In a remarkable display of aviation history, the Owls Head Transportation Museum’s 1923 Fokker C.IVa took flight on August 1. Assisted by aircraft volunteers, pilot Brad Carter, and aircraft conservator Dave Carter, this 100-year-old aircraft soared through the skies above Owls Head, celebrating a century of transportation milestones. Originally built as a two-cockpit observation plane, the Fokker C.IVa underwent multiple transformations over the years, serving as a passenger carrier and even attempting a long-distance flight from Washington State to Japan. After being rediscovered and lovingly restored, the Fokker C.IVa made its first flight in nearly seven decades in 1999. A testament to the enduring legacy of aviation, this historic aircraft continues to fascinate and inspire to this day.
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Owls Head Transportation Museum’s 1923 Fokker C.IVa Takes Flight
The Owls Head Transportation Museum recently celebrated a significant milestone as their 1923 Fokker C.IVa aircraft took to the skies on August 1. This event marked the culmination of a century of transportation history in motion. The aircraft, with the assistance of aircraft volunteers, pilot Brad Carter, and aircraft conservator Dave Carter, soared above Owls Head, Maine, showcasing its remarkable capabilities.
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Modifications Throughout Its Lifetime
The 1923 Fokker C.IVa underwent several modifications throughout its long lifetime. Originally designed as a two-cockpit observation plane, it was subsequently transformed into a passenger carrier in Washington State during the 1920s. To achieve this conversion, one cockpit was removed, and four wicker seats were installed inside the fuselage, creating a comfortable passenger compartment. Later, in 1930, the aircraft underwent another transformation, this time becoming a long-distance competitor with the ambitious goal of crossing the Pacific Ocean from Tacoma, Washington to Tokyo, Japan.
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Conversion to a Passenger Carrier
The decision to convert the 1923 Fokker C.IVa into a passenger carrier was driven by the need for efficient and comfortable air transit. By removing one cockpit and installing four wicker seats, the aircraft was able to accommodate passengers, making it a versatile mode of transportation during the 1920s. This modification allowed the aircraft to cater to the demands of the growing aviation industry and provide a novel passenger experience.
Conversion to a Long-Distance Competitor
In 1930, the Fokker C.IVa underwent yet another modification, this time with the aim of becoming a long-distance competitor. The ambitious plan was to fly from Tacoma, Washington to Tokyo, Japan, covering a distance of approximately 5,400 miles. To prepare for this challenging journey, the aircraft underwent significant changes. The wicker seats in the passenger compartment were replaced with a 450-gallon fuel tank, ensuring that the aircraft could carry a sufficient amount of fuel for the long flight. This modification allowed the Fokker C.IVa to compete in endurance flights and push the boundaries of aviation.
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Design and Production of the Fokker C.IVa
The Fokker C.IVa was designed in 1923 by Anthony Fokker, with a strong emphasis on adaptability to meet customer needs. Fokker envisioned a single fuselage design that could be paired with various wing configurations and engines available in the market. Over the following two years, nearly 200 C.IVa aircraft were produced and sold to countries worldwide, including the United States, the USSR, Spain, and Norway. The versatility of the design allowed the Fokker C.IVa to cater to diverse aviation requirements across different nations.
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Adaptability to Customer’s Needs
Anthony Fokker’s vision for the Fokker C.IVa focused on creating an aircraft that could be tailored to meet the specific needs of individual customers. The design allowed for different wing options and engines, enabling customers to choose configurations that best suited their intended use. This adaptability ensured that the aircraft could serve a wide range of purposes, from observation planes to passenger carriers and even long-distance competitors.
Sale to Various Countries
The Fokker C.IVa gained popularity not only in its country of origin but also in many other countries around the world. Its versatility and adaptability made it an attractive option for aviation enthusiasts and military forces alike. As a result, the aircraft was sold to various countries, showcasing its global appeal and widespread acceptance within the aviation community.
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Unusual History of the C.IVa in the Museum’s Collection
The Fokker C.IVa aircraft in the Owls Head Transportation Museum’s collection has an intriguing and unusual history. Originally built as a two-cockpit military reconnaissance aircraft, it underwent several transformations throughout its life.
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Conversion to a Passenger Plane
One significant modification the Fokker C.IVa underwent was its transformation into a passenger plane during the 1920s. The rear cockpit was removed, creating space for the installation of four wicker seats inside the fuselage. This modification aimed to provide a unique passenger experience and meet the growing demand for air travel during that era.
Bought and Sold Multiple Times
Throughout the 1920s, the Fokker C.IVa changed hands several times as adventurous individuals sought to utilize it for various endurance flights. The aircraft became a sought-after asset for those dreaming of pushing the boundaries of aviation and achieving remarkable feats.
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Adaptation for Endurance Flights
The Fokker C.IVa in the museum’s collection found new purpose in the hands of Bob Wark and Eddie Brown, who intended to use it for endurance flights. To prepare for these rigorous and challenging long-distance journeys, the aircraft underwent further modifications.
Attempted Flight from Tacoma to Tokyo
In 1930, Wark and Brown embarked on an ambitious flight from Tacoma, Washington to Tokyo, Japan. With the aims of winning a $25,000 prize, they modified the Fokker C.IVa by replacing the wicker chairs with a 450-gallon fuel tank. Despite meticulous planning and multiple midair refuelings along the proposed 5,400-mile route, the flight encountered various challenges.
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Problems During the Flight
Shortly after taking off from Tacoma, trouble struck the Fokker C.IVa. A problem with the fuel lines forced them to make an emergency landing at a small airfield near Vancouver, British Columbia. While one pilot managed to land safely, the aircraft had too much fuel to take off again from the limited space. To overcome this obstacle, they resorted to dumping a significant amount of fuel before continuing their journey.
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Location and Events
The Owls Head Transportation Museum, located in Midcoast Maine, serves as the custodian of the 1923 Fokker C.IVa. The museum is a nonprofit educational organization committed to preserving and exhibiting pre-1940 aircraft, ground vehicles, engines, and related technologies significant to the evolution of transportation.
The museum offers an array of exhibits, featuring over 150 antique automobiles, aircraft, motorcycles, bicycles, engines, and more. Additionally, the museum hosts community education programs and various events throughout the year, including the renowned Wings & Wheels Spectacular and the New England Auto Auction. The Owls Head Transportation Museum provides an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.
For more information about the museum and its collections, please visit www.owlshead.org.