Tom Nied sent in this photo, taken May 22, 2016 at the Hinckley Airport in Illinois. Tom explains: “I just stopped on a motorcycle ride to watch activity at the Hinckley airport and found this beauty.”
The 1939 Luscombe 8A is owned by Prairie Aero in Kane, Ill.
When we found this Luscombe back behind a hangar at Hinckley, I wasn’t even sure what it was. But I was awestruck by the polished aluminum skin. Had to get some pictures. I thought, maybe a Cessna 120? Not sure. I was pleasantly surprised when looking it up to find out it was a 1939 Luscombe. Certainly is a cutie. Someone has fun taking this up and flying over the Illinois farmland.
My photo taking quest continues. Glad to see others have enjoyed this.
My first airplane in 1971 was a 1939 Luscombe Model 8 converted to 8A. I suspect this is the same thing. The original airplane’s had an earlier engine that made less hp than the 65hp 8A thus the requirement for the carb heat to be used on takeoff with this airplane, lowered the hp output to more like the original engine. Kinda silly, but it’s the FAA so what can you expect.
I wonder if this Luscombe is the one originally owned by the late Bill Ludkiewicz?
Very nice!!!
More pictures like this please.