Aeronca C3
- : United States
- : 1936
- : Aeronca E-113C
- 36
- 36 '
- 90 mph (144 km/hr)
- 1006 lbs (456 kg)
- : Static Exhibit
- 20 '
- : Original
The Aeronca Aircraft corporation was formed in Cincinnati, Ohio in 1928. By 1929 they had introduced the C-2 monoplane, the first of many successful light aircraft. A devastating flood in 1937 forced the company to relocate to Middletown, Ohio where new production began in 1940. WWII saw the production of the L-3 primary trainers. The postwar era brought a return to popular civilian aircraft production with some 2,000 Chiefs and 8,000 Champs completed, until 1951 when operations ceased. In 1954, the design for the Champion was sold to Champion Aircraft which continued production of that model and their new Citabria. Production of the Citabria and Decathlon by American Champion Aircraft continues to this day.
In the earliest of Aerodrome air shows it was the steed of “Mike Spandau” a pilot whose enthusiasm far exceeded his minimal skills. During the late ‘60s and ‘70s, it flew regularly as part of the Pants Race, a competition of speed among three pilots and their not-so-fast, Lindbergh-era flying flivvers. It was retired in the 1970s and awaits restoration. The Pants Race continues to be staged every Saturday during air show season.
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