STINSON L-9

Mississippi Wing

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The Stinson model 10A “Voyager” was a pretty advanced airplane for its size at the time of its introduction in 1940. It has features (built-in leading edge slots and three-position slotted flaps) which were not found on airplanes its size for another 15 years. The Stinson 10A Voyager, as with most "off-the-shelf" models, was drafted into the Armed Forces during World War II and served in a variety of liaison and observation missions. The Army Air Corps initially purchased six Model 10s, designating them Y0-54, for their liaison program in 1940, and in 1942 twenty Model 10As were purchased and served as the L-9B. France placed an order for 600 Voyagers, but few were delivered before the country fell in 1940. Those aircraft that were exported were diverted to Canada and several flew with the Royal Air Force. One Voyager provided air cover during the evacuation of Dunkirk.

At home in the States, the little Stinson served the Civil Air Patrol (CAP) http://www.cap.gov/ in a variety of roles and were designated the L-9B along with the US Army’s model 10As procured. Along the eastern and western shores of the United States, Voyagers flew regular patrols ranging far out to sea to search for enemy submarines and to aid in the rescue of downed pilots. The Mississippi Wing of the Commemorative Air Force has painted this “restored” Stinson in its authentic WW II, Civil Air Patrol paint scheme reflecting its actual historical role during the war.

Typical missions for the L-9B were shore patrol looking for German U-Boats or various courier flights. As a shore patrol aircraft, these Stinsons would carry a 100-pound bomb mounted under the belly of the airplane. We've been receiving a steady flow of enthusiasm from Civil Air Patrol members across the nation regarding our Stinson project. We've even been in touch with a few pilots who actually flew these little airplanes and patrolled the Atlantic coast during the War.

Our particular Stinson - NC-34693, serial number 7993, was assigned to and flew missions with the New Jersey Wing of the Civil Air Patrol during the War years. The airplane was sold from the Civil Air Patrol inventory in the late 1960's and found in the mid-1990's in the back of a hangar by former U.S. Marine Harlan Schlegel (1930-2000). Harlan was a life-long pilot and aviation enthusiast and immediately recognized the historic value of this particular aircraft. He bought it and initiated restoration. Interestingly, Harlan was also an avid Harley Davidson motorcycle fan (another hobby familiar with many of our members).

Sadly, Harlan passed away early into starting his project. His wife, Liz, wanted the project to be continued and when she was approached by the Mississippi Wing of the Confederate Air Force both parties quickly found mutual ground. The C.A.F. obtained title to the Stinson in January 2002 as its FIRST acquisition under its new name, "Commemorative Air Force". Liz enthusiastically keeps up with our progress and wants to note to us all that Harlan would be very proud also and that, "He (Harlan) was happiest when he was able to fly."

CAP Web Site http://www.cap.gov/

Mississippi Wing CAP http://mswg.cap.gov/