'He Was The Bob Vila Of The Homebuilt World'

Aero-News was saddened to learn from one of our readers that Graham Lee -- noted designer of, among others, the Nieuport 11 WWI-replica homebuilt biplane -- died unexpectedly earlier this month after a brief bout with cancer. He was 82.

As in his life, Lee died quietly and without fanfare. However, it is very clear that Graham Lee's influence extended far beyond the airplanes he designed, or the plans he produced. His reach truly soared into the sky, touching the lives of all those who ever flew one of his airplanes, or asked for his advice... often, given free of charge.

"I'm just starting to discover the following Dad had," said son Michael Lee to ANN. "People could always ask him a question about a kitplane, and he'd answer it for free -- even if it wasn't to do with one of his designs. He was the Bob Vila of the homebuilt world."

Lee's airplanes included the aforementioned Nieuport 11 replica, the larger two-seat Nieuport 12, and the Miranda Cabin Sesquiplane. The 7/8 scale Nieuport 11, probably Lee's best-known design, first flew in 1984.

"Graham made it possible for a normal guy -- in my case, a retired schoolteacher -- to get into a warbird," said Dick Starks of the Kansas City Dawn Patrol, a group of 'weekend warriors' flying homebuilt Nieuport replicas. "You didn't have to be an A&P, or a rocket scientist... and he was always willing to lend a hand."

This sentiment is also shared by Robert Baslee of Airdrome Aeroplanes, manufacturers of their own line of WWI-replica birds as well as parts for some of Lee's designs. "I never met Graham personally, but we'd talk occasionally," said Baslee. "We decided early on we could either be competitors, or allies. We were allies."

Lee's company, Circa Reproductions, will carry on, according to his son. Incorporated two years ago with Michael as its sole shareholder, the company continues to produce plans and parts for its existing line of aircraft, in order to support the current owner network.

"It was a personal decision," said Lee about continuing on with Circa Reproductions. "Lots of people have called, asking for us to keep the legacy going."

The company also has another airplane on the drawing board, he said.

Graham Lee did not get rich from his work. He died as he lived, nearly broke, which according to his son "is one of the ironies of my father."

"Plan sales were what determined whether he ate or not," said Michael Lee. "He felt it was his mission as a homebuilder, sharing his ideas with others. He was a unique person, with unique beliefs..."

"He always figured the universe would pay him back."

FMI: www.nieuports.com