Westin's Stinson 108 Voyager Aviation Page

Stinson 108 Approved Type Certificate A-767 Type Certificate Data Sheets. I downloaded this copy, revision 27, from the FAA Homepage, it is in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format. NOTE - Univair updated the type certificate to revision 27 on July 14, 2005. My thanks to Wade Jones for bringing this udate to my attention. Added 3/6/98, Last updated 09/14/05.

Franklin Engine Type Certificate E-238 Type Certificate Data Sheets for the Franklin model 6A4-150-B3, 6A4-150-B31, and 6A4-165-B3 engines used in the Stinson 108 as delivered from the factory (this TCDS includes some other Franklin engine models which were not installed in Stinson aircraft). The rights to the Franklin engine, and the owner of the type certificate data sheet for these engines is "PZL-RZESZOW"-SPOLKA AKCYJNA located in Poland. I downloaded this copy from the FAA Homepage, it is in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format. Added 09/07/04.

Stinson STC's a list of Supplemental Type Certificate changes approved for the Stinson model 108 Voyager. NOTE this is NOT an official list, but provided to help Stinson owners. Rev. I, Last updated 09/02/02.

Stinson AD's A list of Airworthiness Directives for the Stinson model 108, the Franklin 6A4-150 and 6A4-165 engines, and the Koppers "Aeromatic" Propeller. NOTE this is NOT an official AD list, it is provided for Stinson owners information. The FAA now has an online homepage where Supplemental Type Certificates, and Airworthiness Directives are available. Take a look at the FAA's Aircraft Certification Page. For Stinson 108 AD's you need to select "U" as the manufacture, then select "Univair." Univair is the type certificate holder for the Stinson 108 series. For Supplemental Type Certificates select TC Number (Type Certificate number) A-767. Added 10/20/01, Last updated 09/02/02.

FAA Records Address and telephone number for the Federal Aviation Administration Aircraft Registration branch to obtain copies of aircraft records at reasonable cost. Records now provided by the FAA on CD-ROM and include Adobe Acrobat Reader, details on how to request the records from the FAA. Rev. E, Last updated 07/25/04.

FAA Warning about a company doing business as the Franklin Engine Club, from Underwood, Indiana, who have performed substandard, illegal maintenance on Franklin engines.

Stinson 108 Documentation and Manuals

Listed here are both required and available Stinson 108 Documentation and Manuals. Take a look to verify you have the needed documentation and manuals to support safe and legal flying. Includes information about the Stinson Data Kit. Now includes Univair part numbers for the Stinson Circlular Slide Rule and the instructions for the slide rule (as I write this the cost is less than $11.00 for both the Stinson CircularSlide Rule and the Instructions for its use)!! Last updated 12/30/01.

When Stinson delivered a new 1948 108-3 a "Stinson Data Kit" was included for the new owner. Among other items, Stinson included a 5 x 8 inch laminated checklist for the 108-3. Image 108cl-1.gif is one side of the Stinson 108-3 checklist, image 108cl-2.gif is the other side of the Stinson 108-3 checklist. Last updated 01/02/02.

Correct weight and balance of any airplane is essential for safe flight. Homepage visitor Tim Briggs sent me three Microsoft Excel 97 spreadsheet files. These Excel files are configured so you can calculate Stinson weight and Balance. Three spreadsheets are available. First spreadsheet is stn108.xls , 128K, is for the straight model 108, the second spreadsheet is stn108-2.xls , 126K, is for the Stinson 108-1 and 108-2. The third spreadsheet is stn108-3.xls , 127K, is for the Stinson 108-3. NOTE - MS Excel files are not normally displayed, so when you click on these links you will be asked if you want to download or open them. I suggest you download the files to your P.C., then later open Excel and view them. If you have questions or comments please e-mail Tim Briggs at tbriggs3@mn.rr.com. Last updated 11/23/05.

Buying a Stinson 108

When buying a Stinson 108 there are some areas which need careful examination. This text article explains some the Important areas to check when buying a Stinson model 108. This article deals with the Stinson 108 specifically, so many areas which are applicable to the purchase of any airplane must also be followed. Added 07/16/05, Last updated 02/03/07.

Stinson Model 108 Serieal Numbers This article describes where the Stinson 108 serial numbers are located. Added 02/03/07.

