The One That Got Away

A Fairchild 24 flies off after its restoration—only to return 19 years later.

Leonardo Correa Luna

Monday, August 21, 2023 at 03:03 PM ET

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[Credit: Leonardo Correa Luna]

Key Takeaways:

The author details a long-standing admiration for the classic Fairchild 24, highlighting its unique aesthetics, robust mixed-material construction, and distinctive wide landing gear, particularly when equipped with the 200 hp Ranger engine.
The article shares the compelling story of Lon Dietz, who meticulously restored a 1940 Fairchild 24, won an award for it, sold it, and then, after 19 years, serendipitously reacquired the same aircraft.
A personal flight experience in Dietz's Fairchild revealed its surprisingly comfortable cockpit, excellent climb performance (aided by a rare Aeromatic propeller), balanced controls, and exceptionally soft landings, solidifying the author's desire to eventually own one.

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Eight years ago I bought my first airplane, a beautiful classic 1952 Cessna 170B. That airplane had to have these features: a tailwheel, four seats, four hours of endurance, easy to maintain—and needed to be classic and beautiful. My budget in 2014 was $50,000. The final list included the Cessna 170E and the Stinson 108, and another model that caught my eye—the far less common Fairchild 24.

This Article First Appeared in FLYING Magazine

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