At N85, there is an Antonov AN2, marked 'Lithuanian Airways' and operated by a couple of really interesting folks, who've been flying nearly forever.
I was on my way to button 06H up when the local Stearman driver identified me as the owner of the cute 'Coupe, to the male half of the couple that owns the AN2. He said, 'would you trade an Ercoupe ride for some AN2 time?' Seems his wife (who flies the AN2) was licensed in 1952 in one of their two 'coupes. 'Hell, yes!' Well, I got to fly the AN2 up the Delaware river. Gen-u-ine Russkie airliner, with a 1200 HP DC2 motor up on its nose (built under license by PZL, natch). Helluva lot heavier on the controls than the 'Coupe, and a bit more work with the rudders! Airbrakes, too, and no tail-wheel steering. No faster than a 'Coupe. Flaperons, and slats. Lands at 33 knots, in about 600 feet. Unbelievably tough and well-made. Too bad they're 'Experimental' here in the US of A. It's a damn fine plane. What a hoot! Needless to say, Helen and Aaron can have a 'Coupe ride any time they want! Coupes make friends. Very interesting ones. Greg
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