This aircraft is for sale on eBay. The auction ends December 14, 2003 at 17:00 PST (Zulu-8). Click here for High resolution photos of Number 14 and other Noon Patrol Nieuports. The Noon Patrol has donated this Nieuport to EAA Chapter 292 and the auction proceeds will be used to reduce the mortgage on the chapter hangar. The minimum bid will is $10,000. This is a very unique aircraft and is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. Built from Graham Lee plans, this 7/8 scale Nieuport 11 replica from World War I is #14 of The Noon Patrol, the group featured in Kitplanes and Sport Aviation magazines this past year. This aircraft was displayed front-row center at Oshkosh this past summer. The Noon Patrol, the aircraft, and the process are all documented on EAA Chapter 292’s website at www.eaa292.org for all to see. Hundreds of pictures document every aspect of the meticulous construction of this gorgeous aircraft. It was inspected by the FAA on September 18, 2003, and was first flown October 25, 2003.

The engine is an all new 1835 cc VW, coupled to a Diehl Case that provides a full electrical system complete with starter. It delivers an honest 60 horsepower and 300 pounds of static thrust with a 62 x 22 propeller. The engine was professionally balanced and was built according to plans from Great Plains Aircraft. The straight exhaust pipes from this engine fit the image of this aircraft beautifully, and the sound is perfect: throaty and vigorous.

This aircraft is registered in the Experimental, Amateur-Built Category. The airframe is constructed out of 6061-T6 aluminum, covered in 2.7 ounce fabric and finished in the Stits Process; the final coat is in Nevada Silver. The Roundels and Sioux Chief Insignia are reproductions of the original markings of the Lafayfette Escadrille Squadron that flew in France in 1915. This particular aircraft has unique markings dedicating it to the memory of Raoul Lufbery, America’s first Ace, and the heart and soul of the Escadrille.

Instrumentation is complete day VFR, and includes Airspeed, Altimeter, tachometer, dual CHT, dual EGT, Oil Temperature, Oil Pressure, and Voltmeter. All cabanes, V-struts, and landing gear legs have been painted to resemble wood. Alcoawood as we say!

This aircraft flies at 75-80 mph. It can take off in less than 300 feet and lands in less than that. It flies hands off and is a rock-solid platform for pure fun. The engine only burns 2.5 gallons of fuel per hour and the gas tank capacity is 13 gallons. Scarf and goggles are not included. It is the pride and joy of The Noon Patrol, and we’ve collectively donated this plane to our EAA Chapter who are the ones conducting the sale. This picture is of the gathering of The Noon Patrol on Memorial Day, 2003 at Independence State Airport (7S5). Not all of the aircraft have been inspected by the FAA yet, but seven have. On this occasion, all the wings had been mated to fuselages, and it was a real milestone in the process. This is probably the most Nieuport 11s in one place since the end of World War I. If the winning bidder is from the Oregon area, that person would certainly be welcome to join The Noon Patrol. We can help any buyer learn what needs to be known about this aircraft to make the transition to this type of flying safe and enjoyable. We were collectively captured by the romance and the history of this very first American fighter plane, and we’re very sure that you will be too. This is a picture of the Lafayette Escadrille Pilot on the Memorial in Paris.

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last updated 12-04-03