70-858: The Flitfire is a special edition of the Piper J-3 Cub that was used to raise funds to support the British war effort in World War II . The name "Flitfire" is a play on words referring to the RAF's most well-known fighter, the Supermarine Spitfire , which was and is a symbol of British resistance during the Battle of Britain . In April 1941, prior to the United States' entry into World War II , Piper Aircraft and its distributors donated special edition Piper J-3 Cubs as
140-494: A Bradford industrialist and investor, the affordable E-2 was meant to encourage greater interest in aviation. Later in 1930, the company went bankrupt, with Piper buying the assets, but keeping founder C. Gilbert Taylor on as president. In 1936, an earlier Cub was altered by employee Walter Jamouneau to become the J-2 while Taylor was on sick leave. Some believed the "J" stood for Jamouneau, while aviation historian Peter Bowers concluded
210-726: A Flitfire to Clatsop Airport in Astoria, Oregon. In June 1941 Lon Cooper, a Civilian U.S. Army Air Corps Primary Flight Instructor, reported training in a silver Flitfire at Johnston Flying Service at Albert Whitted Airport in St. Petersburg, Florida. "Flitfire Wisconsin" was purchased 24 April 1941 by Stainislaw Aircraft Inc., a Piper dealer in West Bend, Wisconsin. It was sold to Racine Flying Service, Inc. in July 1941, who operated it in Wisconsin until 1951. After
280-675: A black tie event to celebrate the arrival of the Flitfire Cubs in New York City . Also in attendance were the guests of honor, several Royal Navy officers whose ship, the battleship HMS Malaya , was in New York for repair and refit. New York City Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia appointed Thomas Beck, President of the RAFBF, as the "Special and Extraordinary Mayor of the City of New York" from 9:00 p.m. until
350-424: A bus service to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Continental Airlines , which later merged into United, previously operated flights from Allentown to Newark but switched to a bus service in 1995 due to constant delays from air traffic control . The distance is 79 miles (127 km). As of 1997 , the service was eight times daily. Today, the service is offered three times daily. By February 2010, bus
420-583: A cruise speed of 75 mph (121 km/h), a service ceiling of 12,000 ft (3,658 m), a stall speed of 38 mph (61 km/h), an endurance of three hours, and a range of 225 mi (362 km). Some 5,413 L-4s were produced for U.S. forces, including 250 built for the U.S. Navy under contract as the NE-1 and NE-2. All L-4 models, as well as other tandem-seat light aircraft from Aeronca and Taylorcraft , were collectively nicknamed "Grasshoppers", although any liaison plane, regardless of manufacturer,
490-602: A fire in the Piper factory, a former silk mill in Bradford, Pennsylvania , ended its production in 1938. After Piper moved his company from Bradford to Lock Haven , Pennsylvania, the J-3, which featured further changes by Jamouneau, replaced the J-2. The changes integrated the vertical fin of the tail into the rear fuselage structure and covered it simultaneously with each of the fuselage's sides, changed
560-649: A licensee in Oklahoma. In the late 1940s, the J-3 was replaced by the Piper PA-11 Cub Special (1,500 produced), the first Piper Cub version to have a fully enclosed cowling for its powerplant and then the Piper PA-18 Super Cub , which Piper produced until 1981 when it sold the rights to WTA Inc. In all, Piper produced 2,650 Super Cubs. The Super Cub had a 150 hp (110 kW) engine which increased its top speed to 130 mph (210 km/h). Its range
630-639: A new passenger terminal began in 1948 and was finished in 1950. Allentown–Bethlehem–Easton (ABE) Airport, as it was then called, had flights on United and TWA since 1947, and Colonial Airlines since 1949. Douglas DC-4s and DC-6s appeared after runway 6 was extended to 5,000 feet. TWA left in 1967, replaced by Allegheny Airlines ; Colonial's successor Eastern Air Lines remained until 1991. Republic Airlines ' McDonnell Douglas DC-9 's offered nonstop flights to Detroit and were continued by Northwest Airlines after Northwest's acquisition of Republic. Northwest also offered one-stop flights to Detroit with
700-543: A publicity event and a fundraiser for the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund . These donated Cubs — painted with Royal Air Force insignia — were known as "Flitfires." This fund raising program consisted of 49 Flitfire aircraft, one paid for by Piper Aircraft and 48 by Piper distributors. All were built by Piper. There was a Flitfire named for each of the 48 states in the union at that time. These airplanes were colloquially known as "The Flitfire Brigade." During
