Aviation Explorer Squadron 8
Topeka, Kansas
Over 70 Years of Educating Youth About Aviation Careers
Past Aircraft (work in progress)
Over the years, we've owned and operated a total of 11 airplanes. The aircraft below faithfully served the post's mission before being sold. Many of them are still operating in the area. Occasionally, we'll see one of them at Billard airport; it's like meeting an old friend.
N24076 - 1939 Taylorcraft BL-55
Was given to the scouts and they paid the insurance and did the maintenance. It had no radio, lights, or starter. Later it was overhauled and recovered. The wooden propeller was refinished by the father of a scout.
N23688 - 1941 Taylorcraft BL-65
Bought for $1000 with no lights, radio, or starter. It was sold to buy the Alon A-2.
N6578Q - 1966 Alon A-2
Bought July 8th, 1969. It went to Salina Technical College after it was crashed without injury on February 10th, 1971.
1969
N5920H - 1948 Piper Clipper PA16
N95475 - Piper Cherokee PA-28 140
N83PR (N15330) - 1939 Piper PA-28
Bought August 1974. It was changed from N15330 to be used in the Paul Revere flight. It was sold after the trip to purchase N78402 and N6753G.
1974
N92316 - Cessna 182
Used in the Paul Revere flight.
N78402 - Cessna 172
Bought for $13,000 on February 22nd, 1977.
1977
N6753G - Cessna 150C
N4648H - 1948 Piper PA-15 Vagabond
N704VU - 1977 Cessna 150
Widely used as a trainer, the Cessna 150 has a reputation for reliability and good flight characteristics. It is forgiving but doesn't coddle the student. Our venerable 150 had flown many Explorers, including some who now serve as post advisors. 4VU was dear to us during the nearly 30 years of service as a primary trainer at Explorer Post 8.
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Sold December, 2019