Pitcairn PA-18 To Be Displayed Outside Famous 'Red Barn'

The Experimental Aircraft Association announced last week Jack and Kate Tiffany and the crew of Leading Edge Restorations have completed the restoration of the only flying Pitcairn PA-18 Autogiro in existence, originally built in 1932.

Experienced antique aircraft restorer and pilot Andrew King was asked to perform the first test flights. After a taxi mishap in mid-June resulted in damage to the rotor blades and top of the vertical fin and rudder, repairs were done and first flights were made on July 10 at Andy Barnhart Memorial Airport near Dayton, OH.

In a phone interview with EAA, Jack Tiffany was ecstatic.

"It flies beautifully -- slowly, but beautifully," he effused.

Tiffany added plans were now back on track to bring the exceedingly rare rotorcraft to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2008. EAA says to look for it in front of the Vintage Aircraft Association's Red Barn, just south of AeroShell Square.

This year's planned appearance by the Pitcairn PA-18 at Oshkosh will hold special significance for autogiro enthusiasts, and aviation historians alike. As ANN reported, Steven Pitcairn -- son of Harold Pitcairn, the founder of Pitcairn Aircraft -- passed away March 29, at the age of 83.

Steve Pitcairn was an active contributor to the EAA Aviation Foundation, on which he served as a director, and he continued to be an important and valued advisor and contributor to EAA's programs. The Pitcairn Aviation hangar at EAA’s Pioneer Airport, which was dedicated in 1993, will continue his legacy, and that of the entire Pitcairn family.

FMI: www.eaa.org