Parts and Service Sources for
the Stinson 108 and Franklin Engine

Stinson and Franklin Parts and Service Sources. If you know of sources which I have not listed, or errors with the list, please send me your updated information. Please continue to provide corrections and updates! Revision 104, Last Updated 10/17/07.

Stinson 108 Parts and Service Recommendations by Joe Dexter. Joe is the Technical Editorfor the International Stinson Club, see his article appears each month in the "Skywriter." You can reach Joe at joedexter@earthlink.net. Added 11/2/98.

Stinson 108 13 Gallon Auxiliary Fuel Tank. Many year ago Met-Co-Aire built a 13 gallon auxiliary fuel tank for the Stinson 108. While Met-Co-Aire no longer builds the tank, learn how you can obtain the drawings needed to construct a tank yourself. My thanks to David Bogart for researching the auxiliary fuel tank. You can visit the Met-Co-Aire homepage for detailed contact information. Added 07/25/04.

Stinson's for Rent and or FBO's who have a Stinson 108 for rent, or provide Stinson 108 flight instruction. Rev. S, Last Updated 06/29/07.

New and Remanufactured Parts for the Stinson 108 Voyager and Flying Station Wagon. This list is of individuals and companies who build new parts for the Stinson. Included are original type -3 wooden side panels, refinished control wheels, and etched instrument panels. If you want your Stinson to look original please take a look here. Last updated 01/21/06.

Stinson Propeller Service available. Kent Tarvers is the owner of Aeromatic, Flottorp and formerly Beech Roby propellers, along with 13 TC's on props. Kent Tarver can be reached at his homepage, TARVER PROPELLERS, LLC. Although he reports a big backlog he may be able to help you with your propeller problems. Added 05/17/02.

Stinson Clubs listing of clubs which support the Stinson airplane. Consider joining a Stinson club for more information about this great airplane. Rev. 10, Last Updated 01/01/04.

Stinson 108 Historical Information

Prototype Stinson model 108 details. This article details how Stinson used two model 10A Voyagers and converted them into the prototypes Stinson 108's. Some details are still missing so if you can supply any added information please contact me. Added 12/01/97.

All the original documentation I have for the Stinson 108 shows a Wayne, Michigan, address. Click here to learn where the Stinson 108 was actually built!. This is revision 1 of the text article. Here is an aerial view of the Detroit Wayne Industrial Airport circa 1946. This is a big image, B&W, about 275K. Here is an image of the Detroit Sectional Chart for 1948, look for Stinson field, just south and a little west of Wayne, MI, color, about 149K. Added 11/28/04, last updated 01/01/05.

Stinson 108 Identification. This article includes serial number ranges for the six different Stinson model 108's built, also includes the original "NC" numbers assigned to each serial number, and limited external recognition differences between the various models. Rev. J, Last Updated 10/06/05.

Stinson Model 108 Series This article is an overview of the six models which make up the Stinson 108 series, 108, 108-1, 108-2, 108-3, 108-4 and 108-5. Rev. E, Last Updated 01/06/07.

Stinson 108 Factory Delivered Costs This article shows the factory delivered costs for new Stinson 108 models. Rev. A, Added 10/06/05.

Stinson 108 Factory Delivered Colors, for all model 108 serial numbers based on the production list and also the SERVICE PARTS and ACCESSORIES LETTER number 1-D, dated April 2, 1948. Rev. Q, Last Updated 07/07/05.

Voyager verus Station Wagon Lists the differences between the Stinson model 108 Voyager and the Stinson model 108 Flying Station Wagon. Includes the inside cabin and baggage door deminisions of the Stinson 108. Now Rev. C, Last Updated 7/16/02.

Stinson Model 108-4 Station Wagon describes the last model 108 designed by Stinson. The model 108-4, serial number 108-4693, NX149C, was flown by Stinson in April 1948, and later by Piper into late 1949. Various engines were flown on this airplane. Rev. B, Added 12/26/02.

Stinson 108 Bibliography Printed information directly concerning the Stinson 108 series aircraft and the Franklin engine which powers the airplane. Rev. 28, Last Updated 10/14/07.

Stinson 108's with Duplicate Serial Numbers. On 3 different occassions one serial number has been issued to two different Stinson 108 airplanes. Interestingly each pair of airplanes was flying at the same time! Now Rev A, Last updated 3/30/99.

