FTLComm - Tisdale - April 10, 1999

This aircraft is a mere fifty-two years old and is owned by Tom Schultz of Nipawin. Fox-trot, Fox-trot, Juliet Tango was imported into Canada the year it was made with its 150 horse power Franklin engine, however it is now equipped with a 145 horse power Lycoming but still has its two speed manually controlled propeller. This aircraft is shown here on wheels but spends its summers on floats. You will note the added fins on the stabiliser and other mounting hardware. The aircraft is made from a steel tubing structure and covered with doped and painted fabric. The only wood in the aircraft are the floor boards. Stinson aircraft were first made in the 1930s when the beautiful radial powered 4,000 pound reliant was their primary aircraft. With the arrival of World War II Stinson produces at least three variants of observation and liaison planes the most memorable was the one seen in the movie Battle of the Bulge in which Henry Fonda discovers the German armour columns Up until the United States entering the war they began producing an inexpensive general aviation craft the 10A Voyager. In 1946 the aircraft shown here was introduced and was extremely popular, unlike the prewar model this one could handle four passengers and was certified to take off at 2,400 pounds. FFJT is a mere 1,013 pounds so with fuel and passengers this is an excellent aircraft. This plane cruises at 121 mph, stalls at 65 and has a modest 510 mile range. It can take off in 1,400 feet and has a service ceiling of 16,500 ft. With its low weight it is a good two person float plane. Its short range is because of its 50 US gallon fuel tanks. In December 1948 the Stinson aircraft company was sold to Piper who continued to manufacture the Voyager then also sold a variation of it called the Station Wagon which was a slightly lighter utility aircraft with the back seats removed capable of handling 640 pounds of cargo. Mr. Schultz has kept this aircraft up to date as you can see a Loran C on the panel and the cockpit is equipped with an intercom system so that pilot and passengers can fly with the comfort of head sets.

Below are some interesting web sites that have information and pictures about the Stinson Voyager.

http://www.aeromar.com/swsc.html - South West and National Stinson clubs, this is a great web site with some pictures but a large number of links to various Stinson pages.

http://www.smartlink.net/~westin/ac_0.html Stinson 108 Voyager and flying station wagon page by larry Westin includes a picture and detailed information on aircraft and parts.

http://www.smartlink.net/~westin/ac_1.html -- Larry Westin's photos of the Stinson are exceptional.

http://www.wmof.com/108a.htm - a 108A (1946) version undergoing restoration

http://www.aircoinc.com/99103.htm - here is a 108-3 1950 Voyager for sale on floats or skiies.

http://www.basshays.com/stinson.htm - this is a 1947 108-2 and the owner wants $25,000 US

http://steve.byu.edu/stinson.htm - this is a restoration project on 10A but the interesting thing about this site is that it has a large number of pictures showing the process of rebuilding with the aircraft striped down to its steel frame and every thing in between.