770-408: A show followed by cocktails. Next was the raffle drawing for NC1776, which was won by Jack Krindler from New York City. This was followed by games which included a garter toss and a state-of-the-art machine where guests could “Bomb Berlin for a Buck!” along with other entertainment. These activities raised more funds for the RAF. That night the 1,000 gala attendees raised an additional $ 12,000.00 for
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#1732852543366840-649: A stop in Harrisburg . Regional partners replaced the successor Northwest around 2003. Delta Air Lines started nonstop flights to Atlanta and Harrisburg in 1991 and later added flights to Cincinnati , initially operated by Delta until changing to Delta Connection carrier Comair . In 2012, Frontier Airlines started twice-a-week nonstop Airbus A319 flights to Orlando International Airport ; they ended in 2013. Allegiant Air now flies nonstop from Lehigh Valley to Orlando via Orlando Sanford International Airport (SFB) in nearby Sanford, Florida . In 2009 and 2010,
910-707: A training plane for the Department of Defense. On 9 August 1941, a 17-year-old high school senior, Kenneth A Turner, won "Flitfire New Jersey" at the Basking Ridge Fire Company's 32nd annual carnival. Turner immediately sold it for $ 1,200.00 to the Army Air Corps flight training facility at Somerset Hills Airport. In September 1941, Ivan Stone of West Virginia flew his Flitfire to the now abandoned Princeton Airport in West Virginia. Also in 1941, Leo Arany flew
980-728: Is a domestic airport located in Hanover Township in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania . Lehigh Valley International Airport is located in the center of the Lehigh Valley , roughly 7 miles (11 km) northeast of Allentown , 4 miles (6.4 km) northwest of Bethlehem , and 11 miles (18 km) southwest of Easton . Lehigh Valley International Airport is the fourth-busiest passenger airport in Pennsylvania after Philadelphia , Pittsburgh , and Harrisburg international airports. In 2022,
1050-412: Is a high-wing , strut-braced monoplane with a large-area rectangular wing. It is most often powered by an air-cooled, flat-4 piston engine driving a fixed-pitch propeller. Its fuselage is a welded steel frame covered in fabric , seating two people in tandem . The Cub was designed as a trainer. It had great popularity in this role and as a general aviation aircraft. Due to its performance, it
1120-480: Is an American light aircraft that was built between 1938 and 1947 by Piper Aircraft . The aircraft has a simple, lightweight design which gives it good low-speed handling properties and short-field performance. The Cub is Piper Aircraft's most-produced model , with nearly 20,000 built in the United States. Its simplicity, affordability and popularity invokes comparisons to the Ford Model T automobile . The aircraft
1190-427: Is distinguished from its successors by having a cowl that exposes its engine's cylinder heads — the exposed cylinders of any J-3's engine were usually fitted with sheet metal "eyebrow" air scoops to direct air over the cylinder's fins for more effective engine cooling in flight. Very few other examples exist of "flat" aircraft engine installations (as opposed to radial engines) in which the cylinder heads are exposed. From
1260-780: Is on display at the North Carolina Aviation Museum in Asheboro, North Carolina. In 2015 "Flitfire New Jersey" won the Sentimental Journey Award for Best J-3 Cub. Also as of 2015, twelve Flitfires are airworthy and registered with the FAA. In 1963 a Flitfire was exported to Canada and in 1971 another was exported to Germany. In 1992 the Flitfire in Germany was reported to still be flying. Piper J-3 Cub The Piper J-3 Cub
1330-756: Is provided by the LNAA ARFF Department, which consists of seven full-time and 5 part-time personnel, operating from a 13,000 sq.ft. facility commissioned in October 2003. Amazon.com used the Lehigh Valley International Airport (LVIA) as one of the first five locations in the United States for their Amazon Air shipping service. LVIA was selected for the pilot concept of the program due to its close proximity to large population centers, cost-effectiveness, and robust infrastructure. For similar reasons as Amazon, FedEx Ground selected an area that
1400-530: The Atlantic coastline during World War II and were active in recruiting young men for the U.S. Air Force 's air cadet program. In January 1944, work on a new runway was completed, and a Class A U.S. Weather Bureau station also was installed. About 1,000 Naval Aviation Cadets were trained in 1943, and civil and military air traffic both increased. In late July 1944, the War Production Board approved
1470-651: The Battle of Britain (10 July - 31 October 1940) the Royal Air Force (RAF) suffered heavy casualties, losing 1,420 members: 520 in Fighter Command, 700 in Bomber Command and 200 in Coastal Command. The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund (RAFBF), an independent charity established post World War I to support RAF casualties and their families, worked to provide welfare to the RAF and families who were affected in
