I purchased N45813 from someone in Maple Lake , MN on Oct 2, 1978 and took it to Paynesville, MN I bought it without telling my wife who suggested it was worthless as it was a 2 place and there were 3 of us. She suggested that if I wanted an airplane we need a 4 place. I then sold the plane to someone in Rush City, MN on 12/1/78 and purchased a Rockwell Lark Commander 180 which I owned until 12/84.
Pete Malone, e-mail, 22.11.2017 15:40
My Grandfather gave my Dad Dual in NC2063K in June of 1948 in St Louis, MO
Mike Lemmers, e-mail, 10.06.2016 17:51
Soloed a Luscombe in 1948.Never thought it was a hard airplane to fly. Ferried several times from factory to the local dealer-took my wife on our first date- Had a great time until we ran out of room (kids & dogs) do not fit well in a 2 place airplane
Myron W Collier, e-mail, 29.09.2015 05:40
In my comments dated 12.12.2014 I neglected to add that by using carburetor heart on takeoff, performance was decreased somewhat making it less likely that fuel starvation would occur due to the decreased climb angle.
Preston Aprato, e-mail, 02.09.2015 18:41
I worked @ Luscombe in Altus, OK, Is that place still in business? Jerry was the main guy, test pilot, engineer, expediter, he flew a twin Cessna. would like to hear if they are still building airplanes.... Preston
Gail, e-mail, 16.06.2015 06:41
I bought a 1946 luscombe with my son and his new wife and it is currently being rebuilt as it sat in a field in Virginia for years. She will be numbered with my late husbands date of birth [ he was a top notch fighter pilot, a CFI, and flew for Eastern and Rich International].,in addition her tail numbers will end with Sierra Bravo, my sons last initial and my last initial. She is being completely rebuilt by the great team at Ormond Aircraft Brokers in Ormond beach Florida....KOMN....watch for her soon in the Florida skies...519SB
GEORGE R POWELL, e-mail, 14.03.2015 15:20
I owned Luscombe 8E, N2301K in Sept. 1960 for several months while stationed at McConnell AFB. Ka. Out of the B-47 and in to the Luscombe. A big Change but real fun in the Luscombe. The 8E was all electric. No spinning the prop. To fly out of McConnell AFB I had to have an radio installed. Total cost of AC and radio was about $1800.00 Had to sell AC and ended up in Japan and Korea C-119 ATR 185875 Mims, Fl.
Lonnie Fisher, e-mail, 19.01.2015 01:46
I owned a 8e with metal wings. Had to check the breaks first then gas and oil. This plane had a ground-loop built in, had to tap break to stop loop on roll-out. I put many hrs on that plane N-2915 K I lived in Baytown TX plane is in Cal now.
N. Meyer, 28.12.2014 23:07
I had 1/2 ownership in an 8-f for, 6 years it had 3 fuel tanks and the pilot side window lowered. Shell Oil Co used it for pipe line patrol before we got her. She went to Tillamook Ore. in 68 when we sold her
Myron W. Collier, e-mail, 12.12.2014 05:46
I learned to fly in a Luscombe 8A, N25236. I soloed in it on my16th birthday and receive my Private license in it on my 17th birthday. As a young flight instructor I taught a number of people to fly in a Luscombe 8A. I never knew why the Luscombe was tagged as a difficult airplane to land. It wasn’t!
I am surprised that no one has made mention of a plaque on the instrument panel that read, “Full Carburetor Heat for Takeoff and Landing. Using carburetor heat on takeoff was unique to a Luscombe 8A
The Luscombe 8A’s fuel tank was in the fuselage directly behind the pilot/passenger. Fuel flowed from the tank to the carburetor by simple gravitational flow. It was, therefore, possible with a low fuel level to climb at an angle that would place the carburetor slightly higher than the level of the fuel in the tank. When this happened the engine would quit due to fuel starvation.
The 8A also addressed this issue with a standpipe that extended up from the fuel cap, containing a little scoop-like attachment on the top. The resulting airflow created a downward pressure on the fuel that provided some assistance in insuring adequate fuel flow to the engine.
Later Luscombe models, such as the 8E, had fuel tanks in the wings and, thereby, eliminated the need to use full carburetor heat on takeoff. Indeed the Luscombe was a great airplane, perhaps ahead of its time.
Don Fischer, e-mail, 08.02.2014 20:40
Started flying the Luscombe 8 after the Aeronca Champ while working on my Private ticket with Dick McVey in 1947. Used to love snap rolling and doing the required spins in the plane. Any body out there remember?
Ed Jordan, e-mail, 04.01.2014 21:54
Hi, Ron, been a while since we met. Like 30 years or so. Your's truly no longer flies but still nearly gets whiplash every time a flying machine goes over. Can send you a copy of the Luscombe 4 article if you can use it. Glad to see you are still active. Cheers, y'all.
Ron Price, e-mail, 16.11.2013 07:36
Hi, enjoyed reading Mr Jordan's comments on the Luscombe Model 4. He is correct that I own N1337 and it is now at Sonoma Skypark Airport in Sonoma, CA. I would enjoy getting in touch with him and maybe learning more about the 4 and Luscombes in general.. Ron Price
Peter Hahn, e-mail, 30.09.2013 01:40
The Luscombe 8 was the first airplane that took me up...in May 1943, in Laurens, South Carolina. I was at a CTD - College Training Detachment, in Clinton. The Air Corps thought it a good idea to get us in the air before official training began. No one soloed in the Luscombe. Ended up flying P51 Mustangs in England a year and a half later.
