Ron, Thanks for the prompt reply. The plane will be going from Richards Field (04FA) near Homestead FL to Middleton Field (KGZH) near Evergreen AL. It is a rag wing 48 170 2521V. Richards is a grass strip and Middleton is a small airfield but with two nice runways. If any of your ferry pilots are fomer Navy they probably know it as it is a touch and go practice field for primary training out of Pensacola. I am a police officer/helicopter pilot in the DC metro area which makes getting down to Homestead tough with my changing schedule. I am a SEL private with instrument but have no tail wheel experience. The time for doing the ferry flight is not firmed up as of yet which I'll explain below.  Little
history as your probably wondering why someone with -0- tail wheel
needs a 170. The plane is currently registered in the name of Ken
Bourland. He was a good friend and we went into the Air Force
together. He was a Huey pilot doing a staff tour at Southern Command
in Miami. Unfortunately, he was killed in the earthquake while to
deployed to Haiti back in January. His wife (Peggy) informed me that
he wanted me to have the airplane which has been moving to say the
least. Here is a link to the story on
CNN
.I hope to get it ferried up within the next month as she is paying south Florida rent which as you know is very high. They hangar in Evergreen is being provided free of charge by a family friend and fellow veteran. Evergreen has no rental car facilities but is my family home and my father (and possibly me) will be present to get the pilot to a major airport. Montgomery AL is only an hour away and is served by Delta, American, and US Air. I have to see what the FAA says regarding the registry. I believe the registry becomes void within 30 days after owners death but am still checking on how to handle this. Oklahoma City has been great thus far with helping us. The plane has a current annual and insurance. The open pilot clause requires 500 hours total fixed, 100 tail wheel with 25 in 170's. It is wired for a Garmin 196 which is with the plane. I have brand new sectionals for the entire trip. All the aircraft logs are also present as well as headsets. My apologies for the long email but I wanted you to have an idea of the history of this plane. I wanted your pilots to be aware why this might be a little out of the ordinary flight. They should not be surprised if several family members come out to give them a hug and watch them depart as it has been a tough time for Ken's wife and family. Feel free to email/give me a call should you have questions. Thanks! Todd Dolihite |