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The Fokker C.IV Flys Again! |
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 As the wind turned to blow straight down runway 21, a group of about 30 Museum volunteers and staff gathered on the grass beside the runway. It would be from this strip of grass that Ken Cianchette would quite possibly become the only person alive to fly a Fokker C.IV. This particular 1923 C.IV has a long and convoluted history (see the Museum's Spring 1999 Strut & Axle publication), and came to the Museum via Cianchette’s donation of the mostly restored aircraft. Norm Stadig and Harris Mathews performed the bulk of the restoration.
The crowd looked on in disbelief, as the huge plane leaped from the ground in less than 400 feet. Necks strained to follow its climb as it soared ever higher. Cheers of excitement and congratulations were issued to and by all involved in the project as Cianchette circled overhead, seemingly light as a bird. The gathered crowd marveled at the sight of the huge, slowly turning propeller, which could be seen with each revolution.
 To say this plane flew would be an understatement. To say it floated through the air would better capture the reality. No where was this more evident than in the first landing. Seeming to hover above the runway on its final approach, the C.IV had the appearance of not wanting to return to earth so soon, as though its 69-year captivity on the ground was too long, and this first flight far too brief. Finally coaxing the plane to the ground, with its mighty tail skid showering grass as it landed, Cianchette taxied around to receive his due congratulations as the one who saw to fruition, by piloting this historic flight, the years of love and work the Museum volunteers and staff put into this plane. With the success of its initial flight, the C.IV is now ready to become a part of the Museums operating fleet of pioneer era aircraft. At long last, the public can share the grandeur of seeing one, the only one, of these beautiful Fokker C.IVs fly. |
| For More Information: Call the Museum at 207-594-4418, or e-mail the Aviation Conservator. |
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