The Stinson 108 Voyager and
Flying Station Wagon Page
by Larry Westin
Stinson 108-3 on the ground at Agua Dulce Airport, Calif.
Stinson area Last updated 02/01/12.
IMPORTANT NOTICE -
David Talley, who has for a long time
generously provided space on the Stinson Flyer server to store
virtually all the Stinson Images I have, made another really big contribution
to the Stinson information I have. David provided a copy of the complete
production list summary for every Stinson 108 built by Stinson! There is a vast
amount of information here, and it will take time to research it. One early
discovery - there actually was a Stinson 108-4 (serial number 108-4693)! I
want to thank David for providing this valuable research information!
the URL for my
Stinson 108
Homepage is:
http://personalpages.tdstelme.net/~westin/ac-0.htm
Stinson Quick
Link Navigation
Menu
Featured here is information and images about Stinson 108
series airplanes. Also included is information about earlier Stinson light
aircraft; the model HW75, Model 10/10A, O-49, YO-54, and the model 76 L-5
Sentinel. Please take a look around.
February 2012 - Recent Updates
Classic General Aviation Aircraft 1940-1965 Photo Gallery
"Period" photographs of general aviaiton aircraft built between 1940 and 1965.
These are photographs taken when the aircraft was new or shortly in service
rather than museum examples or aircraft which have been restored. Added 01/09/02,
Last updated 01/26/12.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
EMAIL
FILTER CAUTION PLEASE
A few times recently I've attempted to
reply to e-mails only to receive back from the server messages such as
"recepient not accepting mail from this user" or "user not on the accepted
list." It is frustrating to try and reply to an e-mail only to have it returned
by your "Spam" or "Junk" mail server filter. If you have your e-mail
setup to block, please include my e-mail
westin@tdstelme.net,
as a valid recepient.
Thank You - Larry Westin.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Stinson Restoration Area
Stinson108 Restoration Photo/Text
Page This page shows in both photos
and text the steps necessary to completely restore a Stinson 108. Because I
have disk space limitations on my personal Homepage at TDSTELME, this
restoration page is presented on the Stinson Flyer mirror site. While the
Stinson 108 is the subject aircraft, the process applies to almost all tube
and fabric type light aircraft. Added 01/01/01,
updated 11/28/04.
Stinson Photo Area
This 3 view illustration shows a comparison between the
Small Tail and
Big Tail Stinson 108's. This 3 view drawing is found in "The Stinsons A
pictorial history" by John Underwood. Used with permission. The small tail
airplane is straight model 108 registered NC97205, the 205th Stinson 108 built.
It carries the standard early straight model 108 paint scheme. The big tail
airplane is NC501C, the 3501st Stinson 108 built. NC501C is the first model
108-3 built and is shown with the standard 108-3 paint scheme. The front and top
views of this drawing apply to all Stinson model 108's. B&W, about 46K,
Added 02/01/01.
Stinson108 Voyager Photo Gallery Unique aircraft
photographs, specializing in Stinson 108 Voyager series aircraft, also includes
other Stinson "Light" aircraft, such as the Stinson model 10/10A Voyager
including some views of the airplane used in the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) during
WWII, O-49 Vigilant (Later the L-1), YO-54 Voyager, and L-5 Sentinel, Stinson
Voyager 125 and the last aircraft designed by Stinson, the L-13.
Last updated 11/13/11.
Stinson 108 Instrument Panel Page Shown are images of
the Stinson 108 instrument panel as delivered from the factory, plus images
of instrument panels installed in the field.
Last updated 09/01/11.
Stinson 108 Restoration
Photo/Text Page This page shows in both photos and text the steps necessary
to completely restore a Stinson 108. I want to thank
David Talley
for providing the disk space on the StinsonFlyer Homepage
for me to add this information. While the Stinson 108 is the subject aircraft,
the process applies to almost all tube and fabric type light aircraft.
Added 01/01/01, Last updated 11/28/04.
Before World War II Stinson built a line
of Radial engine aircraft, both for personal use, and airline use. Here are
image of the Stinson Radial Engine Airplanes. Includes
photos of both the straight wing Stinson Reliant and Gull Wing Stinson Reliant.
Last updated 10/17/10.
