Another consequence of our loss of Eddie Clements is that he held the A&P/IA certifications necessary to rebuild certified aircraft. Without those credentials, HAWK decided to abandon the certified aircraft restoration projects then underway, and/or waiting in line. Both of these were donated by HAWK Member Russel Franke. The 1947 Luscombe N1338B was sold to a gentleman who needed its wings to repair the Luscombe he inherited from his father which he had ground looped in Michigan. The Cessna 172 N13245 had been stripped to a bare shell, and was sold for parts. Selling these projects enabled HAWK to vacate one hangar and reduce its monthly rental expense.
Read the Backstory from our July 2018 Newsletter:
Russel Franke got in trouble with his HOA at his home because he has to many airplanes in his yard (One can never have too many airplanes). Russel’s new lawyer neighbor who built a huge house directly across the street from Russel’s is really hassling Russell. Just like people who buy a house under an airport approach and then gripe about the airplanes. (The house now blocks Russel’s view. Russel did not contest it). Anyway Russell gave HAWK a Luscombe 8A he had in the yard to appease the neighbor. Hope it works for Russel’s sake, but doubt it. Anyway. the Luscombe Data plate says its an 8A but in reality it is an 8E as it has wing tanks and “D” window’s. The Log books show it as an ‘8A special’ The Luscombe society says Luscombe made some 8A’s that were similar to 8E’s. They had all the 8E modes but still had a continental 65 in them. On this airplane someone was modifying the firewall with the pan to accept electrical. The workmanship is not good and a new firewall has not been located to date. Russell also gave HAWK an 0-200 off a Cessna 150. The airplane and engine have full logs but the registration expired and the N-number is now on a Cessna 205. The project will be shelved for a while until parts are found. The air frame is in really good shape and should polish out. Thanks Russel!