Milo, e-mail, 07.08.2013 00:19
I made a post earlier, probably as couple years ago. In that post I told of the 65 HP Luscomb 8A we had in our flying club in Puerto Rico. Our base at Fort Allen, on the south coast at Ponce was an ourpost for the Military. Fantastic duty!! 500 people on the entire base!! Had this great(repeat GREAT) Army Captain named Holt. Young fellow and a real go-getter. We had a total of one H-19 helcopter and a L19 Cessna "Bird Dog" Fixed wing. Our L-20 Beaver was in Corpus Christi Texas for rebuild after a "nose over" on a landing on a very short strip in the PR mountains. Capt Holt thought it would be a good idea to form a Flying Club. We scouted around and found an 8A sitting at San Juan without an engine. Engine was in a basket in the Piper dealership in San Juan. We cut a deal with the dealership to purchase the Luscomb and the basket engine. I was the Non-com in charge of the Aviation Section and the Crew chief the H-19 helicopter. I also had a A&P ticket in my wallet. We removed the wings and trucked the airpane across the mountains./; This may not be accurate. 81 years take a toll. Anyway, I rebuilt the engine and Holt test flew it. That fellow had a basket full of balls!! He said that the Luscomb was the only one certified for loops nad aerobotics. Mind you this is my recollections. We went to altitude amd did a l;oop. Comming down out of the first loop he said the best time to do the next loop is comming down out of the first. Did three. The 8A had a couple faults. Shoulder room was the first, and the lack of visability to the sides and rear was the second. The 8A was the fastest 65 HP light airplane. Could do 110 in level flight with a light touch. BUT!! it was a pilots airplane. If a pilot became proficient in that airplane he (she) could fly anything any place. Far better than the Piper Cubs because you had to stay on top of it. Piper Dealership then sold us two Champion Tri-Champs. Easiest planes to fly..EVER!! We soloed people that couldn't even ride a bike. m Great Memories of my stay on the south coast of Puerto Roco and the people who I served with. If it had not been for the Navy coming in and taking over Our Base I would have been there till retirement. The Luscomb 8 would land clean and straight as an arrow if the pilot paid attention. A fantastic airplane. We need more of them. If Robert Holt ever reads this I hope he remembers what a fantastic instructor he has been to me over the years. Milo Taylor
Milo
DICK ROGERS, e-mail, 04.08.2013 22:37
Soloed in a Luscomb on floats 1946 off Lake Killarney, Winter Park, fl. Tom Turners Aviation Country Club. Went on to fly during and just after the Korean conflict 86's and RF84-F's
Jim Williams, e-mail, 16.05.2013 07:27
I learned to fly in an 8F in the 1970's. Wonderful plane.
Brian R. Baker, e-mail, 11.02.2013 01:21
Luscombe only built two models before the model 8,the Phantom and the Model 4, which had a radial. Several Phantoms and one Model 4 survive. I've owned an 8A for 25 years, and think it is the ideal lightplane, as well as a very good trainer. I taught my son to fly in in a few years back, and he's now flying with US Air. They say that if you can fly a Luscombe, you can fly anything. The biggest insult you'll ever get when flying one into an new airport is "Gee, what a pretty Cessna." Actually, the Cessna 120/140 series were copies of the Luscombe done sat the end of the war. The Luscombe is a great sportplane and an excellent trainer.
steve eagle, e-mail, 01.09.2012 02:25
Don Miller if you go to wendell hostetlers web sit he has planes and can put you in touch with national house off balsa for the kit.
Ralph, e-mail, 07.06.2012 22:35
A friend bought an old 8A in 1960. He and I recovered the wings. Then we flew it from L.A. to the Bahamas and back in 1961. Met a pipeline inspector along the way who flew a beautiful 8E for Mobil oil.
Tony, e-mail, 06.06.2012 03:58
Years ago, I owned a 8-F. Very nice pilots plane! About as good as it gets. I did do 2,3 or 4 mods. The first was some frame work to take a 150hp. engine. C S prop.(you could run that baby ay about 1900 rpms.)A Maule tailwheel. also put the gear 24 in. wider(because the wind blew me over one time, when I was sitting still?) Also 20 more gals. of fuel. Wish I still had it!!
Jerry Weinstein, e-mail, 23.05.2012 00:47
I soloed in the Luscombe 8A on skis at the Troy Airport, Troy, NY in the winter of 1944 when I was 16yrs old. A great airplane.
Bill Hyatt, e-mail, 19.05.2012 03:58
Recently tried hard to make a comeback and should have done it but politics and poor leadership sunk the dream once again.Bankrupt two or three years ago from our plant in Oak. too damn bad. Hell of an airplane, had a hell of a future.
Dave Clark, e-mail, 02.04.2012 06:24
I have owned a Luscombe 11A Sedan since the 70's and it is a great airplane,it is a shame that several flybynight outfits have said they were going to build the 11E but never did. N1642B is still flying here in the State of WA and will soon be looking for a good home.
Deborah Freefromgen, e-mail, 31.03.2012 03:22
I first started flying this at a very young age. In fact Genny alias Genevieve Conrad, True, Quam, Friet, Pribilo taught me how to earn my wings as she pushed me down stairs. Oh the memories. Remember Gen?
Larry Goodman, e-mail, 16.03.2012 12:58
I was in the Luscombe float plane in Sausalito, CA in 1955. A Korean Vet, I wanted to fly float planes and go to Alaska. I loved that plane, and I also fell in love and she hated flying. So my life changed and I flew no more after the solo in the summer of 1955.