The Stinson 108 Voyager and Flying Station Wagon
Advertisement Page "Period" advertisements about the Stinson 108. This area
is a good place to find the original paint schemes and interior views.
Added 04/25/99, Last updated 04/04/08.
Photographs of Stinson
Float Planes , shown here are both "period" factory photographs and also
more recent photographs of Stinson float planes. Stinson 108's were offered with
floats direct from the factory. Added 12/01/99,
Last updated 03/03/11.
Photographs and Information about Stinson 108 Ski Planes.
Although I live in a northern area of the United States, I have never flown in
ski equipped plane. I appreciate the input from others who have flown the Stinson
108 series airplanes on skis. Stinson 108's were offered with skis direct from
the factory. Added 03/25/10,
Last updated 03/27/10.
Classic General Aviation Aircraft 1940-1965 Photo Gallery
"Period" photographs of general aviaiton aircraft built between 1940 and 1965.
These are photographs taken when the aircraft was new or shortly in service
rather than museum examples or aircraft which have been restored. Added 01/09/02,
Last updated 01/26/12.
Stinson 108 Engine Options
John Baker's Homepage, Hangar 9 Aeroworks,
has a lot of information on Stinson 108's. Particularly information about engine
options for the Stinson 108 airplanes. There is also a great deal of information
about Stinson empty weight data. Recommend you visit John Baker's
Hangar 9 Aeroworks
homepage. IMPORTANT UPDATE Due to
health issues, John is selling the Stinson parts from his NC6197M project. Suggest you
check out
John Baker's Stinson Hangar Sale page, lots of first class Stinson parts.
Added 12/30/98, updated 04/22/11.
John Baker's Stinson 108-3 at
Bar Harbor airport, Trenton, Maine
Photo taken 8/21/49 - Pilot is Ralph Mower
FAA Data for the Stinson 108
Stinson 108 Approved
Type Certificate A-767 Type Certificate Data Sheets. I downloaded this copy,
revision 28, from the FAA Homepage, it is in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format. NOTE
- Univair updated the type certificate to revision 28 on October 1, 2011.
Added 3/6/98,
Last updated 10/26/11.
Franklin
Engine Type Certificate E-238 Type Certificate Data Sheets for the Franklin
model 6A4-150-B3, 6A4-150-B31, and 6A4-165-B3 engines used in the Stinson 108 as
delivered from the factory (this TCDS includes some other Franklin engine models
which were not installed in Stinson aircraft). The rights to the Franklin
engine, and the owner of the type certificate data sheet for these engines is
"PZL-RZESZOW"-SPOLKA AKCYJNA located in Poland. I downloaded this copy from the
FAA Homepage, it is in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format.
Added 09/07/04.
This image shows the proper location of the
Stinson 108
series Aircraft Data Plate which is inside the cabin, above the co-pilot's
rudder peddals. My thanks to John Baker
for providing this image. Color, about 101K. NOTE this data plate must be in
the airplane. New regulations require an external data plate near the tail. At
this time both are required. The data plate near the tail is a recent addition
and comes in many styles. Added 09/01/11.
Stinson STC's
a list of Supplemental Type Certificate changes approved for the Stinson model
108 Voyager. NOTE this is NOT an official list, but provided to help Stinson
owners, PDF format, Rev. J, Last updated 03/01/09.
Stinson AD's A list of Airworthiness Directives
for the Stinson model 108, the Franklin 6A4-150 and 6A4-165 engines, the
Koppers "Aeromatic" and Sensenitch Propellers, and the Marvel-Schedler carburetor.
NOTE this is NOT an official AD list, it is provided for Stinson owners information.
Added 04/09/96, Last updated 02/01/09.
The FAA now has an online homepage where Supplemental Type Certificates, and
Airworthiness Directives are available. Take a look at the
FAA's Aircraft
Certification Page. For Stinson 108 AD's you need to select
"U" as the manufacture,
then select "Univair."
Univair is the type certificate holder for the Stinson
108 series. Added 09/02/02.
FAA Records Address and telephone number for
the Federal Aviation Administration Aircraft
Registration branch to obtain copies of aircraft records at reasonable cost.
Records now provided by the FAA on CD-ROM and include Adobe Acrobat Reader,
details on how to request the records from the FAA. Rev. E,
Last updated 07/25/04.
