I'm leaving for Phoenix tomorrow afternoon to pick up our new (to us) Waco Classic YMF 5. It's a 1989 model in very good condition with a little over 800 hours TTAF and about 300 since a Radial Engines overhaul of the Jacobs 275. It has a pretty basic panel although I guess if you were nuts you could shoot approaches with the dual KX 155's.

To get to Oklahoma City is a little over 800 miles more or less and depending on our ultimate route. Our plan is to fly from Chandler to El Paso basically flying I-10. From there we'll have to fly fairly high at 10,000 to 11,000 feet and work our way around restricted airspace. Then it's north and east toward Midland and home.

The weather looks good for the middle part of the week and it should be fairly warm except that part coming through and over the mountains where I expect it may be fairly cold.

I'll be accompanied by Paul Hankins who will be teaching me to fly the plane as we go. Once we get to Oklahoma City Paul is going to stick around a few days instructing my partner and I and getting our insurance hours flown off before he heads home. Paul works with the Waco Classic factory and those folks have been very helpful.

Traveling by biplane is going to be a bit different from flying a Bonanza. If you worry about how much luggage you can carry in your Bo consider that I'm bringing a toothbrush, razor and a change of underwear and socks. With Paul's clothes for the week we don't have room for anything else. And at 100 knots close to the ground it will be a leisurely trip. Can't wait!

I'll post some more and hopefully better pictures along with a trip report when I get home.

Tony,

I'm based at Chandler. If you need anything, send me a PM with your number. Sounds like a great trip. If you are here overnight, we might be able to round up a couple of guys for a beer/drool session over your new bird.

Jesse

Tony....all I can say is awesome. That's just sooo cool.

you better take a good DSLR and feed us with some pictures (and maybe some of Max's photo wisdom/tips).

Have a safe trip. What a beautiful airplane!

Color me jealous.

Beautiful plane!

Tony,
That is too cool. I hope you can fly it down to Cedar Mills on Lake Texoma sometime. That thing just belongs on a grass strip.

I think a Waco is a VERY VERY pretty plane. Maybe not hugely practical, but I sure do have to stop and stare at them, touch them. Everytime! I can never decide if it is just the "history" angle that attracts me, or the actual looks. I am just enamored with them.

One day one just like it will be in my "stable" of airplanes, sitting next to the Staggerwing.

Tony,

That is just too cool!

Congratulations! We look forward to the trip pics!

Tony

I like

Going to fly it to Enid sometime for the fly inn breakfast?

Shannon Evans

Beautiful plane!

I've always liked them because they have a 2 seat side-by-side passenger station ahead of the pilot. I think that would make it an ideal platform for flying aerial tours. I've often day dreamed that this would be a great way to spend retirement. One day ...

Congrats!

John

Tony,

Congratulations, I am glad the deal went through and can't wait for my turn to ride in it. Don't forget your long underwear.

Congrats! That's going to be a great adventure. I flew in a Waco in Hawaii during my honeymoon and it was amazing. They're absolutely beautiful. I can't wait to see it at our home base. Stay warm!

These are still being built in Michigan. The owner says he gets orders from around the world.

http://www.wacoclassic.com/index.html

Dress warmly, cold front went through the eastern Colorado area yesterday and today it is 20 F. at my house, north of your path but it is heading that way rapidly.

Absolutely beautiful plane.

Congratulations Tony, I tried to buy her but you got there first.. she really is a beauty..

Have fun..