John Clark, e-mail, 10.03.2012 20:53
Owned 8 F. Metal wing 90 H P. Loved her. Put 250 + hours in it. Lovely airplane, no bad habits, but a pilot's aircraft while moving on the ground. Tried tracking N1866B through FAA registration, but believe it was demolished out in Montana or close to there. Was a beauty, and drew admiring looks and questions wherever we went. Was difficult finding dual instruction, as brakes only on pilot side! John Clark, Jonesboro, GA
Mark Spencer, e-mail, 02.02.2012 19:45
I took my fright lessons in an 8A, out of the Columbia Airport in the Sierra upper foothills of Northern California. During the course of my instruction, we learned to add 'PURGE YELLOWJACKETS (wasps)' to our checklist.
I'd just taken off when, at about 200' AGL, a big ol' nasty yellowjacket flew right across my nose...yikes! If you've ever tried to open the door at 100 mph with one hand, while shooing out an angry insect with a machine-gun on it's tail with the other hand, you'll know what I mean. If you haven't, well...I hope you never do!
Sadly, our little Luscombe was converted into beercan stock by my instructor's partner. He was unhurt, but our little airplane never flew again.
Ed J., e-mail, 18.10.2011 17:58
Mr. Burns, You might want to try the American Aviation Historical Society for the photographs you need. They have an extensive photo file of aviation and will supply you with what you need for a nominal charge. Publication and business office is: 15211 Springdale Street, Huntington Beach, California 92649. Image Services is under the direction of one Kase Dekker; President of AAHS is Bob Brockmeier. Neither phone number nor E Mail address was listed in the latest AAHS Journal. This is probably because all AAHS Staff are strictly volunteers with varied work hours. You might try going on line. Best wishes for what appears to be a worthy project. EdJ.
Jim Burns, e-mail, 11.10.2011 22:20
To Luscombe Community,
Would anyone - including those who operate this site - know how one could gain access to the photo of the Luscombe 8 at the top of this web page?
My company is producing a documentary about Jimmy Van Heusen, the Oscar-winning songwriter who was also an avid aviator, and whose first airplane was a Luscombe 8, purchased in 1938. Unfortunately, there are no photos of his Luscombe, or of his other early airplanes. In the absence of information about the one as pictured above, a similar high quality shot would be usable for our purposes. We would need to have a larger file of the photo - 1 meg or over, and of course information on the ownership of the photo for a release to use it.
Thank you so much.
Ed J,, e-mail, 11.10.2011 19:14
You are a little bit short with your Luscombe Lore. The Phantom was the first product of the Luscombe Airplane Development Corp. and was called the Luscombe One. Other designs followed but never got past the drawing board until the Model Four, or Ninety, was built and flown in 1938. The Phantom was powered by a 145 h.p. radial while the Model Four used a 90 h.p. radial. There is an artical in the American Aviation Historical Society Journal, Vol. 54, Number one, Spring 2009, describing the Model Four complete with a 1/48 3-view drawing by none other than Lloyd S. Jones. Extreme modesty (cough!) prevents this humble writer from expounding on how brilliantly the article was written... The Model 4 evolved into the famous Model 8. Everything aft of the cabin was essentially the same. That's why the Model 8 has a round front end. Don Luscombe wanted it that way in case the flat four cyl. 50 h.p. didn't work out(!). Then, in 1946 we had the neat Model 10, but only one. This was followed by the four place 11A Sedan. Our good friend, the late Joe Johnson, of Luscombe Acres, Grandview, TX, owned a Sedan. He also owned, for a time, the one and only Luscombe Colt four place. Last we heard it was in Houston, TX. Joe's Sedan was featured in an article by Gene Smith in Air Progress, Oct. 1970. Other references include Model Airplane News, March 1948, 3-view drawing of the 11A Sedan. Yo, Bob @ MEHS2004=MSV.com, the aircraft you flew in sounds like the Model 4, NC1337, serial no.403, and was not a Phantom. It was owned by one Hans Browatzki for a time, wound up in the Museum at Morgan Hill and, the last we heard, was purchased by Ron Price of Fremont , California. Gadzooks! Didn't mean to go on this long! Regards to all Luscombe Lovers. Ed J.
JIm, e-mail, 29.09.2011 00:32
I soloed in an 8A or B and flew 15 hours before one of our six owners did a steep turn stall and spun it into an oak tree. He destroyed the airplane and killed his wife. Really sad and unnecessary.
H.G.Gerhard, e-mail, 16.09.2011 20:31
My flying time with the Luscombe...was in 1958 Enjoyed it as MY sports car..now it's 2011 and gone forever
Scott Boyd, e-mail, 28.07.2011 06:20
Flew one with a friend a long time ago, kind of cramped but flew fine for me, I soloed in a 7BCM Champ in Denver in a few hours. I had flown a lot of other planes, from both seats before I was 16.
Don Miller, e-mail, 28.05.2011 00:59
I would like to build a R/C mode/ of the Luscombe Sedan. If anyone has planes or specs for one please let me know. Thanks.
Robin, e-mail, 11.05.2011 06:31
Bill, A check of FAA records shows N28627 was reassigned to a Cherokee 181 apparently based in Rhode Island. Your little friend's last known locale was VENTURA COUNTY JR DISTRICT COLLEGE in California where it was "decommissioned" probably to be used for a "lab rat" in an A&P training program. When I was an A&P student I learned on many an old bird I would have loved to rescue, but at least she wasn't just outright scrapped.