FAA Warning
about a company doing business as the Franklin Engine Club, from Underwood,
Indiana, who have performed substandard, illegal maintenance on Franklin engines.
Stinson 108 and Franklin
Documentation and Manuals
Stinson published information about the Stinson 108, including Service Bulletins,
Service Letters, and Parts and Accessories Letters. Click here to view
Stinson 108 Service Bulletins and Letters numbers 228 through
267, including Piper Service Bulletins 114 and 115, plus Univair Stinson Service
Letter 81. Added 06/03/09,
updated 09/24/11.
Stinson 108's and 108-1's were delivered with the Franklin 6A4-150-B3 150 HP engine,
while the Stinson 108-2's and 1083's were delivered with the Franklin 6A4-165-B3 165
HP engine. Air Cooled Motors Franklin engines were supported by factory
Service Bulletins, Service News and Service Letters,
Service Instructions and Overhaul Information. Here you will find
supporting documentation for the current TBO of 1,200 hours,
using aviation gasoline with lead, etc. Added 07/28/09,
updated 02/21/10.
Click here for a PDF copy of the
Franklin Service Manual for the 6A4-150-B3 and 6A4-165-B3 engines. About
5.2 meg.
Parts list for the Franklin 6A4-150 engine. PDF format, about 2.3 meg. NOTE
these are large files, recommend a high speed connection to download. Univair, homepage
www.univairparts.com, has
quality reprints of these Franklin manuals, as well as most Stinson manuals.
Added 09/24/11.
Annual and 100 hour inspections are very important. At the time Stinson model
108's were built the basic starting point for these inspections was the CAA
Form ACA-319 checklist.
This is a JPG image which you can print, about 165K in size. Stinson includes
additional important points to check for the Stinson 108 models in the
General Service Manual Chapter XI - Service Inspection. Chapter XI also
includes preflight, daily, weekly or 25 hour points to check in addition
to the 100 hour Annual inspections. File is in Adobe PDF format, about 796K
in size. Added 04/01/11.
Charlies Wirt, Stinson A&P mechanic with Inspection Authorization,
sent these forms to help with your annual or 100 hour inspection. Start with
the Pre
Inspection and Run Up Check form. Completing this data gives the
mechanic a good indication of the condition of the airplane as it enters
the shop for service, PDF format, about 437K. Next the mechanic completes
an
Aircraft Equipment List. The equipment list is used by the mechanic
to create a list of items to check against Airworthiness Directives,
PDF format, about 473K. With the preliminary work done, the mechanic
uses a detailed
Aircraft Inspection Report to avoid missing points during the
inspection, PDF format, about 845K. My Thanks to
Charlies Wirt for sending
these sample forms. Added 04/22/11.
Listed here are both required and
available Stinson 108 Documentation and Manuals. Take a
look to verify you have the needed documentation and manuals to support safe and
legal flying. Includes information about the Stinson Data Kit. Now includes
Univair part numbers for the Stinson Circlular Slide Rule and the instructions
for the slide rule (as I write this the cost is less than $11.00 for both
the Stinson CircularSlide Rule and the Instructions for its use)!!
Last updated 12/30/01.
When Stinson delivered a new 1948 108-3 a
"Stinson Data Kit" was included for the new owner. Among other items, Stinson
included a 5 x 8 inch laminated checklist for the 108-3. Image
108cl-1.gif
is one side of the Stinson 108-3 checklist, image
108cl-2.gif
is the other side of the Stinson 108-3 checklist.
Last updated 01/02/02.
Correct weight and balance of any airplane is essential for safe flight. Homepage
visitor Tim Briggs
sent me three Microsoft Excel 97 spreadsheet files. These Excel
files are configured so you can calculate Stinson weight and Balance. Three
spreadsheets are available. First spreadsheet is
stn108.xls , 128K, is
for the straight model 108, the second spreadsheet is
stn108-2.xls
, 126K, is for the Stinson 108-1 and 108-2. The third spreadsheet is
stn108-3.xls
, 127K, is for the Stinson 108-3. NOTE - MS Excel files are not normally
displayed, so when you click on these links you will be asked if you want to
download or open them. I suggest you download the files to your P.C., then
later open Excel and view them. If you have questions or comments please e-mail
Tim Briggs at
tbriggs3@mn.rr.com.
Last updated 11/23/05.
