Meet the Fleet. More precisely, a Consolidated Aircraft Fleet, Model 2. This little cutie rolled off the assembly line at 2400 Elmwwod Ave, Buffalo, NY on July 5, 1929, coincidentally, just a few blocks from where my wife was born almost 5 decades later. When the airplane became available it was love at first sight, and I knew it was coming home with us.
We call her "Babe", after both Babe Ruth, who was playing for the NY Yankees in 1929, and for my mentor, John Cournoyer, who always greeted my wife Lisa with a big bear hug and a “Hey, Babe.”
Despite her good looks, Babe is a beast - rugged but very pretty to look at all at the same time. She trained young men headed off to War in the early 40's and flew wartime patrols over NY during it. Fleets are renowned for their excellent flying qualities and agility. On July 6th, 1930, Paul Mantz set the outside loop record (46!!) flying a Fleet just like this one!
Babe has a 125 HP Kinner B5R Engine which quickly became outdated during the rapid engine development occuring during the war. Ours is in terrific shape, but parts, like they are for any "pre war" engine, are scarce as hens teeth. We keep her close to home, although I can tell Babe would jump at the chance to visit her roots up North again. I really hope to take her flying July 5. 2029... on her 100th Birthday.