Details about the Standard Stinson 108 Radios installed at the factory on all new production 108's. These radios are a far cry from modern synthesized VHF radios of today! First is the General Electric AS-1B Radio used in the Stinson 108. Here the Manual for the GE AS-1B. Next is the Halicrafters CA2 Radio used in the Stinson 108-1, 108-2 and 108-3. Here is the Manual for the Halicrafters CA2. Here is a view of a Hallicrafters CA-2 Skyfone installed in a Stinson 108-2, N9429K, in the original pilot position, still in place, but looking a little worn, late 2004. My thanks to David Martin for sending me the image of the CA-2 radio still installed in 108-2 N9429K. All Stinson model 108s were delivered from the factory with a direction finding capability. Keep in mind this was before the days of VORs, LORAN or GPS. Shown here is the fixed loop antenna installed inside the fuselage (this antenna worked because all factory delivered Stinson 108s were fabric covered). Added 1/27/01, Last updated 11/28/04.

Stinson 108's in Military service. Read about Stinson 108 used by the Ejercito del Aire (Spanish Air Force). Spain used the Stinson 108 for liaison from the late 1940's through 1965. Here is an image of Ejercito del Aire L.2-17 in Service. Image courtesy of noted author John Wegg , black and white, about 51K. I visited the museum in September 1999 and again in April 2001. The Museo del Aire has 2 examples of Ejercito del Aire Stinson 108's on display. First is an unique example displayed uncovered in hangar 2. This airplane is displayed suspended from the ceiling, visitors can readily see the structure of the airplane. In another hangar is a restored example, shown here from the front and another view shown from the rear. These images added 11/2/99, Jaime Cervera sent me this information about the Stinson 108's used in Spain. Last updated 07/16/05.

Light Stinson's BEFOE the model 108. This article is an overview of the three "light" aircraft built by Stinson before the model 108 Voyager. These aircraft include the Stinson 105 (HW75/80), Voyager model 10/10A and the L-5 Sentinel.

Stinson L-5 Sentinel Information. More detailed information about the Stinson L-5 Sentinel series of aircraft. Now Revision 10, Last updated 01/01/04.

Stinson 108 Major Modifications

At least two different Stinson 108's have been modified with tri-cycle landing gear. I saw a photo of a Stinson 108 with tri-cycle landing at an air museum in Birmingham, Alabama. But I don't know more about it, although I believe this installation has an STC approval. Russell Chambers of Texas has modified N6544M to tri-gear configuration. Take a look at n6544m-1.jpg and n6544m-2.jpg for images of Chambers's tri-cycle Stinson 108-3. Chambers indicates the landing gear has been modified since these photos were taken. Russ Chambers sent me an updated image of n6544m-3.jpg taken in late 2004. You can learn more about the Russell Chambers tri-gear modification via email at russchambers@geusnet.net. Updated 11/28/04.

The Stinson Twins!

When Piper Aircraft purchased the Stinson Division of Consolidated Aircraft in late 1948, included with the Stinson sale were the drawings for a new twin engine airplane designed by Stinson. Piper went on to build this airplane, initially naming it the "Twin Stinson." This photograph shows the Prototype Twin Stinson on the ground shortly after its first flight in March 1952. Registered N1953A, with Piper serial number 23-01. Here is a second photograph of the Prototype Twin Stinson in Flight. This airplane was a true milestone aircraft for Piper. It was the the aircraft which took Piper from the manufacture of tube and fabric "puddle jumpers," into the world of all metal business aircraft. This airplane was later marketed by Piper as the "Apache," first of Piper's American Indian named products. Later it evolved into the definitive Piper Aztec. Added 8/1/00, Last updated 01/18/03.

A really Unique "Twin Stinson". This article details a rather unique airplane built up from two others. The FAA lists this unique airplane as a "Pierce-Arrow" model U-2. Only one was ever converted. Here is an in-flight view of the unique Twin Stinson Pierce-Arrow. And a second image of the Pierce-Arrow in formation with a Pitts Special. Recently heard more information about this this airplane, it is now being stripped and inspected. Updated information as of 03/02/01 from owner Jimi Genzling - As it stands right now the Fuselage has completed it's final inspection prior to covering, which will probably start in a couple of week's. It has passed with "Flying" colors. The wing center section is the next project so as to get her back on her own feet. Am in the proccess of building a new wiring harness and completing the interior electrical and rigging prior to covering. Jimi Genzling indicates he would be interested in selling or trading this unique "Twin Stinson" for a high wing project. If you're interested contact the "Desert Eagle" at jimi@hdc-nm.com for more information. Jimi Genzling now has a web page about the unusual "twin Stinson." Take a look at the Current State of the Pierce-Arrow Twin Stinson. Plans are to return this airplane to original single engine configuration. Added 6/10/97, Last updated 03/02/01.