Buying a Stinson 108
When buying a Stinson 108 there are some areas which need careful examination.
This text article explains some the Important
areas to check when buying a Stinson model 108. This article deals with
the Stinson 108 specifically, so many areas which are applicable to the
purchase of any airplane must also be followed. Added 07/16/05,
Last updated 02/03/07.
Stinson Model 108 Serial Numbers This article
describes where the Stinson 108 serial numbers are located.
Added 02/03/07.
Parts and Service Sources for
the Stinson 108 and Franklin Engine
Stinson and Franklin Parts and Service Sources.
If you know of sources which I have not listed, or errors with the list, please
send me your updated information. Please continue to provide corrections and
updates! Revision 113. Due to health issues, John Baker is selling the Stinson
parts from his NC6197M project. Suggest you check out
John Baker's Stinson Hangar Sale page, lots of first class Stinson parts.
Last Updated 11/13/11.
Click here to view in PDF format a
Large
Inventory of Stinson Parts Available For Sale. The PDF file is about
2 meg in size. If you are interested in purchasing this inventory contact
Jan Jones via email JCJJONES@aol.com,
or telephone Jan Jones at (719) 488-3414. Because this is a unique estate sale
offer this information is NOT
shown on my Stinson and Franklin Parts and Service Source list. Added 12/02/08,
updated 09/09/11.
Stinson 108 Parts and Service Recommendations by
Joe Dexter. Joe is the Technical Editorfor the International Stinson Club, see his
article appears each month in the "Skywriter." You can reach Joe at
joedexter@earthlink.net.
Added 11/2/98.
Stinson 108 13 Gallon Auxiliary Fuel Tank. Many
year ago Met-Co-Aire built a 13 gallon auxiliary fuel tank for the Stinson
108. While Met-Co-Aire no longer builds the tank, learn how you can
obtain the drawings needed to construct a tank yourself. My thanks to
David Bogart
for researching the auxiliary fuel tank. You can visit the
Met-Co-Aire homepage for detailed
contact information.
Added 07/25/04.
Stinson's for Rent and or FBO's who have a
Stinson 108 for rent, or provide Stinson 108 flight instruction. Rev. S,
Last Updated 06/29/07.
New and Remanufactured Parts for the Stinson 108 Voyager and
Flying Station Wagon. This list is of individuals and companies who build
new parts for the Stinson. Included are original type -3 wooden side panels,
refinished control wheels, and etched instrument panels. If you want your
Stinson to look original please take a look here.
Last updated 06/02/11.
Stinson Propeller Service available.
Kent Tarvers
is the owner of Aeromatic, Flottorp and formerly Beech Roby propellers, along
with 13 TC's on props. Kent Tarver can be reached at his homepage,
TARVER PROPELLERS, LLC. Although
he reports a big backlog he may be able to help you with your propeller
problems. Added 05/17/02.
Stinson Clubs listing of clubs which support
the Stinson airplane. Consider joining a Stinson club for more information
about this great airplane. Rev. 11,
Last Updated 03/18/09.
Stinson 108 Historical Information
Prototype Stinson model 108 details. This
article details how Stinson used two model 10A Voyagers and converted them into
the prototypes Stinson 108's. Some details are still missing so if you can
supply any added information please contact me.
Added 12/01/97.
All the original documentation I have for the Stinson 108 shows a Wayne,
Michigan, address. Click here to learn where the
Stinson 108 was actually built!. This is
revision 1 of the text article. Here is an aerial view of the
Detroit Wayne
Industrial Airport circa 1946. This is a big image, B&W,
about 275K. Here is an image of the
Detroit
Sectional Chart for 1948, look for Stinson field, just south and a
little west of Wayne, MI, color, about 149K. Added 11/28/04,
last updated 01/01/05.
Stinson 108 Identification. This article
includes serial number ranges for the six different Stinson model 108's built,
also includes the original "NC" numbers assigned to each serial number, and
limited external recognition differences between the various models. Rev. J,
Last Updated 10/06/05.
Stinson Model 108 Series This article is an
overview of the six models which make up the Stinson 108 series, 108, 108-1,
108-2, 108-3, 108-4 and 108-5. Rev. E,
Last Updated 01/06/07.
Stinson 108 Factory Delivered Costs
This
article shows the factory delivered costs for new Stinson 108 models. Rev. A,
Added 10/06/05.
