Longtime friend Barry Valentine sent me an email on March 31, 2026:
“Having read your story ‘A Comanche Returns Home‘ in the Feb. 5 issue of General Aviation News, I thought I would share with you a somewhat similar story. Two weeks ago, I purchased a 1959 Cessna 150. Not just any 1959 Cessna 150, but the very airplane, N7871E, in which I made my first solo flight Nov. 21, 1959. That event took place at Skyhaven Airport in Rochester, New Hampshire, and the airplane is now based at Brunswick Executive Airport in Maine, not far from its first home. Last Saturday I made three solo trips around the pattern replicating the event of nearly 67 years ago. A very sentimental flight!”
Naturally, I was intrigued.
Barry and I exchanged a few emails and I got more of the story.
“Over the past several decades I have periodically checked on the ownership of N7871E and on occasion have talked to some of the owners,” Barry reported.
What former owner of a prized airplane hasn’t looked up the whereabouts of “their” airplane?
I sure have. Our Baron is now in Illinois, while our J-3 Cub is in Virginia.
Anyway, Barry saw N7871E had changed hands in early 2025. She was now located in South Carolina, owned by a young CFI.
Barry managed to get in touch with the new owner, Lane Squires. They had a nice chat. And Barry said that he would “like to be considered if he ever decided to sell.”
Obviously, Barry’s call with N7871E’s owner left quite an impression.
In December 2025, Lane called Barry back.
From his Facebook post: “I purchased N7871E after falling in love with it. I had no idea of its history with Mr. Valentine. I flew the airplane for time building and leisure, giving it many upgrades and treating it like ‘my baby.’ I purchased it with NO intention of ever selling it.”
He mentioned having no interest in selling N7871E twice in his Facebook post. And yet…
“But as I continued to think about it, it became apparent to me that the person who deserved to own the airplane more than me…was Mr. Valentine. As much sentimental and personal value as the airplane had to me…he had much more! So eventually, I decided that I would sell the airplane, but only to him.”
What a kind gesture on Lane’s part.
And Barry couldn’t be more grateful.
“My plan is to fly for the airlines,” Lane told me. “At least at the present moment.”
Building hours in the 150 was part of making it to the next level.
I couldn’t help but wonder, has he found a new airplane?
He sure did. Right after selling the 150 to Barry, he found a Cessna 172 that is scratching the same itch.
Bravo to both Barry and Lane. I’m sure their paths will remain connected.
All of this has me wondering…what is it about airplanes that makes us do such things?
Congratulations Barry! This is a great story, thanks Ben for sharing it in General Aviation News.
Blue Skies and Tailwinds to Barry and Lane!
Congrats, Barry! I’m happy for you. It must feel amazing to climb back into that left seat after all those years. Thanks for sharing the story, Ben.
Very good story! I have known Lane for only a couple of years but realized very quickly he has a great heart and attitude. So glad he and Mr Valentine connected over a little 150.