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Builders,
6 weeks ago I put out the word I was looking for a flying 601/650 which I could use as a demo aircraft for the 2025 season, and to have for R&D and development projects. There were a number of good offers, but the one that best suited the mission was Jim Ballew’s 601XL-B in Tulsa. We made arrangements to buy it without the engine and trailer it back to my place in Florida.
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Jim finished and flew the plane in 2012. It is actually only one of his 3 Corvair powered planes. A very skilled and experienced builder, he has been an EAA member nearly 60 years. The plane is simple, no frills, and well built. Just what I was looking for.
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The plane has some dated systems, and some unique installation elements that we are going to update and replace with a 100% standard 2,850cc Corvair installation, up to date all the way down to the wiring harness matching the diagrams on my website.
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Along the way, I will share the step by step process., in pictures and short videos. So the work begins. When you see this plane in person at Sun-n -Fun 2025, keep in mind that all good outcomes can be traced to a single day, the day you decided to begin.
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Above, Myself, Jim Ballew and my compadre, ‘Uncle” Gary Coppen.
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Above, adventure on the way home. Its a long story, People who follow my Face Book Page “WW Flycorvair” got to read it blow by blow.
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The aircraft getting unloaded at my hangar in Florida.
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Its good you have it home safe and sound! My guess is on the way to Florida you had a few folks ask if that was “one of dem ol Cubs airplanes”. I just smiled when I took the Capella home and just nodded, yup..one of dem ol Cubs with metal wings. Tulsa rocks, except for the road construction or potholes..you choose which. One my favorite places to visit 🙂
Vern
Mannford Oklahoma.
What part of Florida? I’m in Orlando and wouldn’t mind helping out if you are not to far away, turning 70 so not working my Handyman service full time anymore and would like to get back into being around planes again