Stinson 108 Factory Delivered Colors, for all
model 108 serial numbers based on the production
list and also the SERVICE PARTS and ACCESSORIES LETTER number 1-D, dated
April 2, 1948. Rev. R, Last Updated 01/18/09.
Voyager verus Station Wagon Lists the
differences between the Stinson model 108 Voyager and the Stinson model 108
Flying Station Wagon. Includes the inside cabin and baggage door deminisions of
the Stinson 108. Now Rev. C, Last Updated 7/16/02.
Stinson Model 108-4 Station Wagon describes
the last model 108 designed by Stinson. The model 108-4, serial number 108-4693,
NX149C, was flown by Stinson in April 1948, and later by Piper into late 1949.
Various engines were flown on this airplane. Rev. B,
Added 12/26/02.
Stinson 108 Bibliography Printed information
directly concerning the Stinson 108 series aircraft and the Franklin engine
which powers the airplane. Details on John Swick's new two volume history of
the Stinson 108. Cost is $26.95 plus $4 shipping for either volume, or you
may purchase both volumes for $50 including shipping direct from the publisher,
Wind Canyon
Books, Golden Age of Aviation Series. Or telephone 1-800-952-7007
Rev. 30, Last Updated 12/07/10.
Stinson 108's with Duplicate Serial Numbers.
On 3 different occassions one serial number has been issued to two different
Stinson 108 airplanes. Interestingly each pair of airplanes was flying at the
same time! Now Rev A, Last updated 3/30/99.
Details about the Standard Stinson 108 Radios
installed at the factory on all new production 108's. These radios are a far
cry from modern synthesized VHF radios of today! First is the
General Electric
AS-1B Radio used in the Stinson 108. Here the
Manual for the GE
AS-1B. Next is the
Halicrafters CA2
Radio used in the Stinson 108-1, 108-2 and 108-3. Here is
the Manual for the
Halicrafters CA2. Here is a view of a
Hallicrafters
CA-2 Skyfone installed in a Stinson 108-2, N9429K, in the original
pilot position, still in place, but looking a little worn, late 2004.
My thanks to David Martin for
sending me the image of the CA-2 radio still installed in 108-2 N9429K.
All Stinson model 108s were delivered from the factory with a direction finding
capability. Keep in mind this was before the days of VORs, LORAN or GPS. Shown
here is the fixed
loop antenna installed inside the fuselage (this antenna worked because all
factory delivered Stinson 108s were fabric covered). Added 1/27/01,
Last updated 11/28/04.
Stinson 108's in Military service. Read about
Stinson 108 used by the Ejercito del Aire (Spanish
Air Force). Spain used the Stinson 108 for liaison from the late 1940's
through 1965. Here is an image of Ejercito del Aire
L.2-17 in Service.
Image courtesy of noted author
John Wegg, black
and white, about 152K. I visited the museum in September 1999 and again
in April 2001. The Museo del Aire has 2 examples of Ejercito del Aire Stinson
108's on display. First is an unique example
displayed uncovered
in hangar 2. This airplane is displayed suspended from the ceiling, visitors can
readily see the structure of the airplane. In another hangar is a
restored example, shown
here from the front and another view
shown from the rear.
These images added 11/2/99,
Jaime Cervera
sent me this information about the Stinson 108's
used in Spain. February 2009, more information from
Paco Rivas and
José Ramón Valero
about Spanish Air Force Stinson 108's. Here is a link to
Paco Rivas's Aviation homepage.
Last updated 10/29/09.
Recently I learned that the French Air Force used the Stinson 108-3 in French
Indo China - Vietnam. Alain Flotard
provides details. "André Bellouard was the pilot and Pierre Rouxel the Mechanics.
They are still alive 90 years old and 84. They are very happy of this. This 108-3,
serial number 108-4419, was the plane of "Le haut Commissaire" of the region near
Hué. It was the Général Lorillot. He used for travelling in all the "Indochine."
It flew with original colors Maroon and they put on it the French Cocarde and the
insigna of the ELA 52. (Escadrille de liaison aérienne)." Here are some images of
Stinson 108-3
sn 108-4419 while flying for France in French Indo China. Here is another
head
on view of 108-4419 in French Indo China with mechanic Pierre Rouxel standing
in front of the airplane. The Stinson flew as part ELA52,
Logo of Escadrille
de liaison aérienne 52. Images about 103K, 16k and 20K in size. My thanks
to Alain Flotard for providing this information about the Stinson 108 in French
service. Alain now owns this airplane!