R.W. Litle, e-mail, 26.04.2011 15:38
There was also a Luscombe Sedan, four place, flew one once. Never saw one since. My brother owned a Luscombe Silvair.
dwight fackender, e-mail, 17.04.2011 13:53
I owned a 1939 8a in the 60's N25178. It is now in Bluffton Ohio i believe. I learned to fly a 1946 8a near ann arbor Mi.in 1962. It was my brothers N71185.They were wonderful planes to fly. I should have kept up with it.
Albert Dyer, e-mail, 13.04.2011 19:07
I own a 1938 Luscombe, N20659. Anyone who has flown or once owned this airplane, I would love to hear from you!!! Most of it's time was spent in Mich,IL,KY.
BOB, e-mail, 12.03.2011 01:09
Hi I was looking at your information on luscombe's looking for info on the 1938 luscombe Phantom model 4 useing the Warner 5 cyl Radial engine , but looks like you don't have any info. A friend of mine used to own one back in the late 60's & I flew in it with him fairly often out of San Carlos airfield just south of SFO , good flying old plane-(he let me fly once we were airborne) -had a strut mounted generator , and the over head valve assy had to be hand lubed with a grease gun , he used to put it on loan to the Morgan Hill Museum south of San Jose ca. I understand he sold the plane so I lost track of it - it looked much like your Luscombe 8 except for the difference in engines - I well recall that big Radial filling the windshield when the tail wheel found the tarmac.
Gary Gilbert, e-mail, 09.03.2011 21:44
I was fortunate to own 2 Luscombe. First N76T, was ground looped by my partner I had sold 1/2 interest the week before. I had loged only 5 hours of flight traing in it.My step father, Jim Cox, completely refurbished my next one, N7789K, it was a beauty.He wanted me to complete my training so he sold her to me. I did my first solo in her and then my check ride. I checked her N number with the FAA last year and found she is in North Carolina and still flying .I owned her in the early 60's.
Dick Pouliot, e-mail, 06.03.2011 05:26
I purchased N45813 an 8-A in 1959 while stationed at Ellsworth AFB, S D. It had belonged to the 54th FIS aero club and had been damaged. I repaired it under the guidance of an A&E at the local airport. dressed it up with new upolstery on cushions etc and flew it for two years. I took it along to GRand Forks AFB when transfered there and continued to fly it. I took it along on a TDY to Glasgow AFB, Montana and flew cross country to MPLS Crystal AP and back in 1962. Was transfered to a remote Alaska station later in 1962 and sold it to a guy who operated out of the Anoka County Air Port. It was a great little airplane that I used to take pheasant hunting and land in the field in S D. It broke my heart to see it go but had no other choice at the time. I also would like to know if it is still living/flying or? I took my Two little daughters(4&6 yrs old) (both in passengers seat) on a cross country flight to MPLS Crystal from Grand Forks and sold the plane from there.
Lou Vanden Bosch, e-mail, 28.02.2011 20:52
The 8A was the pilot training plane at Western Michigan Univ during the time I spent in the aviation school there - 1952/1956. The plane was very basic, wood prop, no radio, no starter. I learned to fly in that plane instructed by an old navy pilot who insisted that we land touching the tail wheel first. Every landing was a carrier landing, consequently when you were down you stayed down.
Ray Bolger, e-mail, 25.02.2011 20:54
I had an 8A rag wing, N71985 in 1954-1956. Parked it at Whitman Airpark in Pacomia CA. We loved that Airplane. After I sold it I had many regrets.
Gerald Robinson, e-mail, 24.02.2011 22:48
The first time I saw her I fell in love and I had to have her. She was born in 1948 and was one of a kind, she was beautiful and the men in her life had treated her with respect but had left her for others which they must have regretted.
For a while she was mine. When ever I was depressed or frustrated and needed to find solace she was always there for me. When I was with her we became one and we would leave the earth and soar over the ocean, mountains and desert. She responded to my demands and never complained but always let me know when I pushed too hard. But, alas, I had to let her go and it broke my heart when she flew away with another man. I found out later that she died on a mountain side when she was treated with disrespect .
Maybe some day we will meet again where we can soar the heavens and be happy again.
They knew her as 1215Bravo but I knew her as 'MY PASSION'.
Gary Jentoft, e-mail, 21.02.2011 02:29
My father and I purchased Luscombe 8A 2073K on January 28th 1958 and sold it on a sad day in 1966. It was our pride and joy for more than 1200 hours. I dropped skydivers at Snohomish, WA on Saturdays and Sundays for five years and made my first three jump from it as well.
A student pilot put it into the ground some years later ... carbuerator ice during practice.
It was my favorite airplane ... and, our family has many happy memories.
Bill Yuschalk, e-mail, 14.02.2011 04:32
Oh yea the love of my life,I was the owner of N28627 , a 1939 8A with no starter so I got bit once while cranking it to start in Newport,Oregon 1 day in late Nov.of 1959 but I still had to get back to the military base @ Monterey,Ca.where I was stationed.Oh man what a fantastic plane,does anyone know of it's whereabouts I'd love to know
John Karlovich, e-mail, 27.01.2011 21:10
In 1989 I read in John Swick "The Luscombe Story" and Stanley Thomas "The Luscombes" that the model 50 (8A) was designed to accept a 'round' engine. I installed a 85 HP Ken Royce in a 1946 8A N45707. Looks great -- flies great -- a real attention getter.
