Classic Airplane Was Built In 1947
American Legend Aircraft Company announced Monday that one of
its customers is the recipient of the 2010 Grand Champion Award at
Sentimental Journey Fly-In for the company's work on restoring a
classic Piper J3 Cub. The 63-year-old aircraft was originally
manufactured in Ponca City, Oklahoma, in 1947.
Edmund Katzen and Tim Dahlen, co-owners of the 1947 Piper J3C-65
Cub, were recognized as Grand Champion at the 25th Annual
Sentimental Journey to Cub Haven Fly-In awards banquet held on June
19, 2010, at William T. Piper Memorial Airport in Lock Haven,
Pennsylvania. The awards recognize owners for their aircraft's
condition being scored on workmanship, appearance, and
authenticity. Grand Champion is the highest honor given at
Sentimental Journey Fly-In. For the complete award winners list
click here.
Katzen and Dahlen purchased the Piper J3 Cub in 2007, adding it
to their collection of vintage aircraft, including five biplanes,
an amphibian, a helicopter, an aerobatic plane, plus two antique
projects. The formerly retired J3C-65 Cub was purchased from a
collector of aviation related items in Long Island, New York. The
plane had last flown in 1968. FAA records show it to have had 17
owners in 21 years. The Cub served primarily as a trainer and a
club-operated aircraft. According to Katzen, "It led a hard life
and no doubt it was badly in need of a rebuild in 1968. When it was
stored, all openings were sealed with screening to keep out mice,
and a bag of charcoal occupied rear seat, who knows why?
Interestingly, the old cotton fabric still punched in the
green."
1947 was the last year of J3 production, although variations
including the Legend Cub and Classic J3 by American Legend are
still being manufactured today. Nearly 20,000 J3s were built by
Piper since its inception in 1938. Upon completion of its
restoration, the award-winning Cub made its maiden 1,200-mile
journey to Palm Beach, Florida. Months later the Cub flew another
1,200 mile trip from Florida to Long Island, New York, where the
plane is now based.
The 2010 recognition follows a Grand Champion Gold Lindy awarded
at EAA AirVenture 2008 for work on another customer-owned 1946
Piper J3C-65 Cub. American Legend Aircraft Company founder Darin
Hart received an EAA Lindy Award in 1991 for his restoration work
on a 1946 Piper J3C-65 Cub. Hart also owns Alpha Omega Jet
Services, a company involved with the fabrication of cabinetry and
seating on business and VIP aircraft.
Kurt Sehnert, general manager at American Legend commented, "We
have been doing aircraft builds and restorations for over five
years, on some 200 aircraft, actually much longer when you consider
the experience of our personnel. We often get requests for
recovering and refurbishing of various components. I always tell
our customers that no matter what part of the job is involved, at
American Legend our work is always grand champion quality. From the
paint to the smallest button, we do things one way and that means
award-winning quality at every step even if you don't restore the
complete plane."
American Legend Aircraft Company manufacturers the sport
certified Legend Cub and Legend AmphibCub, and the Texas Sport
kit-an amateur-built aircraft based on the Legend Cub. The
company's Restoration Services division performs work on most
tube-and-fabric aircraft, and manufactures parts to original
manufacturer's specifications. The Legend Cub and Texas Sport are
designed for sport, recreation and training.