Added 11/16/09.
UPDATE - Alain Flotard sent this recent
image of Stinson
108-3, sn 108-4419, now F-BEXD in the same paint scheme as it flew in Vietnam in 1951.
This shows the actual airplane flown by the French Air Force in Indochina (Vietnam)
in 1951, now beautifully restored, is flying in France today. Color, about 111K.
Added 04/18/10.
Light Stinson's BEFOE the model 108. This
article is an overview of the three "light" aircraft built by Stinson before the
model 108 Voyager. These aircraft include the Stinson 105 (HW75/80), Voyager
model 10/10A and the L-5 Sentinel. Added 01/07/96.
Stinson L-5 Sentinel Information. More detailed
information about the Stinson L-5 Sentinel series of aircraft. Now Revision 10,
Last updated 01/01/04.
Stinson 108 Major Modifications
At least two different Stinson 108's have been modified with tri-cycle landing
gear. Robert Brackenhoff sent me this
image of n6539m-1.jpg
on tri-cycle landing gear. Believe this change is approved on STC SA327SO. An
additional part of this STC is to change the engine to a Lycoming O-435 with
controllable propeller.
Color, about 126K, added 06/21/09.
Russell Chambers
of Texas has modified N6544M to tri-gear configuration. Take a look at
n6544m-1.jpg and
n6544m-2.jpg
for images of Chambers's tri-cycle Stinson 108-3. Chambers indicates the
landing gear has been modified since these photos were taken. Russ Chambers
sent me an updated image of
n6544m-3.jpg
taken in late 2004. You can learn more about the Russell Chambers tri-gear
modification via email at
russchambers@geusnet.net.
Updated 11/28/04.
The Stinson Twins!
When Piper Aircraft purchased the Stinson Division of Consolidated Aircraft in
late 1948, included with the Stinson sale were the drawings for a new twin
engine airplane designed by Stinson. Piper went on to build this airplane,
initially naming it the "Twin Stinson." This photograph shows the
Prototype Twin
Stinson on the ground shortly after its first flight in March 1952.
Registered N1953A, with Piper serial number 23-01. Here is a second photograph
of the Prototype
Twin Stinson in Flight. This airplane was a true milestone aircraft for
Piper. It was the the aircraft which took Piper from the manufacture of tube and
fabric "puddle jumpers," into the world of all metal business aircraft. This
airplane was later marketed by Piper as the "Apache," first of Piper's American
Indian named products. Later it evolved into the definitive Piper Aztec. Added
8/1/00,
Last updated 01/18/03.
A really Unique "Twin Stinson". This article
details a rather unique airplane built up from two others. The FAA lists this
unique airplane as a "Pierce-Arrow" model U-2. Only one was ever converted. Here
is an in-flight view of the unique Twin Stinson
Pierce-Arrow. And
a second image of the Pierce-Arrow
in formation with a
Pitts Special. Recently heard more information about this this airplane,
it is now being stripped and inspected. Updated
information as of 03/02/01 from owner
Jimi Genzling -
As it stands right now the Fuselage has completed it's final inspection prior to
covering, which will probably start in a couple of week's. It has passed with
"Flying" colors. The wing center section is the next project so as to get her
back on her own feet. Am in the proccess of building a new wiring harness and
completing the interior electrical and rigging prior to covering. Jimi Genzling
indicates he would be interested in selling or trading this unique "Twin
Stinson" for a high wing project. If you're interested contact the "Desert
Eagle" at jimi@hdc-nm.com for more
information. Jimi Genzling now has a web page about the unusual "twin Stinson."
Take a look at the Current State
of the Pierce-Arrow Twin Stinson. Plans are to return this airplane to original
single engine configuration. Added 6/10/97,
Last updated 03/02/01.
Unusual Stinson 108 Information!