Unusual Stinson 108 Information!

Read how a Stinson 108 used Electrically Activated Explosive Wing Bolts to remove the wings INFLIGHT! Learn how a Stinson 108 landed safely after shedding both wings at 5,000 feet above the ground. A very unusual Stinson indeed! First is an image of the designers Angelo Raiti and Dario Manfredi, with test pilot Tommy Walker, B&W, about 90K. Second image shows the Stinson 108 shortly after the wings have separated and the parachute is deployed , B&W, about 47K, with the third image of the Stinson 108 shortly before touchdown, B&W, about 50K. Possibly most impressive - this airplane was rebuilt and is flying again! Last updated 01/02/02.

NX8563K A very unusual Stinson 108, a photo of this specific Stinson is shown in "The Stinsons" by John Underwood.

Stinson Stories. Read about interesting stories of the Stinson 108. Last updated 01/18/98.

Stinson Movies This heading is a real odd ball actually. Listed here are the movies I know of which the Stinson 108 has participated. Movies are also included which the other Stinson models appear in too. I also know there are more which I have not participated. I also know there are more which I have not listed. Rev 25, Last updated 08/02/08.

Stinson 108 Models

Over the years several people have asked about a Stinson model. Pacific Products Gallery now has available a fine looking Stinson 108-3 model. You can view the model built for Ron Apple on the Pacific Products Gallery of Custom built Civilian Aircraft Homeapge. For more inforamtion you can e-mail Pacific Products Gallery at aircraft@pacprod.com. My thanks to Ron Apple for letting me know about the availability of this model. Added 04/22/00.

Another Stinson model source. Joe Dexter emailed me to let me know he ordered a Stinson 108 model from Jeff Bretzer at customaircraftmodels@compuserve.com. Can have your "N" number and custom paint. Ask for the "Continental Airlines price." Added 05/14/00.

Wendell Hostetler has available plans to build an electric powered radio control Stinson 108. Here is a photo of the completed Hostetler Stinson 108 model. Shown next to the model is Wendell's 14 year old grand daughter for a size comparison. These plans can be purchased from the Hostetler's Plans Homeapge. The plans are for a 26.6% scale model, with a wingspan of 108 inches!! Added 2/14/04, Last updated 03/02/04.

Doug Suminski has Stinson plans, including the model 108, available on eBay. Visit DougsHobbyShop on eBay to see what is available. Added 03/02/04.

Questions and Answers

If after looking around my homepage and don't find the answer to your question, try the Stinson and Franklin Frequently Asked Questions. Revision 2, Last updated 01/01/04.

Stinson 108 Airliner?. Homepage viewer Charles Euripides has put forth the suggestion that some Stinson 108's were used in airline service. Since the original suggestion I have learned of two more airlines which used the Stinson 108. Now Rev. B, Last updated 3/15/00.

Here is an image Orcas Air Service flying the 1947 Stinson 108 poster. My thanks to Jon Franklin for providing this image. Color, about 103K, Last updated 02/06/05.

Stinson 108 Trivia Question This is a question about the Stinson 108 sent to me by David Talley . If you think you know the answer E-Mail me back with your answer. My Stinson Questions. I have some of my own questions about the Stinson 108, please e-mail me with any answers you have to my questions. My questions now at revision G, which reflects answers received from others on Internet. Last updated 06/24/00.

Links of Stinson Specific Interest

(Also Check New & Remanufactured Parts above for more Stinson specific Parts Links)

Univair is the Type Certificate holder for the Stinson 108 series airplanes. Univair also has parts manufacturing authority (PMA) for Stinson parts. Many of the parts I used in restoring my own airplane came from Univair. Added 12/30/98, updated 06/06/06.

Hangar 9 Aeroworks by John Baker. A lot of information on engine options and Stinson 108 weight. Take a look and see how NC6197M is progressing as well as info on his Aeronca! Added 12/30/98, updated 03/27/06.