Harold Grinnell, e-mail, 09.01.2011 19:34
i bought a Luscombe 8A in Nov. 1953. Certificate # 71778. Earned my private certificate in July 1954. Sold it in Oct. 1954. 65 HP, no electric start, no radio. Great airplane. Would like know if it is still in service. Any information would be appreciated.
Barry Perkins, e-mail, 20.12.2010 08:05
Mr. Prichard, I"m the current custodian of N1458B, based in Marina CA, near Monterey. I love the plane, got back into flying after a 28 year break when I was a starving student pilot, soloed in the Luscombe and took my check ride in her. She is a great bird and keeps me safe. I can send some pics of you'd enjoy them. Let me know if you're in calif some time, all the best!
R.E.Prichard, e-mail, 15.12.2010 21:20
In the late 60s/early 70s I had the great pleasure of owning an 8F # N 1458 B----Flew it all over Cal---had to sell when we were transferred back to New York---Last saw it At Gnoss Field,Novato,Cal-1972
Ron Darcey, e-mail, 03.12.2010 04:07
I purchased my Luscombe (8E 1003K) in 1967, still own and fly it and my wife and I had one of our first dates with a lunch flight to Columbia, CA in 1970. When I purchased mine I was building a homebuilt (and still own and fly it) and when completed in 1975, took the Luscombe apart for a restoration, that finished in 1976. Lots of comments on how difficult the airplane is on the ground but in my 180o+ hours have never come close to that event. Probably because I acquired my first 13 hours in a Aeronca 7/11 Champ, that I feel was and remains the finest primary trainer ever designed in the US with an instructor that instructed in them in the Civilian Pilots Program during the war. He taught me never to taxi faster than one could run and always straddle the centerline before bringing up the power and then, do so gradually. Another of his techniques was if you haven't landed in the first third of the runway, go around. The Luscombe is indeed a pilot's airplane and once mastered, you become a much better pilot. I am a pilot in the Coast Guard Auxiliary and use the airplane on Coast Guard operations in the SF Bay Area, doing so since 2005. It is the perfect platform for the mission particularly due to the extrodinary visiblity from the cockpit - especially for air to surface photos. I'm an alumni of the Continental Luscome Association and regularly attend our yearly Gathering of Luscombes, also in Columbia, CA. Cheers, Ron
Tony, e-mail, 26.11.2010 08:24
years ago, i had a very nice 8E or D?? It was a 1960 I think. What a great plane. I had a 160 in it, also made the gear much wider. I had tipped it while sitting still in the wind? Once I did that it was as good as it gets. Land and take-off anywhere. didn`t need a run-way.I have had a bunch of planes, but this is the best! One very tough cookie. Someone should be making them today for the Sport Class? Wouldn`t take much to get the weight down today.
Ron, e-mail, 17.11.2010 03:46
The very first aircraft I learned to fly in was an 85hp Luscombe single engine seaplane out of Commodore Aviation in Sausalito, California. A tricky plane to learn to fly in. We used the towers of the Golden Gate Bridge for targets when practicing 90 degree and 180 degree turns. We practiced stalls over the bay It took me 17 hours of dual instruction till the thumbs up for solo came. I was to mud taxi out to the take off location. Take off and fly around the pattern once and land. Drum roll please!.. So I did and that was in 1959. Commodore Aviation had quite a good flight program going there for several years into the early 60's which attracted people that wanted to fly seaplanes.
Dwight Morgan, e-mail, 10.11.2010 07:51
My Dad had a Luscombe 8-A Serial #1144 License/Registration #NC25239 Manufactured 1-24-40 and his log book shows his first flight in it as 1-28-40. The log book indicates it had a Continental A-65-8 engine and a Sensenich Propeller Pitch 3'10" Diameter 6'4". I am looking for something similar in Southern California that I might get a flight in since I never saw this one but I know he loved it. He flew it from New Orlans, LA to Fullerton, CA and back between 9-21-40 and 10-5-40. Apparently it burned in a hangar fire while he was in Burma during WWII.
doris gayle, e-mail, 30.10.2010 07:08
we bought a used 1939 Luscombec in 1941. i got my private liscence in 1942 in that wonderful airplane.
Andrzej Kurek, e-mail, 27.10.2010 01:21
Silvaire has lately reintroduced it back to the production. I have flown it and made in-air pictures in April 2010 for Przeglad Lotniczy - polish aviation monthly. there are plans to assembly these planes in Poland. Available also with truly radial engine!
Dick Rake, e-mail, 06.10.2010 20:45
I own N41965 SN 1923, an 8D. The last Luscombe built in Trenton NJ. in Jan 1942.
Bill Walker, e-mail, 30.09.2010 17:12
Right after our marriage in 1962, a polished 8E was our first purchase. $2,000 total price. No Radio, we flew it all over the east for two years until she was so pregnant that full travel on the yoke was no longer possible. Sold it for $2,200, made money, the buyer rolled it up in a ball the next week but walked away. Hated to see that beauty hauled off to the bone yard.
Dean Engelhardt, e-mail, 26.09.2010 21:20
When I was in high school in the 1950s. I wanted to buy a motorcycle. Folks said they wouldn't sign for it (I was 16). Then I campaigned for a car - they wouldn't sign for that, either. Then I discovered that I didn't need parental signatures to buy an airplane. So I put the money on a 16-year-old 1941 Luscombe 8C. I neglected to inform my folks. They found out about it two weeks later when my mom, snooping in my mail, discovered the registration and the insurance policy! The were NOT happy!
