Dorothy Pressler flew a Junior to 16091 feet in 1931

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I just added information on Dorothy Pressler, who, along with Captain Bill Bleakely, flew a Curtiss Wright Junior to a new record of 16091 feet on August 4, 1931. This information is in the People” section, under her name.

If you select more information, you will be directed to the “People” page and discover why this record flight was not accepted.

 

Thanks,,,,, Randy

Contact me randy@curtisswrightjunior.com

N677V

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I found a photograph of NC677V advertising Hardings Orange Crush.  Please help me find some more information.  

 

 

Thanks,,,,, Randy

Contact me randy@curtisswrightjunior.com

Replica Curtis Wright Junior for sale

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This is a replica of a Curtiss Jr NX4181A. It has a steel tube fuselage and wood wings. Dual controls, including brakes. Instruments, both cockpits, new leather seats, new tires and tubes. Powered by a Continental C-90-12F with a complete electrical system and starter. Garmin ADS-B out. TTAF 576 SMOH 181. Condition inspection was done in March 2023 and located at Phoenix Deer Valley Airport. You can select here if you’d like more information.

 

 

Thanks,,,,, Randy

Contact me randy@curtisswrightjunior.com

Project for Sale

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I just listed a Curtiss Wright Junior replica project for sale on the Classified section of the website.  The project was started in the 1970s but he never finished. There was quite a bit of work completed.  Select Classified to see more information and photographs.

Thanks,,,,, Randy

Contact me randy@curtisswrightjunior.com

New CW-1 Video

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I just added a new Video in the “Videos” section of Terry Loft flying N11850.

Thanks,,,,, Randy

Contact me randy@curtisswrightjunior.com

Pappy Spinks in Curtiss Wright Junior

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This photograph has been identified as Pappy Spinks,  aerobatic champion, aviation promoter and manufacturer of the Spinks Acromaster.  My records show that two Curtiss Wright Juniors were registered to him.

Leave me a comment if you have more information.

Found some information and photo of N11870

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October 1, 2021

I found this photograph of N11870 included in an article about the Junior’s unique airspeed indicator. The article was written by the aircraft owner, Mr. Herbert L. Prout. The article was in a 1935 issue of Popular Aviation. Is anyone familiar with Mr. Prout?

If you go to the dropdown menu above (All Aircraft and 11800 thru 12305),  look for “Additional history” under 11870, and you can read the article.

 

 

Thanks,,,,, Randy

Contact me randy@curtisswrightjunior.com

N11892

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I was able to find a photograph and some additional information on N11892. Information located under N11892 in All Aircraft.

Thanks,,,,, Randy

Contact me randy@curtisswrightjunior.com

Continental A 40 engine tested on the Junior

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Maintenance record entry showed in 1933,  N10907 was issued an “Experimental or Restricted license to determine the feasibility of Continental A 40 engine in this type aircraft, to replace Szekely engine which is no longer manufactured. ”   This work was done by the Airtech School of Aviation in San Diego, California.

Records do not show the outcome of the testing, except that the Szekely was reinstalled.

Thanks,,,,, Randy

Contact me randy@curtisswrightjunior.com

Piasecki PV-2

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The history of the Piasecki  PV-2 helicopter is included here.  The experimental prototype was constructed using the fuselage and other parts from a Curtiss Wright Junior.

The article can also be found by going to “Interesting Articles” on the menu.

Thanks,,,,, Randy

N662V Serial Number 1044

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N662V Serial Number 1044. This aircraft came out of the factory March 31, 1931. The last registration was in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on January 13, 1932. I have no photographs.  

N661V

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📌The next aircraft that I have information on is N661V, Serial Number 1043.


The photograph and the following information was received from Alex Davidson:
“I got into historical research on the beginning of the (Curtiss) Essex airport Caldwell NJ (KCDW). In the process I have collected some of the Curtiss-Wright Review Magazines.”
The attached is a photo of one in front of the first hangar at Caldwell. It is either a 31 or 32 photo. The Curtiss- Wright Flying Service closed up in the fall of 32 and the sign, on the hangar, was removed. It was then called Caldwell Wright Airport.”

The aircraft was manufactured March 31, 1931. As I understand, this photograph is on display at the Caldwell New Jersey Airport. Registration was cancelled September 1, 1939. More information can be found by selecting “All Aircraft” dropdown above, and select N661V.

All Aircraft

644V

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📌 N644V Serial Number 1026. This airplane was manufactured March 31, 1931. It had a short life as there was a notice in the records that it had been “totally wrecked” by June 22, 1931. It was registered to Continental Airways in Chicago at the time of cancellation. My research does not show any connection with Continental Airlines.

Thanks,,,,, Randy

Recovering from a flat spin

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During early in the history of the Curtiss Wright Junior, there was an issue concerning aft balance problems when completing spins. Because of this safety issue, the Civil Aeronautics Commission (CAA) issued a bulletin that required the airplane be flown solo from the front seat. The circular also stated that if a spin was performed successfully from the rear seat solo in view a CAA inspector, a wavier to allow solo from the rear could be issued.

