Ranger Airfield

by Jared Calvert

As New Year’s 2009 rolled by, I was determined to acquire a flying taildragger. Needing tailwheel experience to prepare me for the Pitts, I inquired about a 1940’s Culver Cadet in central Texas. At first I was told the Culver was sold, but after the buyer backed out I decided to fly down and look it over. [...]

On January 18, 2009, Piper Cub 20304 was pulled from its barn-like hangar after sitting since 1950. Although it sat for almost six decades, the engine had strong compression, one tire tube held air (until its valve stem broke), and most nuts broke freely from their bolts. The disassembly for transportation to Ranger was quite [...]