The biggest immediate problem was that the right-hand door hinge was broken. Since the leading edge of the door dove-tailed into the door frame when closed, I only had to hold the door for my instructor and then close it behind him.
Two months later, the family decided to see this THING. When we got out of the car, my 10-year-old sister asked excitedly, "Which one is it?" I pointed it out. She ran through the gate and up to the airplane, grabbing the right hand door handle! Before I could stop her, she pulled the door open and- being unprepared for the broken hinge, it twisted down and snapped off the bottom hinge.
This was mom and dad's first view of my airplane! I was banned from taking Ann up with me "because we don't want to lose both kids at once." Neither Ann nor dad ever went up with me in it. Mom did (ONCE) after dad died because "I have nothing more to live for."
She really had confidence in me!
The Luscombe demanded good flying skills. I'm glad it was my first airplane - it taught me a lot!
Dick Loew, e-mail, 05.09.2010 05:43
There were two, 1516B & 2258K. Wilbur Paris, (Navy four stripper) bought them and then went on to fly the Berlin Airlift. He left the two, his wife Dolly and Everette Moss Hargon at SDF. Mossie as he was known on the field was an ex-early WW-II P-51 pilot and my first instructor. Took me thru private and first part of Commercial. I finished com. after putting in my weeks as NAVCAD in Pensacola. Mossie did things with that Luscombe that were his alone! he taught me how to fly! The Luscombe is a hot airplane for its time and he used every "corner" showing what to do as well as what not to do. They were great days! 1516 was a bit more limber and more responsive,to a light touch, consequently most everyone who flew them would pick 1516 over 2258K. Years later had opportunity to haul one of these from down in West Virginia back to Ohio. The aircraft is up and flying from a small community airport called Hale's Landing located just off I-77 west of Parkersburg, WV.
Milo, e-mail, 30.08.2010 19:05
The comments about the landings tickle me. We had a 65 HP 8A in our flying club at Ft. Allen Puerto Rico in the early '60s. Was a real grass eater. Upon landing on the narrow asphalt runway it was going for the grass on one side or the other. I finally placed a 2x4 across the front of the wheels ar axle height and used a framing square to check the toe-in of each wheel. Right gear was in by a quarter inch. After I set the toe in properly it would go strait as an arrow down the runway. It was a good fast airplane for 65 HP.
Chuck Rhodes, e-mail, 27.08.2010 04:47
Worked for McKenzie Flying Service in Springfield,Oregon where we certified the Lycoming conversions in Luscombes and Cessna 120/140. My Luscombe had a 115 engine and the "boss" Lee DeJean went for a 150. Understand there has been 180's installed. Makes a real "hot rod' and is strong enough to handle the power. Great fun!!!
Chris Buckner, e-mail, 04.08.2010 20:48
My late and dear friend, Jack Cantrell, Sr owned a Model 8-A. No electric start, no radio, 5 instruments, a stick and rudders. I loved to go flying with him in that beautiful tail-dragger. As an LSU graduate after the war, and with me heading to LSU in the fall of '66, Jack & I went flying on New Years' Day in '66, listening to LSU play Arkansas in the Cotten Bowl on the transistor radio. When LSU made the go-ahead touchdown to win 14-7, we did a couple or really neat aileron rolls. Will never forget that day, or Jack!
john heale, e-mail, 12.05.2010 07:41
I am looking to purchase a Luscombe 8E or 8F, must be in excellent condition with preferably low time for its age
Ross TOWNSEND, e-mail, 21.04.2010 20:26
I started flying at age 41, and immediately bought an 8E, C-FGJF ,flew it for 12 yrs., across Canada and USA, twice, over 800 hrs...never ground looped it...a great little aircraft.. very agile in the air, but cranky on the ground
Peter Zuras, e-mail, 21.04.2010 06:26
In 1952-53 I used to fly a Luscombe Observer, with a 90HP engine, electric starter, and tandem seating. The door panels were plexiglass ass well as the top and sides of the rear seat. It was all metal and as I remember, Luscombe had built it as a military observer. I can't remember much else about the airplane other than it had a stick instead of a yoke.
Victor Nazarian, e-mail, 08.04.2010 22:17
My grandparents S. Rolfe Gregory and Ann T. Connolly (Nancy) both worked for Luscombe in the 1938 - 1946 time frame. They met there and in addtion to working 'regular jobs' there (he became chief engineer, she office clerk) they were also used as models to pose with the Silvaire. My grandmother's still alive and she is currently trying to remember the names of all of the people on several of the sitting-on-the-wing-of-the-plane promotional photos. I'm going to try and record some video of her and get her to tell me a few stories about those old days in NJ. Also, I'm getting married myself in a few days and my wife-to-be told me it was OK to start saving up for a Luscombe. I fly as a crew member for the Coast Guard Auxiliary and I've got about a dozen hours of 'stick' time in various light planes. I hope I can learn to fly the plane my grandfather helped design. Can anyone point me to a good resource to purchase a Luscombe? I'd like to get an E or F model. I recently purchased tickets from the Luscombe Foundation for the T8F they are giving away. I hope I win.
Mark Spencer, e-mail, 29.03.2010 06:33
At age 48 I took my first fright lessons in a 65hp, hand-flipped Luscombe 8A. During my 8 hours worth of lessons, I learned about: sinkers @ 300' on final-final; surprise yellowjackets in the cockpit @ 500' after takeoff and; sometimes the instructor might forget to check the trim before takeoff, and the stick becomes a whole 'nuther animal...no harm done, just flew the airplane. Oh, and that Luscombes can get pretty hairy on takeoff roll...