Read how a Stinson 108 used Electrically Activated
Explosive Wing Bolts to remove the wings INFLIGHT! Learn how a Stinson 108
landed safely after shedding both wings at 5,000 feet above the ground. A very
unusual Stinson indeed! First is an image of the
designers Angelo
Raiti and Dario Manfredi, with test pilot Tommy Walker, B&W, about
90K. Second image shows the Stinson 108, N39443, serial number 108-13,
shortly after the
wings have separated and the parachute is deployed , B&W, about 47K,
with the third image of the Stinson 108
shortly before
touchdown, B&W, about 50K. Possibly most impressive - this
airplane was rebuilt and is flying again! UPDATE
Feb 2009 - Dario Manfredi, son of co-inventor Manfredi, emailed to say he is
currently working on getting the process started by his father certified. Check the
Aviation Safety Resources
homepage. UPDATE - here is another
photo of the aircraft
immediately after touching down. This is a United Press International photo,
dated November 9, 1967. B&W, about 107K.
Last updated 05/13/10.
NX8563K
A very unusual Stinson 108, a photo of this specific Stinson is shown in "The
Stinsons" by John Underwood. Added 03/09/96.
Stinson Stories.
Read about interesting stories of the Stinson 108.
Last updated 01/18/98.
Stinson Movies This heading is a real odd
ball actually. Listed here are the movies I know of which the Stinson 108
has participated. Movies are also included which other Stinson models appear
in as well. I suspect there are more movies which I am not aware, and
have not listed. Please update me if you know movies I've missed. Now Rev 27,
Last updated 07/09/11.
Stinson 108 Models
Over the years several people have asked about a Stinson model. Pacific Products
Gallery now has available a fine looking Stinson 108-3 model. You can view the
model built for Ron Apple on the
Pacific Products Gallery of Custom built Civilian Aircraft Homeapge.
For more inforamtion you can e-mail Pacific Products Gallery at
aircraft@pacprod.com. My thanks
to Ron Apple
for letting me know about the availability of this model.
Added 04/22/00.
Another Stinson model source.
Joe Dexter
emailed me to let me know he ordered a Stinson 108 model from
Jeff Bretzer at
customaircraftmodels@compuserve.com.
Can have your "N" number and custom paint. Ask for the "Continental Airlines
price." Added 05/14/00.
Wendell Hostetler
has available plans to build an electric powered radio control Stinson 108. Here
is a photo of the
completed Hostetler Stinson 108 model. Shown next to the model is Wendell's
14 year old grand daughter for a size comparison. These plans can be purchased
from the Hostetler's Plans
Homeapge. The plans are for a 26.6% scale model, with a wingspan of 108 inches!!
Added 2/14/04, Last updated 03/02/04.
Doug Suminski
has Stinson plans, including the model 108, available on eBay. Visit
DougsHobbyShop on eBay to see what is available.
Added 03/02/04.
Questions and Answers
If after looking around my homepage and don't find the answer to your question,
try the Stinson and Franklin Frequently Asked
Questions. Revision 2, Last updated 01/01/04.
Stinson 108 Airliner?. Homepage viewer
Charles Euripides
has put forth the suggestion that some Stinson 108's were used in airline
service. Since the original suggestion I have learned of three more airlines which
used the Stinson 108. Now Rev. C,
Last updated 09/13/09.
Here is an image
Orcas Air Service flying the 1947 Stinson 108
poster. My thanks to
Jon Franklinfor
providing this image.
Color, about 103K, Last updated 02/06/05.
Stinson 108 Trivia Question This is a question
about the Stinson 108 sent to me by
David Talley.
If you think you know the answer E-Mail me back with your answer.
My Stinson Questions. I have some of my
own questions about the Stinson 108, please e-mail me with any answers you
have to my questions. My questions now at revision G, which reflects answers
received from others on Internet. Last updated 06/24/00.
Links of Stinson Specific Interest
(Also Check New & Remanufactured Parts above for more Stinson specific Parts
Links)
Univair is the Type Certificate holder for the Stinson 108 series airplanes.
Univair also has parts manufacturing authority (PMA) for Stinson parts. Many
of the parts I used in restoring my own airplane came from Univair. Added
12/30/98, updated 06/06/06.
Hangar 9 Aeroworks by
John Baker. A lot of information on engine options and Stinson 108 weight. John
has an enourmous amount of Stinson information. Due to illness he is selling his
Stinson parts, please see
John Baker's Stinson Hangar Sale page. John also has information on his Aeronca!