Long time International Stinson Club Technical Editor, Joe Dexter, has a new Stinson/FranklinHomepage. Added 07/04/99.

Dave Miller has an excellent Stinson site, take a look at Dave Miller's Stinson Homepage. I strongly recommend a look! Added 11/11/03.

Julio Natale has a beautiful Stinson 108-1 based in Argentina, take a look at Julio's site featuring LV-NSM Text on the Homepage is in Spanish. Julio has provided an English Translation of the text on his site. Added 4/17/04, Last updated 04/24/04.

The Museo Aeronútico of Uruguay is in the process of restoring Stinson 108-3, registration CX-ALL, serial number 108-5225, which was one of 4 Stinson 108-3's delivered by Stinson to Uruguay on June 29, 1948. Curator Eduardo Luzardo has kept me posted on progress. Now available are images of the Stinson restoration as well as other aircraft of the museum. Take a look at the work in progress: first set of images, second set of images, and the third set of images. As you can see from the images the project is progressing along very well indeed. The museum is need of some parts to complete the restoration, a control wheel, a propeller and propeller spinner, plus some other needed parts. If you can help with parts, or are in a position to help financially with a donation, please contact Eduardo Luzardo at charrua156@hotmail.com. Added 11/02/05, updated 08/06/06,

International Stinson Club - formerly the SWSC - South West Stinson Club. Valuable source of information about Stinson airplanes and club events. If it has been awhile may I suggest you take a look. Added 09/20/96, Last updated 07/15/07 .

Franklin Parts and Service. Susan Prall is the owner of Franklin Parts. Added 08/12/04.

Steve Plourde's Aerial Photography. Steve uses his Stinson 108, serial number 44, N40114, to take aerial photogaphs of the Northern Illinois, Southern Wisconsin area. Added 01/18/03.

Grassroots Aviation by Tim Payne, who owns Stinson 108-2, N9770K. Tim has Stinson images and other Stinson Information on his Homepage. Added 03/19/01.

Kevin Hudson's Stinson 108 page.

Jim Gray's homepage features the Stinson L-5 Sentinel. IMPORTANT UPDATE - Jim Gray is in the process of writing a book about the Stinson L-5 Setninel. If you were a L-5 pilot in WWII or Korea, were a Stinson factory employee who worked on the L-5, or can contribute information, particularly vintage photographs, information about Sentinel Aircraft Company, please email Jim Gray at akdhc2pilot@yahoo.com. Added 11/27/00, updated 01/21/06.

Franklin Engines by PZL - an AVWEB article. This article details the apparent end of the PZL ownership of Franklin engines. Apparently, from the AVWEB article, PZL no longer builds any piston engines. Details in the link. Added 11/10/98, Last updated 01/06/07.

Franklin Aircraft Engines in Grudziadz, Poland. Homepage visitor Dave Watson recently emailed me about this new Franklin aircraft Engines homepage. Last updated 01/06/07.

Franklin Aircraft Engines at Fort Collins, Colorado. (note the 11/02/05 update corrects a misspelling in the URL). Last updated 11/02/05.

Katherine Stinson: The Flying School girl. Katherine Stinson was sister to Eddie Stinson, founder of Stinson Aircraft. Debra L. Winegarten has written abook about Katherine Stinson. Added 03/26/01.

Stinson 108-1 NC8410K, by John Van Horn. Take a look at the original Hallicrafters CA-2 Skyfone radio! Added 12/23/99.

Stinson Factory Photographs circa 1935, by Brian Johannesson. Added 06/21/01.

All American Aviation History. Dr. Richard David Wissolik, of the English Department at Saint Vincent College, Latrobe, Pennsylvania, has written a history of how Stinson Reliants were used to pick up mail from the late 1930's through the 1940's. Added 09/29/99.

Penn Valley Hobby Center model airplane center. A model of the Stinson HW-75 is available from PVHC. It is the Micro-x FS-702, is a balsa stick model, rubber band power, with a 26" wingspan. PVHC price is $17.36 plus $4.00Shipping/Handling charge per order. Information accurate as of 04/24/99.

Flyinghigher aircraft for sale Flyinghigher.net Stinson Aircraft available for sale. Added 06/06/06.

Tom Schultz's Stinson 108-2 C-FFJT, by Flt Com. Added 06/27/04.

Other Aviation Links

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