Bill Corvello, e-mail, 11.03.2010 11:57
I learned to fly and soloed a Luscombe 8E on floats in 1948 while a line boy at New Bedford Aviation in Mass. Will never forget the joy of that first solo at age 16 and that sweet airplane.
Bob Bourgoin, e-mail, 13.02.2010 07:27
I have a 48 8F, had it for 13 years now. beautiful flier. I polished it until my arms fell off then flew it to canada a couple of years ago and had it painted solid crimson red w/black numbers.Life changes have me toying with the idea of selling. Hard as my 8 yr old daughter has been my copilot since she was 2, she calls him Mr. Lucky.Lots of memories. Nothing like a Luscombe.
Bob Franklin, e-mail, 10.02.2010 22:37
Forgot to add tne N number in my comments below. It was N2063K, a 1947 model, and if it is currently in operation I would like to hear from the owner.
Bob Franklin, e-mail, 10.02.2010 00:10
Two coworkers and I formed a club in l961 and bought a low time 8E. Hired a local man to instruct us, and I soloedin 8 hrs. Accumulated about 17 hrs. when it was wrecked in a wind storm. Later as an instructor I taught myself to loop and snap roll in an 8A. Great little airplanes!
Jim Pice, e-mail, 01.02.2010 10:10
Have owned 3 8A's and plan to keep the last one N72032, Best buy for the money. Looking for a split exhaust system to replace the cross over. Any one know of an inexpensive one that is available?
Dennis L. Rainey, e-mail, 24.01.2010 17:43
Back in the early 60's, I and six other buddies decided to get an airplane. We looked around for awhile And came up with an 8A. We charged ourselves $5/hr wet to fly that plane and after expenses, we actually made money. We finally traded up to a Cessna 170 B Model so that more of us could go together at once. I have a fond spot in my heart for that little Luscombe.
Joe Pribilo, e-mail, 15.01.2010 06:28
I have owned seven Luscombes.8A,8E ,8F & T8F models.They fly like an airplne is supposed to fly.My current Luscombe 8A/F N77L was grand champion at the Columbia Fly in.
Don Rogers, e-mail, 07.01.2010 20:48
I owned a Model 8 back in 1953 in El Paso, Tx. It had a Contineltal 85 engine and once while flying to Las Cruses, New Mexico I encountered a headwind in a pass over Mount Franklin and saw that my ground speed was zero! Returned to El Paso. I bought the plane from Shell Oil. It was used as a pipeline inspection craft and I remember the last numbers were zero-two-Kilo. Had to sell in 1954 for $1600 and I made money on the sale. Fun to fly, but you had to fly it all the time. It was all metal and was a 1946 model.
Don Rogers, e-mail, 07.01.2010 20:43
I owned a Model 8 back in 1953 in El Paso, Tx. It had a Contineltal 85 engine and once while flying to Las Cruses, New Mexico I encountered a headwind in a pass over Mount Franklin and saw that my ground speed was zero! Returned to El Paso. I bought the plane from Shell Oil. It was used as a pipeline inspection craft and I remember the last numbers were zero-two-Kilo. Had to sell in 1954 for $1600 and I made money on the sale. Fun to fly, but you had to fly it all the time.
Tommy Thompson, e-mail, 03.01.2010 05:36
Jan 2, 2010 > I currently own a Luscombe 8A fabric wing with serial #3272 and registration NC71845. It has the Cont A-65-8 engine and a McCauley 74X49 metal cruise prop. It was made July 30th 1946 in Dallas, Texas. It was 4th from the last fabric wing made. I'm the 19th owner and it is based at KEXX in Davidson County, NC near the city of Lexington. You can visit my blog to see some interesting photos. luscombeflyers dot blogspot dot com
Myron W. Collier, e-mail, 03.01.2010 03:54
I leaned to fly in a Luscombe 8A, soloed in a Luscombe 8A and received my Private pilot license in the same Luscmbe that I soloed in.
As a young flight instructor in the early 1950s I taught a number of people to fly in Luscombes and to the best of my knowledge they never had any prohlems.
I was able to locate this very same Luscombe and flew it once again, 50 years later to the very day of my solo flight in the old bird.
The Lucombe paved the way for a wonderful carreer as a professional pilot.
Clyde Williams, e-mail, 01.01.2010 04:10
My first Luscombe was a 1939 8C I bought in 1978 for $2,200. I flew it for three years until I traded it for an 8E which I flew for another four years. Although I had many adventures with both airplanes, I never had any problems. They taught me and my many USAF jet pilot friends how to use the rudder.
KEN SORENSEN, e-mail, 17.12.2009 01:05
Had a luscombe-8a 65 hp based out of La Grange airport in Illinois in the 1950s as a young man. flew it hundreds of hours with basic panel from Illinois to ft worth texas(American flyers). worked for EAL for most of my career flyinf everything from the convair ,connie thru l-1011.I would love to find out where my old ship is. Its nc number was 20690 and I sold it for $900 in texas back about1958 0r 1959. THE LUSCOMBE SERVED ME WELL AND STARTED A CAREER THAT LASTED 28,000 FLIGHT HOURS. Capt Ken Sorensen -eal RETIRED
Marc Maylor, e-mail, 01.09.2009 20:10
I finally attended Oshkosh this year, after many years of wanting to go. I went with a friend who used to own a Luscombe 8A. I never knew how nice these airplanes were. I would like to find an 8A,E or F in decent shape, or get in on a partnership with someone who has one. I have plenty of tail wheel time, and think these airplanes are neat!
emily francois, e-mail, 19.05.2009 20:20
This plane is identical to my grandpas he loves 2 fly and work on planes when i saw this plane it surprised me !!!!!!
emily francois, e-mail, 19.05.2009 20:16
This plane is identical to my grandpas he loves 2 fly and work on planes when i saw this plane it surprised me !!!!!!