I have a letter from a pilot who completed the required spin testing under the observance of the CAA Inspector Before beginning the maneuver, the pilot said he managed to make it to about 6800 feet above the airport after an hour or so. He stated that he wanted “as much space between himself and mother earth as possible.” Under the CAA observation, he began the test by entering a power off-spin.

In his words;

“The Jr. made a little over a half turn and went flat. It was so flat and seemed to be descending so slowly, I believe if I had come all the way in, it would have only blown out the tires. All controls had absolutely no effect, and the Zekeley (engine) had quit. Therefore I had nothing left to make a recovery with. I didn’t want to bust (the owners) new airplane or my butt, so, since I was descending so slowly, I decided to remove my chute and climb around the cabane struts to the front seat. I hardly had time to fasten my belt (in the front seat) before the Jr’s nose started down into a normal spin. I landed, dead stick, on the airport. Needless to say, (the CAA Inspector) didn’t lift the spin restriction.”

I believe it must have been and interesting ride.

Thanks,,,,, Randy

 

 

N663V

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I bought this photograph of N663V in an auction.  Unfortunately I have no further information.  Please help me fill in the history.  Do you recognize the aircraft of where the photograph was taken?  You can reach me at randy@curtisswrightjunior.com 

Thanks,,,,, Randy

Major Henry J. Giere

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I received the following email and photographs  from Michael Giere concerning his father:

“Sir, I found your website and email address when I was researching a Memorial Day story about my father, a life-long pilot with over 19,000 hours, who was killed in 1969. I’ve enclosed a photo taken in 1936 of my father leaning against a CW Jr when he was 17. I’ve taken the liberty of attaching the article I wrote about him. He would have been 100 yrs old this month.
(My father, second from left squatting with crew somewhere in the south pacific.)
 
With warm regards and best wishes.”
(Michael Giere)

 

George K. Jehanian (looking for information)

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Rust and Grease Grandpa’s Shop was a blog-post I found a couple of years ago. Apparently  the blog owner was the grandson. I have attempted to contact the owner, but have had no luck.  The grandfather had an automotive repair shop in West Philadelphia in the 1930’s.  His name was George K. Jehanian.

It also appears that he was the owner of one of the Curtiss Wright Junior’s.  Attached are a couple of photo’s from Rust and Grease.  Any information you might have would be appreciated.  randy@curtisswrightjunior.com

Thanks,,,,, Randy


Mauldin

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This photograph came from “Brownsville Station” Facebook site.  Their caption read: 1931  “1921 “Learn to fly for $100 (11 hours) in the New Curtiss Wright Junior.  Rides $1.00. Les Mauldin – Brownsville Airport’ written on a custom-made spare tire cover; his daughter Junita on bumper.  Photo taken in McAllen Texas.

post

Thanks,,,,, Randy

Mystery 9

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Here we go with the next mystery.  This one is in the form of a question:

 “What major airline operating today (although merged with another air-carrier and now uses the other carrier’s name), once owned and operated a Curtiss Wright  Junior CW-1.  

Don’t just guess, but have a rationale for the choice you make.

Email me at randy@curtisswrightjunior.com

Thanks,,,,, Randy

N11810 — This is an Interesting Story!

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Below is a portion of an email I received from Chris Harbourt.

Hi Randy,
Great website!  I have a picture of my grandfather Leonard DeLalio on
Long Island NY when he was the owner of this plane as a youth maybe
16ish.  Attached a photo and a picture of a model he made of the plane
later in life.  Your records showed it was lost to fire in the 40’s
with a different owner, but here is a picture of that airframe earlier
in its life.

Thanks Chris, for your story and the photographs of your father and his model. 

If anyone else would have something to share, please email me randy@curtisswrightjunior.com

It is about time

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It is about time, Randy.  I have promised to update the website and add additional information.  I am now using a new theme and page builder.  I am trying to bring some color into this site’s life.

You will see a significant change in the “All Aircraft” dropdown.  I divided the aircraft into 5 different sections by Registration Number.  It should help with page loading speeds.  

I am still loading information into each airplane’s “History” and “Photograph” selections.  

I am still looking for any information that you have.  Please send it to Randy@cutisswrightjunior.com.

Thanks,,,,, Randy

New Video from Bob Lippiman

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I just uploaded a video to the “Video” page sent  to me some time ago by Bob Lippiman.  The airplane is owned by Brian Coughlin.  Go to the “Video tab to watch.

Mystery 8

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Select Mysteries and go to Mystery 8  Person above to see a photograph I just uploaded.  I received the photo with several others, but I am unsure who is in the picture.  Any help would be appreciated. Please email me at randy@curtisswrightjunior.com.  

634V Photographs uploaded

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Jim Ladwig sent me some photos of one of his dad’s airplane.  Harold had once owned 634V in addition to 11804.  He flew 11804 on the airshow circuit in the 1950’s.  Go to “All Aircrafts” and select the photo next to the registration number for more information.  Thanks Jim.

