Would appreciate any tips, pros-cons, or pointers on what to look for. Have been considering an L-bird for a long time and favor the L-5 as it ties in to the airport where I spend my summers. Chase Field NY (N03), named after Levi Chase (WWI ace). He was shot down and then rescued by some buddies in L-5s.

Jim

Hi Jim-

I used to tow gliders using an L-5 many years ago. I don't have too much relevant information to offer, other than that they are fun to fly. I would put them high on my list for a fun L-bird that is a little bit different. As I recall, you can fly them with the windows open, but you don't get quite the same open door feeling you get with a Cub. They are not quite as forgiving as a Cub or a Champ, but not by any means difficult to handle. I will be interested to know what people with some real knowledge and recent experience think.

Regards,

Bob

"... Levi Chase (WWI ace). He was shot down and then rescued by some buddies in L-5s."

That was a long wait.

Hi James,
We fly an L-5 in our Commemorative Air Force Squadron out of Stead Airport in Reno.
Ours has a 56" Sesnech prop and performance is ok with two people at our altitudes. The density altitudes can run 7-8000 ft. here in the summer.

If you are in Texas, there are a couple CAF Squadron that have them closer to you. There is quite a bit of plywood in these aircraft, so this needs to be carefully inspected if you are considering one.

We do have have the names of a couple of the top L-5 experts in the country if you decide to purchase one and want to pick their brains.

A friend in CO just got his flying after restoring it. Many year project and its beautiful.
Called Miss Stitch with a pretty girl on the side.
https://www.facebook.com/wwiiaviation/p ... 5255134824

If you can, look for a recent restoration or at least a recover.

Paul Draper at Roush Aviation, he is the DER for the Merlin Engine Repair Station, was looking to sell his. Dunno if he has yet. Recently had the engine overhauled.

thanks everyone for the info. I'll look up Paul Draper and Richard, I would really appreciate the contact info on experts who might be willing to do a pre-buy or provide moral support. Yes I'm in Texas (Houston).

Also, sorry WWII. I still think it was a long wait. The three guys that rescued him were in the same sortie of P-51s so after Chase was shot down, they flew back to base, jumped in three L-5s, flew back to where Chase was shot down, crashed one L-5 on landing in a rice paddy, got the other one stuck, and while Chase was holding off the Japanese, the three rescuing pilots got the remaining L-5 up on a dike and the four of them finally flew off in it.

There is a father and son down in TX with a T-6 and a L-5 they fly. There is 2 L-5 projects hanging from the Ceiling of their hangar as well.