Piper L-4
Export to France
The Piper L-4 was a modification or the Piper J-3 produced during WWII for the military for use in aerial observation. This aeroplane was originally manufactured as an L-4 and used in the USA as a trainer for pilots and observers. After being decommissioned, it was acquired by a school to be used to train aeroplane mechanics. It was disassembled and reassembled numerous times and at some point was converted to a civilian J-3 configuration. When the school closed in the 1950’s, it was sold and flown for several years by several owners. After the warbirds became fashionable during the 1980’s, it was converted back to L-4 configuration by the then owner. It has subsequently been sold to an enthusiast in France,
Pre-purchase inspection
Appears to be well used and well maintained
Arrived at the shop
Nose art
Disassembly for export to France
Export requires an airworthiness inspection
Sorry, some repairs are necessary to pass inspection
Fabric around the windows is not attached to anything
No frame to attach the fabric to !!!
Is this screw long enough???
???
Something must be attached to something somewhere
New frames fabricated to fit and installed
Ramps to get into the container
Wings go in first
Works much better after the ramps are aligned properly
Easy part is next
Tie it to the container
Fuselage goes in next
Last view of the USA
Will it be secure enough??
If the container stay right side up…….
Good Bye !!