The Airplane:
We operate a 1994 Waco YMF-5C biplane with a Jacobs 275 h.p., 7-cylinder radial engine and instrumentation to rival the airlines. When it's not flying, it's getting lots of TLC and turning heads all over the airport. And in case you hadn't noticed, it's RED! Check your six, Snoopy.

History of Modern Wacos:
(From Waco Classic Factory's website (http://www.wacoclassic.com/intro.html))

The dreams we chased when we were young are often our inspirations as we grow. In a world full of computers and high tech, the opportunity to go back in time and experience the most enjoyable era in aviation history is a wonderful vision. This was the era when pilots donned white scarves, goggles and leather flying helmets and introduced the world to an exciting new form of entertainment... the art of flying. These early pilots showed the world that flying was fun and exciting. It was more than loops, rolls and flying low over open fields. It was an era when pilots and their biplanes were very special, and as they arrived at an airfield they were always greeted with smiling faces and warm hearts. It was an era when people needed each other, trusted each other, and cared for one another. It was a time in history when each flight produced memories and stories that would endure a lifetime. This was the Golden Age of Aviation.. During this era, the WACO Aircraft Company of Troy, Ohio was the first family of aircraft manufacturing, having built almost twice as many aircraft as any other manufacturer. The jewel of WACO's efforts, and their last open-cockpit model for the barnstorming pilots of the 1930s, was the WACO YMF. The WACO YMF provides the culmination of WACO's efforts to produce a gorgeous and rugged biplane with absolutely delightful flight handling qualities.

In 1983, the founders of Classic Aircraft Corporation envisioned many childhood dreams coming true with the reincarnation of the WACO YMF. In the history of aviation, no company had ever taken a fifty-year-old design and manufactured it new under the original FAA type certificate. To accomplish this mission, Classic hired experienced engineering talent from Piper, Taylorcraft and Ford. While maintaining the sanctity of WACO's incredible design, this team of proven professionals modernised the aircraft with over 300 engineering changes, redrew over 1400 drawings, and built new tooling for production. This is not a rebuild or a kit plane, but a brand new FAA certified production aircraft. Product improvements such as the use of sturdy 4130 steel for the fuselage frame, instead of the outdated mild steel construction, modern hydraulic toe brakes, and the latest avionics are all consistent with the types of quality features one would expect of a brand new aircraft.

The first WACO YMF Classic rolled off the assemply line and received FAA certification under the original WACO type certificate in March of 1986. Over 5000 labour hours of fine craftmanship hand-built into each aircraft has resulted in the WACO YMF being described as an aeronautic thoroughbred. In 1991, the first WACO YMF Super was introduced, offering the modern-day barnstormer some additional improvements, such as more internal width, more legroom, increased useful load, a longer fuselage, a balanced rudder and larger front entry door. Since the delivery of the first WACO, the assembly line and the compliments have continued to roll. Acceptance of the WACO is global. Delivery to new owners in Japan, Canada, Switzerland, Germany, Kenya, Mexico, South Africa, Australia and the Carribean has been greeted with unabashed enthusiasm for craftmanship, quality, and the pure fun of true flying.