6600 Tico Road -- Titusville, FL 32780 -- 321-268-1941 -- vacinfo1@bellsouth.net
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History of the
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Tico Belle, C-47, in flight - March, 2010
The Valiant Air Command is proud to announce that one of it's most venerable warbirds has returned to flight once again. From the Normandy invasion to Cherbourg, to Arnhem, to Bastogne, to the Berlin Airlift and much more, this aircraft was there -- over 65 years ago. Today the "Tico Belle" is a flying extension of the museum with the mission educate the public about military history and what it meant to not only serve in World War II, but to have been present when so many sacrificed so much in the service of this Country. In addition to supporting the museum's mission through visits around the country, the VAC will be offering local rides for a very reasonable amount. If you are interested in giving someone a very special present, keep watching this space for more information or call the museum to sign up now.
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The Valiant Air Command Offers Rides in
The Valiant Air Command is proud to announce that one of its most venerable warbirds has returned to flight once again; the C-47 "Tico Belle." From the Normandy invasion to Cherbourg, to Arnhem, to Bastogne, to the Berlin Airlift and much more, this aircraft was there -- over 65 years ago.
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REPAIR PROGRESS PICTURES
DONATION FORM
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February 2008 "Tico Belle" update
C47 Update from Bob James; maintence officer - I'm happy to report that we have had good progress with the C47. The new main tires and brakes have been mounted and installed on the aircraft. Many thanks to Norm Lindsay and our volunteer crew. They have worked steadily and have overcome numerous challenges along the way. Also to Gary Norville of American Aero Services in New Smyrna Beach, Florida for doing the removal of the old main tires and mounting the new tubes and tires on the rims.Many thanks to Tom Reilly for his leadership in the covering of the elevators and Susan Reilly for making the envelopes for the elevators. Tom also was there to guide the crew during the installation of the propellers. We still have a number of coats to apply to the elevators before they will be ready to mount. We have to wait for the warmer and drier weather to accomplish that task. We hope to have the "Tico Belle" running by the Tico AirShow (March 14-16th, 2008). That date is fast approaching so make your plans to attend and see the progress we have made.
August 2006 "Tico Belle" update
We now have a freshly overhauled engine ( P&W R1830-92) for the left side. It is installed and the majority of new flex hoses have also been installed. All of the engine accessories have been overhauled and installed (less the feathering pumps).The electrical circuits have been connected and verified.
The engine control cables have been connected and adjusted for the proper tension with the exception of one carburetor control that will be replaced due to a frayed wire. The safety wiring of the many turnbuckles is in progress.
The pilot and co-pilots seats have been repaired and will be installed after the cockpit flooring is in place.
The major work items reaming are the wing attach air worthiness (AD) which requires a 2,000 pound jig to verify the wing structure configuration, obtain new tires and brakes and the installation of the outboard wing sections and propellers.
Hopefully all these things will be complete by our annual air show next year (March 16-18, 2007). Hope to see many of my old friends at next years show.
Robert E. James
Maintenance Director
CURRENT STATUS - March, 2005
The Valiant Air Command's C47 has been in a repair cycle since July of 2001. It was seriously damaged during a landing accident returning from an airshow in North Carolina.We currently are anticipating having it ready for the airshow next year (2006). The majority of the sheet metal repairs have been completed. We have acquired one used replacement engine that has two thirds of its life remaining that will be utilized in the right side (#2). We are still raising money to obtain an overhauled engine for the other side (left #1).
Other work yet to be completed involves repairing the pilot and copilots seats, control columns, floor boards and flight control cabling. Once the engines have been installed all new hoses will be fabricated and connected between the firewall and their engine interfaces. Once the engine systems have been "debugged" the outboard wing sections will be mated to the center wing platform.
Any contributions for the repair/restoration of the "Tico Belle" should be made out to the Valiant Air Command, C47 fund and sent to the VAC at 6600 Tico Rd., Titusville, Fl 32780
Robert E. James, Maintenance Director, Valiant Air Command
Another major element will be replacing the old wheels tires and brakes. These items have yet to be obtained. We hope to have all systems up and running by the end of the year to allow time to get the "Tico Belle" in the air for several months prior to the 2006 airshow. This time will allow final squawks to be resolved and for the flight crew some proficiency flight time.
July 9th, 2001
On July 9th,2001, our flagship C-47, the TICO Belle, crashed on landing in extreme weather conditions. The ship was removed from the runway on the night of the crash and deposited on the concrete ramp outside our main tuskegee. During the week of the 15th through the 21st, both engines were removed. On the 28th with the help of two local companies, Justus Boat Transport and Maxim Crane Works, it was moved to our maintenance hangar.She currently sits in our maintenance hangar, undergoing evaluation.
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