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#17328525433661540-485: The RAF Benevolent Fund to be raffled off. Piper distributors nationwide were encouraged to do the same. On April 29, 1941, all 48 Flitfire aircraft, one for each of the 48 states that made up the country at that time, flew into La Guardia Field for a dedication and fundraising event which included Royal Navy officers from the battleship HMS Malaya , in New York for repairs, as honored guests. At least three of
1610-546: The 55-mile route on behalf of American Airlines via a code sharing agreement. The average time in the air was 20 minutes. It was the shortest flight in the contiguous United States until 2017, when it was surpassed by United Express 's San Francisco to Santa Rosa route in 2017, which had an average time in the air of 16 minutes. The ABE-PHL flights ended in 2020. As of 2024, the airport provides incoming and outgoing direct flights over Allegiant Air, American Airlines , Delta Air Lines , and United Airlines . In June 2024,
1680-586: The Benevolent Fund's aid to Britain in the same manner as the Lend Lease Act , which had Congressional number HR1776. The March 1941 Lend Lease Act was the principal vehicle for the U.S. to provide military aid to foreign nations before its entry in World War II. The other forty-eight Cubs had one of three engines: Continental, Lycoming or Franklin. To honor the RAF, instead of the signature yellow Cub color,
1750-593: The Cub continues to be sought after by bush pilots for its short takeoff and landing ( STOL ) capabilities, as well as by recreational pilots for its nostalgia appeal. The new aircraft are actually modeled on the PA-11, though the Legend company does sell an open-cowl version with the cylinder heads exposed, like the J-3 Cub. An electrical system is standard from both manufacturers. The J-3
1820-541: The Cub. In 1940, the year before the United States entered the war, 3,016 Cubs had been built. Wartime demands soon increased that production rate to one Cub being built every 20 minutes. Prior to the United States entering World War II, J-3s were part of a fund-raising program to support the United Kingdom. Billed as a Flitfire , a Piper Cub J3 bearing Royal Air Force insignia was donated by W. T. Piper and Franklin Motors to
1890-441: The Flitfire airplanes were painted silver with RAF insignia. Royal Air Force roundels were painted on the wings and fuselage; a red, white and blue fin flash was painted on the vertical stabilizer. NC1776 was distinguished from the other 48 Flitfires by the full words "Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund" painted on its fuselage to the rear of the RAF roundel; the other Flitfires had the abbreviated "R.A.F. Benevolent Fund". The name of
1960-663: The J-3 Cubs, designated J3C when using the Continental A series , J3F using the Franklin 4AC , and J3L with the Lycoming O-145 . Very few examples, designated J3P , were equipped with Lenape Papoose 3-cylinder radial engines . The outbreak of hostilities in Europe in 1939, along with the growing realization that the United States might soon be drawn into World War II , resulted in
2030-629: The Korean War. The United States Army also operated small numbers of L-4s, but were replaced by L-16 during the war. The L-4 was in service in many of the same roles it had performed during World War II, such as artillery spotting, forward air control and reconnaissance. Some L-4s were fitted with a high-back canopy to carry a single stretcher for medical evacuation of wounded soldiers. Modernized and up-engined versions are produced by Cub Crafters of Washington and by American Legend Aircraft in Texas , as
2100-868: The Lehigh Aircraft Co. was flight commander. Considerable preparations were made to organize the flight into military formation. The Flitfires were flown in precise formation by Piper employee-pilots, known as Cub Fliers. William Piper flew in the Brigade as a line pilot. Seven squadrons of seven airplanes took off, one after another, under direction of squadron leaders that included William Piper's brother, Tony Piper. The Cubs landed at Allentown-Bethlehem Airport (now Lehigh Valley International Airport ) for refueling. Despite 25 mph (40 km/h) winds, gusting to 35 mph (56 km/h), all Cubs landed in Allentown in 12 minutes. Five thousand people turned out to witness
2170-497: The Lehigh Airport Authority was created to own and manage the airport. The October 1946 command and general staff diagram shows four runways forming an asterisk: runway 1 was 2680 feet long, runway 6 was 4000 feet, runway 9 was 3800 feet and runway 14 was 3100 feet. Construction began on the present terminal in 1973. The project, designed by Wallace & Watson, was completed in 1976. Construction on