Night Watchman Crashes a Curtiss Junior

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From Popular Aviation August 1931

 

Night Watchman Crashes a Curtiss Junior

CHARLES MURRAY, 20-year-old student pilot and night watchman at the Denver,  Colorado,  Curtiss-Wright aviation filed, was tired of staying on the ground. It was 5:30 a.m. and none of the officials would be at the field for several hours, and by that time the thrill of an early morning flight would be gone. The possibility also existed that the field officials would deny him the privilege of taking a   plane. Murray eyed a shiny new Curtiss-Wright Junior parked in the hangar.

“Who would be the wiser if I took the junior up for a flight and then put it right back?” Murray thought.

The sight of the plane was too much for the air-minded youth, and he pulled the plane out on the field and took off. The flight was huge success, Murry told Capt. Ralph Hall, the field manager until he prepared to land, AND THEN,,

Murray was within fifteen feet of the ground when he made a sudden turn, which caused the plane to nose dive. The youth crawled out from beneath the wrecked plane with a badly cut face and a wrenched shoulder.

 

Videos

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If you notice,  there is a video link above.  Select it and see the videos I have found.

The rest of the “rest of the story”

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In the last post I asked the following question; In the 1930’s what political event in the country of Venezuela concerned a Curtiss Wright Junior CW-1?  The fist correct I got was from Freddie Pedrique.  Here is his answer:

YOU ARE  TALKING ABOUT  NC11848  S/N 1222 BOUGHT BY MR. MARCOS SARCOS  PORTILLO IN 1932. THIS AIRCRAFT WAS CONFISCATED IN VENEZUELA BY GRAL. JUAN VICENTE GOMEZ,  DICTATOR OF THAT COUNTRY,   WHO FEARED THE AIRCRAFT COULD BE USED TO HELP OVERTROW HIS GOVERNMENT.

I asked the above question after receiving information from another viewer of the website.  That original information came from Alejandro Irausquin Aeronautical Engineer, Civil Aviation Historian / LAAHS

Read the entire story by selecting Mystery 7 under the Mysteries tab above.

The Rest of the Story

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I always enjoyed the Paul Harvey programs called “The Rest of the Story.”  I have just posted Mystery 7 to the Mysteries link above.  It is not so much a mystery as it is a fact brought to my attention by one of our readers. The question is:

In the 1930’s what political event in the country of Venezuela concerned a Curtiss Wright Junior CW-1?

An aviation historian in Venezuela sent me information last week that answers the question.  I will give the rest of you a couple of weeks to get me the answer before I tell “the rest of the story.”  You can leave a comment above this page or send me an email randy@curtisswrightjunior.com.  It is a very interesting story and helps us  track the history of one specific CW-1.

Individual Aircraft Histories

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I have gathered a lot of photographs and history on over 150 of the  Curtiss Wright Junior airplanes built.  To see those photos and read what specific airplane history I have found,  select the All Aircraft link above,  find the registration number for the plane, and then select the photograph or logo to the left of the registration number.  The history and photographs come from various sources.

Video of N10962

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I found this video on line of Chris Price and Paul Seibert flying around the Brodhead Airport during the 2012 Midwest Antique Airplane Association “Grassroots” fly-in at Brodhead Airport.   I am planning on seeing you two at “Grassroots” this year.

Randy

Select here to see the video. 

10939 has a new home

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10939 flew many years on the airshow circuit.  It is now at the Eagle Mere Air Museum in Pennsylvania.  Dave Binns flew this plane in the 1950’s on the airshow circuit.  I saw a photograph of it on their website and it is in its airshow colors.  .

Found Information on the Augustine Engine

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In an earlier post, “Interesting Fact on N11851 Serial Number 1225” I was looking for information on  the Augustine R-4-40 engine.  Select “Engine” above and go to “Augustine R-4-40” and see what I have found.

 

Interesting Fact on N11851 Serial Number 1225

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In going through some paperwork on Serial 1225,  FAA records show that for a couple of years (1932 – 1933) this plane was licensed “Experimental” as it was demonstrating the use of an  Augustine R-4-40 engine.  Elsewhere in the file, it states that it was a two-cycle air-cooled engine.  At that time it was registered to a Norman P. Augustine of Buffalo New York.  It is interesting that the registered owner and the engine name are the same.  Anyone know about an Augustine engine?

New information on N 698V, N11868, and N11869

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I found a copy of “List of commercial and touring aeroplanes registered at the Air Communications Bureau” of Mexico .  The list is dated November 30, 1931 and includes the following aircraft:,  X-BAEN was issued to N698V, serial 1060, engine serial number 865.  X-BAES was issued to N11868, serial number 1236, engine serial number 1125.   X-BAEU was issued to N11869, serial number 1239, engine serial number 1126.

N10923 aircraft in the Netherlands

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I just uploaded a photograph of this aircraft taken at the crash scene in the Netherlands.  The plane crashed on January 28, 1934. and the photograph came from the accident report.  The report is in Dutch, and I am trying to get it translated.  Select All Aircraft above and then select the photograph for N10923.