Kitty Hawk NC975M Update
The Kitty Hawk which once flew from Paugus Bay as a float plane ride hopper is back in the air after 45 years!
The restoration in my shop in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia took about 5 years and was not without its teething problems. In fact, after 7 hours of test flying, the propeller picked up a rock big enough to dent it's leading edge. Currently awaiting a replacement wooden prop from Sensenich. Other problems have been sorted a bit at a time. It seems that the old gal lay in pieces so long that it is taking a lot of coaxing and cajoling to get her back flying.
Flying qualities are very much from 1920's era biplanes, meaning she is rather heavy on the controls, blind from the cockpit in the flare and a challenge on pavement. That is exactly as is was and as it should be today.
The plan is still to fly her up to Laconia and buzz Paugus Bay in tribute to her and the pilots who flew off the waters of Lake Winnipesaukee over 50 years ago.
This photo is my family at our 2019 Christmas photo shoot in Virginia. Not all the family, but most. Shot with our 1931 Model A Ford Mail Truck, a fitting match to the 1931 Viking Kitty Hawk biplane beside it.
This Virginian is very proud of the fact that we now have a legendary piece of Winnipesaukee aviation history back in the sky. Many thanks to all on this Forum who sent photos, contacts and encouragement over the past years!
Bob Coolbaugh
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