Added 12/30/98, updated 03/27/06.
Franklin Aircraft Engines, Inc.,
Fort Collins, Colorado. Added 06/17/01, updated 04/17/09.
Southern Aero, North Carolina,
whose core business is the repair and overhaul of Franklin Engines. Located at
Thomasville, NC. Added 11/13/11.
Long time International Stinson Club Technical Editor, Joe Dexter, has a new
Stinson/FranklinHomepage. Added 07/04/99.
Dave Miller has an excellent Stinson site, take a look at
Dave Miller's Stinson Homepage.
I strongly recommend a look! Added 11/11/03.
Julio Natale has a beautiful Stinson 108-1 based in Argentina, take a look at
Julio's site featuring LV-NSM
Text on the Homepage is in Spanish. Julio has provided an
English Translation of the text on his
site. Added 4/17/04, Last updated 04/24/04.
The Museo Aeronútico of Uruguay is in the process of restoring Stinson 108-3,
registration CX-ALL, serial number 108-5225, which was one of 4 Stinson 108-3's
delivered by Stinson to Uruguay on June 29, 1948. Curator Eduardo Luzardo has
kept me posted on progress. The museum is need of some parts to complete the
restoration, a control wheel, a propeller and propeller spinner, plus some other
needed parts. If you can help with parts, or are in a position to help
financially with a donation, please contact
Eduardo Luzardo at charrua156@hotmail.com. Added 11/02/05, updated 01/01/09.
International Stinson Club -
formerly the SWSC - South West Stinson Club. Valuable source of information
about Stinson airplanes and club events. If it has been awhile may I suggest
you take a look. Added 09/20/96, Last updated 01/01/09.
Franklin Parts and Service. Susan
Prall is the owner of Franklin Parts. Added 08/12/04.
Steve Plourde's Aerial Photography. Steve uses his Stinson 108, serial number 44, N40114, to take aerial photogaphs
of the Northern Illinois, Southern Wisconsin area.
Added 01/18/03.
Kevin Hudson's Stinson 108
page.
Jim Gray's homepage features the
Stinson L-5 Sentinel.
IMPORTANT UPDATE - Jim Gray
is in the process of writing a book about the Stinson L-5 Setninel. If you were
a L-5 pilot in WWII or Korea, were a Stinson factory employee who worked on the
L-5, or can contribute information, particularly vintage photographs,
information about Sentinel Aircraft Company, please email Jim Gray at
akdhc2pilot@yahoo.com. Added 11/27/00,
updated 10/29/09.
Franklin
Engines by PZL - an AVWEB article. This article details the apparent end of
the PZL ownership of Franklin engines. Apparently, from the AVWEB article, PZL no
longer builds any piston engines. Details in the link. Added 11/10/98,
Last updated 01/06/07.
Franklin Aircraft Engines in
Grudziadz, Poland. Homepage visitor Dave Watson
recently emailed me about this new Franklin aircraft Engines homepage.
Last updated 01/06/07.
Katherine Stinson: The Flying School
girl. Katherine Stinson was sister to Eddie Stinson, founder of Stinson
Aircraft. Debra L. Winegarten has written abook about Katherine Stinson.
Added 03/26/01.
Stinson 108-1 NC8410K, by
John Van Horn. Take a look at the original Hallicrafters CA-2 Skyfone radio!
Added 12/23/99.
Stinson Factory Photographs circa
1935, by Brian Johannesson. Added 06/21/01.
Penn Valley Hobby Center
model airplane center. A model of the Stinson HW-75 is available from PVHC.
It is the Micro-x FS-702, is a balsa stick model, rubber band power, with
a 26" wingspan. PVHC price is $17.36 plus $4.00Shipping/Handling charge per
order. Information accurate as of 04/24/99.
Tom Schultz's
Stinson 108-2 C-FFJT, by Flt Com. Added 06/27/04.
Other Aviation Links
Larry Westin's Other Aviation Links Page
Locate an "N"
number
Search for data about the aircraft, owner,
engine and other information for United States and some other country's
registered aircraft. This is part of Dr. Genther Eichorn'saviation
site. There are additional databases to search here.
E-mail me at
westin@tdstelme.net - Stinson Info Update with your thoughts and comments.
Return home
to Larry & Sue Westin's homepage.