Photos and Commentary

Our Waco is flying!

Dec. 4 � Rare Aircraft officials said AOPA's membership sweepstakes Waco UPF-7 flew for the first time December 3 at Owatonna, Minnesota. The 1940 open-cockpit biplane, used to train World War II pilots on Long Island, New York, in the Civilian Pilot Training program, was restored by Rare Aircraft. It was considered an advanced trainer when used in the government's Civilian Pilot Training program and was used to teach aerobatics. Test pilot Ben Redman said the aircraft maintained hands-off level flight. A winter cover was installed in the cowling to keep the engine warm during the flight. The engine break-in will require about 15 hours of additional flying and must be done in reasonable temperatures. The aircraft will be awarded in early 2004.

Start up	Liftoff
Airborne!	Experienced flyers pass over with approval.