Piper Flitfire - Misplaced Pages Continue
2240-468: The PA-11 on through the present Super Cub models, the cowling surrounds the cylinder heads. A curiosity of the J-3 is that when it is flown solo, the lone pilot normally occupies the rear seat for proper balance, to balance the fuel tank located at the firewall. Starting with the PA-11, as well as some L-4s, fuel was carried in wing tanks, allowing the pilot to fly solo from the front seat. The aircraft has been popular with flying schools — especially from
2310-487: The RAFBF. The day after the ceremonies, the 48 Flitfires left LaGuardia for fund-raising tours, each heading to the state for which it was named. Subsequently, little is known about each Flitfire. Many distributors used joy rides and other gimmicks to raise money for families of RAF pilots who had been lost in combat. Some of the Flitfires were raffled off. Some Flitfires were sold to flight schools and continued to support
2380-410: The U.S. were redesignated as J-3s, but often retained their wartime glazing and paint. An icon of the era and of American general aviation , the J-3 Cub has long been loved by pilots and nonpilots alike, with thousands still in use. Piper sold 19,073 J-3s between 1938 and 1947, the majority of them L-4s and other military variants. After the war, thousands of Grasshoppers were civilian-registered under
2450-411: The airport served 95,589 passengers, an increase of 17.1 percent over that of June 2023. The airport covers 2,278 acres (922 ha) at an elevation of 393 ft (119.8 m). It has two asphalt runways : 6/24 is 7,599 ft (2,316.2 m) by 150 ft (45.7 m). The second, 13/31, is 5,800 ft (1,767.8 m) by 150 ft (45.7 m). The airport has nine gates to service
2520-406: The airport ships more than 237 million pounds of cargo. Companies such as Amazon.com are using the airport, a major factor in its growth. Lehigh Valley International Airport opened in 1929. Scheduled airline flights began on September 16, 1935, with flights by United Airlines ' Boeing 247s . The airport hangar initially served as the passenger terminal. The first terminal building at the airport
2590-537: The airport was utilized by 912,000 passengers. With over 83,000 flights in 2022, Lehigh Valley International Airport is the third-busiest airport in Pennsylvania after Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in terms of total flight takeoffs and landings. The airport is also heavily utilized for the transport of air cargo due to the growth of e-commerce and its proximity to major population centers on the East Coast . As of 2022,
2660-544: The brigade down the river to the Empire State Building , then east to a point south of the World's Fair grounds to Flushing Airport where they were parked before going on to LaGuardia Field . On Tuesday, 29 April 1941, the Flitfires left Flushing Airport and were ferried to LaGuardia Field in groups of six, plus squadron leader flying in close formation. The normal $ 2.50 landing fee was waived by Mayor LaGuardia. Traffic
2730-463: The close of the festivities. The airplanes were christened simultaneously by 48 fashion models who popped red, white and blue toy air balloons that were fastened to the propeller of each aircraft. With Mayor LaGuardia looking on, William Piper turned over the airplanes to Thomas Beck. The festivities were held in the Kitty Hawk Room at the airport's administration building. There was a dinner and
2800-631: The construction of a second-story addition to the airport's administration building. The building housed the Lehigh Aircraft Company, the weather bureau station, the Civil Aeronautic communications station, and the office and waiting room of United Airlines. In August, the V-5 flight training program ended when the Navy decided to move all flight training to naval air bases under Navy pilots. In April 1946,
2870-427: The country to order further ones for their own use. The special silver finish with RAF-style insignia was included at no additional cost to the dealers. Strohmeier requested the 48 U.S. Piper dealers to donate one Cub, which would represent the state of their choice. For every donation, Piper set aside 20 minutes of manufacturing time, which was sufficient to build one aircraft. A total of 49 Cubs were donated to support
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2940-502: The country. In 2019, the airport was utilized by 911,970 passengers, which represented an increase of 15.01% over its use the previous year, in 2018. Much of this growth has been driven by Allegiant Airlines' expansion at the airport. One of the shortest scheduled jet flights in the contiguous U.S. operated between Lehigh Valley Airport (ABE) and Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). Piedmont Airlines operating as American Eagle regularly flew an Embraer ERJ-145 regional jet on