Mark Cook, e-mail, 17.08.2008 04:47
I flew Luscombe 8A N122K out of the Council Bluffs, Iowa muni airport in 1950; my older brother was airport manager, and I mowed the runways to earn some flying time. A few months later I had to join the USAF to avoid being drafted by the Army, and successfully made it through Aviation Cadets, thanks in large part to flying time in the Cub and Luscombe.
Ray Roberts, e-mail, 16.07.2008 14:17
I have owned a 1940 8A for 35 years. I have never found it to be difficult to fly. It has been pure joy to fly it over the past years. I have thought about selling it but I am not sure I could not stand being without it. The Luscombe is a great airplane!
Ken Jarosz, DDS, e-mail, 03.07.2008 22:00
I was the proud owner of 8F N9945C; an all metal frame, wings, and tail. Highly effective flaps. I flew it for 5 years and 2200 hrs until I lost my medical. It is now in a flying museum in Amsterdam, Holland. I liked it a bunch better than the super Cub.
Max Kohnke, e-mail, 28.06.2008 00:46
Greatest little plane of its class. Fast and strong. "No wood, no glue, no nails". Several attempts to put it back into production have failed. The new Luscombe 4 place bears no real similarity.
Bill Kohnke, e-mail, 14.06.2008 17:45
My Dad's first airplane was a rag wing 8A he bought while on leave from the Air Force in the late 40s or early 50s. He paid $600 cash for plane, then flew it to his parent's home in Quincy, FL. He was a licensed A&E so he dissembled the wings and stored it until his tour of duty was complete. He sold it a few years later but never lost his love of the plane. About 20 years later he bought a used 8E that had been fitted with the squared-off 8F tail. One of my brothers and sisters learned to fly in it. I flew it too, but found it cramped, especially when two people were in it. Dad always said if you could handle a Luscombe, you could handle just about any plane. I agree. It was nimble in the air and efficient to operate, but you had to stay on the rudder when landing or taking off because it loved to ground loop. In truth, you never stopped flying it.
Glenn Smith, e-mail, 28.05.2008 03:30
Lus-8A N2713K: The very 1st entry in my 1st.logbook(on#5now)5/17/1960 with Frank Hofmiester in Sebewaing,Michagan.Flew for Zantop Air Transport out of DTW(C-46, DC-3, AW-650)1/64 to 11/64. On to TWA (CV-880, B-707-720-727-767, MD-80, L-1011) 11/64 to 1/87 (retired). Check Airman at Scenic Airlines - LAS Vegas, NV(Ford Tri-Motor, DHC-6 Twin Otter 1990 to 1993. Dir of Training at Air Vegas (C-402, BE-C99, BE-200) 3/95 to 4/2001. Retired again. Finished building my RV-8 in Boulder City, NV - 1st flight 1/02. Qualified in the Guiness Book of Records during the Van's 35 ship largest TIGHT-Fomation flyby at Oshkosh 7/24/2007. Still doing air shows!
Bill Fahl, e-mail, 27.05.2008 22:04
This is the one I first took lessons in 1956 at Sebewaing, Michigan USA
Larry Miller, e-mail, 27.05.2008 18:31
I and 3 other guys bought a '47 8A, 65HP, in Clovis NM in 1952 for $700 we sold it 3 years later for $750! What fun in that little A/C! I am now a retired Naval Aviator and corporate Learjet pilot (retired). Wish I still had that little bird...it had the metal wing.
Jack Cutler, e-mail, 27.05.2008 02:32
Had a 1939 fabric wing, 65 hp 8A as my first plane. Loved to fly it! It was a "Pilot's" plane. Keep the nose straight, and you were home free. Otherwise, grin and bear a groundloop despite the more than adequate rudder and aileron affects. Even had to fly instruments a couple of times with thosebasic instruments!
Merle Meeder, e-mail, 22.05.2008 18:09
I owned a 1947 8E N2497K from 1951 thru 1955. Living in PA.then,I had it as far west as Chicago,[Midway]and east to Dover ,Delaware. Wish I had the foresight to keep it.
MP Smith, e-mail, 09.05.2008 03:42
"Zero 3 Bravo: Solo Across America in a Small Plane", by Mariana Gosnell was written about her 1977 solo flight across the US in a 1950 Luscombe Silvaire stopping only at small airports.
Roger Hanlin, e-mail, 26.04.2008 08:57
I owned a 1947 8E for almost 20 years. I still think they are a terrific airplane. When my family began growing up and when you fly for a living and don't have time for the fun stuff I sold it to someone who would appreciate and enjoy it. I didn't realize how much I would miss it. Even 20 + years later on clear full moon nights I still think about it !!
Ken Sheridan, e-mail, 20.04.2008 03:53
I am 6ft 3in tall could not sit upright .Head was hitting overhead.for that reason never flew the Luscombe 8.
Douglas Crain, e-mail, 07.04.2008 07:05
I flew this plane briefly in 1939 and 1940, before Pearl Harbor, in Seattle, WA. Nostalgia!
