EAA Just Announced That Its 2016 Sweepstakes Grand Prize Will Be A Warbird

It was only last week that the winner of the 2015 sweepstakes (winner Jim Balderson submitted one sweepstakes entry) came to Oshkosh to pick up his perfectly restored Piper J3 Cub. Now, EAA has just announced that the grand prize in the annual sweepstakes program for 2016 is a 1945 Piper L-4J, a military version of the Piper J-3 Cub, and it’s a combat veteran.

The Piper L-4J was the most popular and recognizable of the collection of the World War II liaison aircraft, affectionately nicknamed “Grasshoppers”. Used as an artillery spotter, observation and communications platform, and sometimes actually armed with weapons, its military roots are evident by the greenhouse Plexiglas framework, olive drab paint and classic military star and bar logo.

The grand prize 1945 Piper L-4J saw service in the Pacific Theater of operations during the latter part of World War II. It was fully restored by a former Rolls Royce trophy winner and has flown less than 100 hours since its overhaul.

To complete the feel of authenticity, the winner will also receive two military style flight jackets that are hand painted by Victory Girl. This aircraft allows any pilot to take the controls of a warbird and experience the significance of owning a piece of history.

EAA points out that when you make a donation with your sweepstakes entry, you’re assisting the next generation of aviators. Every donation supports EAA programs that educate, engage, empower, and inspire the aviators of tomorrow.

(Image provided by EAA)

FMI: www.eaa.org