Restoration project warrior
Hello everyone,
A little over a year ago I became the proud owner of this poor forgotten PA28-161. Its previous owner stopped flying about 11 years ago and left his plane sitting at my local airport for all that time. A friend of mine and I bought the plane and began restoring her to flying status. Almost exactly 1 year after we purchased it, she flew again. There is still a lot to do. Paint, interior, and avionics all need updating, but for now I have a nice daily flyer.
A little over a year ago I became the proud owner of this poor forgotten PA28-161. Its previous owner stopped flying about 11 years ago and left his plane sitting at my local airport for all that time. A friend of mine and I bought the plane and began restoring her to flying status. Almost exactly 1 year after we purchased it, she flew again. There is still a lot to do. Paint, interior, and avionics all need updating, but for now I have a nice daily flyer.
Comments
You should win the Nobel airplane prize for having a big heart! She's looking much better and restoring what could have been a derelict to airworthy status is a good reason for sainthood, in my opinion. Cudo's to you and your friend!
Scott Sherer
Wright Brothers Master Pilot, FAA Commercial Pilot
I agree with Scott! Great job to save a plane from the salvage yard!
Looking good sir!
Rich Denton
President
EAA Chapter 175
James -- would love to feature this as a restoration airplane in the magazine, if you have some more pictures and details.
Digital Product Manager
Piper Owner Society
I have a lot more pictures, but it doesn't look much different from what you see above. The truth is that once we got it flying, we've had so much fun flying during these cooler months in AZ that there hasn't been much work done. Although we are about to order an interior kit from Airtex. That will probably be installed this summer and hopefully some paint then as well.
Thanks for the update!
Scott Sherer
Wright Brothers Master Pilot, FAA Commercial Pilot