Restoring a Beech Super 18 to Former Glory

The Vintage Flying Museum plans to fly the Beech Super 18, once owned by aviation pioneer Jackie Cochran and entertainer Merv Griffin, to air shows to promote the history of women in aviation.

Sara Withrow

Friday, October 28, 2022 at 11:08 AM ET

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The Vintage Flying Museum in Fort Worth is restoring this Beech Super 18 that was once owned by Jackie Cochran and Merv Griffin. Note the Merv Griffin Enterprises logo on the tail in this image, circa 1970s. [Courtesy: Vintage Flying Museum/Colin Adcock]

Key Takeaways:

A historic Beechcraft Super 18, formerly owned by pioneering aviator Jackie Cochran and later by Merv Griffin (who used it to ferry Hollywood celebrities, earning it the nickname "Hollywood Bomber"), is undergoing extensive restoration.
The Vintage Flying Museum is leading the restoration efforts, primarily relying on volunteer labor and aiming for the aircraft to be airworthy by July 2023 to serve as a flying exhibit.
Once restored, the "Hollywood Bomber" will be used to promote the history of women in aviation, with a vision for it to be flown and maintained by women.
The project faces significant challenges due to the aircraft's 30 years of outdoor exposure, requiring extensive part replacement and engine overhauls, with fundraising underway through donations and a GoFundMe campaign.

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A Beechcraft Super 18 that was once owned and flown by Jackie Cochran is being restored to its former glory. Cochran, who directed the civilian Women Airforce Service Pilots (WASP) in the 1940s, holds the distinction of being the first woman to break the sound barrier.

Once it is airworthy—volunteers project a first flight by July 2023, in time for EAA AirVenture at Oshkosh—the classic business air transport will be used to promote the history of women in aviation as a flying exhibit for the Vintage Flying Museum in Fort Worth, Texas.