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Show Flying ace restores 'Champ' airplane By CINDY LLOYD Flying high has been a passionate hobby of John Fechser's for years. John learned how to fly in 1949 in a Aeronca Champ airplane. John Fechser has flown in various types of airplanes over the years, including in-cluding the twin-engine piper cub; different models of Cessnas, a Citation jet, Cherokees, an Aztec twin and a Navajo Aero-commander. Aero-commander. John has also co-owned several small engine airplanes such as the Moonie 'Exec 21', Cessna Cardinal 'RG', and an Aztec one engine plane. Currently John co-owns a 1946 Aeronca Champ with Marion Smith of Springville. Fechser lives in Pleasant Grove and the Champ is kept in a hangar at Provo Airport. The Fechsers purchased the Aeronca Champ in 1978, and it was in this plane that Marion learned to fly. Originally the Aeronca Champ model was used as a military primary trainer for pilots during World War II. This particular plane was restored after being completely dissembled, by two men in Safford, Arizona. John heard about the airplane being put up for sale and he and Marion went down to look into it. Fechser was especially interested in this model since it was the same as the plane he had learned to fly in. They made the purchase and flew the airplane back to Provo. It took them three days and two nights to reach their destination. The Aeronca Champ is flown often now and shown in antique airplane shows in Provo, and Oshkosh, Wisconsin. The Champ has no electrical system, no lights, no starter, no radio communication, and the wooden prop is started by hand. The fuel tank holds ten gallons, enough for a three hour flight. The Champ cruises at about 65 to 70 mph, and has a 65 horsepower engine. In 1946 when the airplane was new it was worth less than $1,000. Now the estimated worth is between $9,000 and $10,000. Fechser said he feels that with care the Aeronca Champ could see another 40 years in flight. What a way to fly! pcfifffipilpS ' Si-'IS S5"1-; v:"":: - :;. -. V':':''?;' ': .:'"'.-. "m 4v " V V John Fescher w ith his 1946 Aeronca Champ. John shows off the Champ at antique air plane shows in Provo and Wise. |