unknown Piper, The

Flight Journal, Oct 2001 by Auliard, Gilles

A significant project is being reshaped at the Piper Aviation Museum of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania.

The prototype Piper PT NX4300 (c/n PT-1), was the first low-wing, retractable-landing-gear Piper aircraft. It was supposed to meet the Army/Navy's and Civilian Pilot Training Program's need for a primary trainer. The Army soon canceled the program, and the PT was used as a company transport for the duration of WW II.

In 1977, Tom Walten acquired this Piper and started its restoration under the supervision of Ian Bennie of New Zealand. It was first flown in September 1978, and Tom donated it to the EAA Aviation Foundation in October 1993.

The Piper NX4300 has logged only a total of 818.3 hours in the air, but over the years, exposure to the elements during EAA Conventions and movement around the museum's exhibit floors have led to significant deterioration. During the 1998 convention, William Piper Jr. convinced the EAA that it should be restored in Lock Haven, and in September that year, it was delivered there by trailer.

The aim is to restore it to its 1943 condition-an ambitious project. The fuselage was stripped of fabric so that the structure could be inspected and treated. It needs a new cowl, two-piece canopy and instrument panel to accommodate a set of original instruments. Before anything is done to the wings, they will be carefully inspected to determine the best way to remove the fabric. The landing gear is in poor shape and will be repaired, but the engine will require only a thorough internal and external cleaning and preservation.

When the airplane is as good as new, it's sure to he a major attraction at the Piper Aviation Museum. For more information on the museum, visit www.kcnet.org/-piper.

--Gilles Auliard