Recreating an American biplane classic wonderful Waco

Air Classics, Sep 1999 by Thompson, Jim

Recreating aviation's Golden Age is exactly what the staff of Classic Aircraft had in mind when they reincarnated the Waco YMF-5, which many pilots describe as the ultimate "fun flying machine." In 1935, Waco founder Clayton Bruckner, already established as one of the nation's largest aircraft builders, set out to build a very special craft for the sportsman-pilot- a plane that would be good looking, safe, a strong performer, and easy to fly, Airmen of the 1930s agreed that the F-5 met all the criteria.

Fifty years later, Classic Aircraft undertook to do the very same thing. The product of this effort, the Classic Waco F-5, has gained acceptance not only as a beautiful new edition of the earlier Waco, but also as an airborne time machine, transporting its owners back to those "good old days," but with all the convenience and safety

offered by modern construction and components, and state of the art electronics.

Built under the original type certificate, the reincarnation of the Waco F-5 was accomplished with continuing inspection by the Federal Aviation Administration at every step of design and manufacture. Nearly 100 minor and major modifications, thoroughly tested and FAA-approved prior to adoption, have helped to make a great aircraft from aviation s past an even better aircraft today. The Classic Waco F-5, while cosmetically an authentic reproduction of its respected predecessor, incorporates in its updated version significant new features which improve flight and ground handling, provide more comfort for pilot and passengers, and meet the strict safety provisions which FAA certification mandates.

Most important, it is still the good-looking, easy to fly, strong performer Clayton Bruckner set out to build in 1935.

As well as a fun machine, the Classic Waco is also a working airplane. One early delivery handles a rigorous daily schedule of passenger-hopping and banner-towing. Another owner transports business clients and participates in some forms of aerial advertising. Also, the Classic Waco has been recently certificated to operate on floats.

Should weather close in, the F-5, with any one of several optional instrument and avionics packages, is approved for instrument flight.

Reincarnation of the Waco F-5 has involved far more than simply dusting off the old drawings and tooling. All of the original engineering drawings had to be redrafted on a stable mylar base, and more than 800 additional drawings were needed to detail changes and modifications.

Entirely new tooling and jigs, built to rigid FAA standards, had to be designed, fabricated and approved before any manufacturing operations could be initiated. The caliber of these preliminary moves, combined with dedicated workmanship and strict quality control are reflected in the overall excellence of the craft. Flawless finish in custom colors and deluxe cockpit appointments are obvious and easily recognized, but equally important are unseen features such as TIG welding, painstaking woodworking, hand-forming of metal components, internal oiling of steel tubing and a host of other modern, high quality manufacturing procedures.

The leadership of the Classic production group boasts impressive individual backgrounds in aeronautical development and manufacturing, including FAA-designated authorities in areas of engineering, inspection and flight. Craftsmen from a variety of related fields have been welded into a cohesive unit, all members of which share a common concern - making a great airplane.

From the authentic bumped metal cowling to the full-swivel steerable tail wheel, the smoothly faired fuel tank installations to the balanced symmetry of the wheel pants, Classic F-5's many other features include toe-activated

Cleveland hydraulic disc brakes, flight and engine controls positioned for maximum convenience, and windshields redesigned and refined to minimize cockpit air turbulence. A stainless steel firewall has been installed while the cockpit has been made deeper for increased pilot comfort A locked baggage area provides 7.5 cubic feet of space.

Because more than 90 percent of the F-5's components are fabricated in-house (the remainder are provided by a small corps of dependable. nationally-known manufacturers and suppliers), and stocked in a computer-controlled inventory, Classic Aircraft assures F-5 owners of prompt support.

The reliable Jacobs R-755B2 engine, a much improved edition of a widely used military predecessor, is supplied by the Jacobs Service Company, owner of the original Jacobs type certificates. Upgraded through the use of chromed cylinders, new castings, advanced sealers and overall tighter tolerances, the R-755B2's TBO has been extended to 1200 hours. Jacobs Service will, on call, draw from a complete stock of engine parts. Jacobs Service also offers an attractive overhaul/exchange program.

Classic Aircraft has done a commendable job in recreating an American classic and, with production nearing 100 aircraft, the F-5 is an obvious success.