Where are they now...
|
We are actively seeking information on Aeronca L-16s, in
flying condition or not, wherever they may be. We have been collecting data for nearly a decade now, building
as complete a database as we can of these fine classic aircraft. |
|
Please contact
us if you know of an Aeronca L-16
that is currently flying, in storage, or
under restoration.
All 609 L-16s which Aeronca
built in 1947 and 1948 went initially to the U. S. Army, but the Air Force soon
reclaimed a limited number for itself.
A number of these L-16s enjoyed
front line military service in Korea.
Few of these returned to North America:
one is still on the South Korean aircraft register, owned by the Soeul
Flying Club.
Most of the two dozen or so L-16s
flying in Canada and the United States today served the U. S. Army and Air
Force stateside during the late 40s and 50s.
They were then transferred to the Air Force-administered civil air
Patrol, where their good stability, visibility, and slow speed manoeuvrability
made them ideal for search and rescue missions.
Once the Civil Air Patrol began to
wind down its use of the L-16 in the 60s and 70s, the aircraft were sold off to
flying clubs, schools and individuals.
