (I have a painting of his Cadet inverted sporting his name "right-side-up" on the fuselage).
My interest in Culver aircraft lies with the "V". I recently saw an unflyable example on ebay (no bidders). I haven't flown a V -- or any Culver aircraft, for that matter -- but have quite a bit of time in older Mooneys.
I'd appreciate pointers on the plus & minus of this aircraft -- especially regarding parts availability.
I've worked with wood (mostly furniture) for years and recently retired from an air carrier, so I'm itching for a project to rebuild/fly.
Thanks in advance!
---------David (macanimal)
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