3010-629: The designation J-3. Sixty-five pre-war Taylor and Piper Cubs were assembled from parts in Canada (by Cub Aircraft Corporation Ltd. ). After the war, 130 J-3C-65 models were manufactured in Hamilton, Ontario. Sixteen L-4B models, (known as the Prospector ), were later manufactured. The last J-3 model was assembled from parts at Leavens Bros. Toronto in 1952. J-3 Cubs were also assembled in Denmark and Argentina and by
3080-426: The early 2000s, the airport has lately experienced a significant rebound in passenger totals due to it being an alternative to the comparatively congested Philadelphia International and Newark Liberty International airports, its facility improvements, a rapidly growing regional population, carrier expansions, especially Allegiant Air , and multiple new routes being added for popular destinations and major hubs across
3150-693: The formation of the Civilian Pilot Training Program (CPTP). The Piper J-3 Cub became the primary trainer aircraft of the CPTP and played an integral role in its success, achieving legendary status. About 75% of all new pilots in the CPTP (from a total of 435,165 graduates) were trained in Cubs. By war's end, 80% of all United States military pilots had received their initial flight training in Piper Cubs. The need for new pilots created an insatiable appetite for
3220-472: The fund raiser, one named for each of the 48 states, plus William Piper's initial donation registered as NC1776. All funds collected went to the RAFBF and none went toward expenses. The first Flitfire, NC1776, a J3F-65, serial number 6600, was powered by a Franklin 65 hp (48 kW) engine that was donated by the manufacturer Air Cooled Motors Corporation . The Civil Aeronautics Administration assigned registration number NC1776 to this aircraft, symbolizing
3290-581: The hedgerow bocage country south of the invasion beaches. For these and other operations, the pilot generally carried both an observer and 25-pound (11 kg) communications radio, a load that sometimes exceeded the plane's specified gross weight. After the Allied breakout in France, L-4s were occasionally equipped with improvised racks (usually in pairs or quartets) of infantry bazookas for attacking enemy vehicles. The most famous of these unlikely ground attack planes
3360-445: The letter simply followed the E, F, G and H models, with the letter "I" skipped because it could be mistaken for the numeral "1". When he saw the redesign, Taylor was so incensed that he fired Jamouneau. Piper, however, had encouraged Jamouneau's changes and hired him back. Piper then bought Taylor's share in the company, paying him $ 250 per month for three years. Although sales were initially slow, about 1,200 J-2s were produced before
3430-454: The most recent terminal renovations were completed in two phases: On May 26, 2016, Solar Impulse 2 (SI2), piloted by Bertrand Piccard , completed the 13th leg from Dayton, Ohio of the first around the world (43,041 km) fuel-less flight by this solar-powered plane with a landing at ABE. On June 11, 2016, André Borschberg began the 14th leg (ABE to JFK , which included a dramatic Statue of Liberty flyover). While at ABE, an open house
3500-469: The new conflict. The RAFBF was supported by a light aircraft manufacturer in the United States, Piper Aircraft Corporation of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania . As an expression of encouragement to the RAF, Piper's President William T. Piper decided to donate a single Piper J-3 Cub as a grand national prize, with all proceeds going to the RAFBF. At the start of April 1941, Bill Strohmeier, Piper’s Sales and Promotion Manager, then encouraged Piper dealers across
3570-525: The original Flitfires have been restored to their original silver-doped finish. Minutes before the 1941 Attack on Pearl Harbor , Machinist Mate 2nd Class Marcus F. Poston, a student pilot, was on a solo flight through K-T Flying Service, piloting a Piper Cub J-3 over the valley of Oahu . Poston was flying just as the Japanese planes began appearing over the island and was subsequently shot down. Poston managed to bail out and parachute to safety. The Piper J-3 Cub
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#17328525433663640-830: The passengers and six holding spots for cargo aircraft, which largely include [A300F cargo aircraft with FedEx and Boeing 767s with Amazon Air . In 2022, the airport had 83,760 aircraft operations, the third-most among all Pennsylvania airports. In May 2020, 137 aircraft were based at the airport: 73 single-engine, 11 multi-engine, 52 jet, and one helicopter . In 2022, the airport handled 237,945,266 pounds (107,930,157 kg) of freight and mail . The Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority (LNAA) also operates two nearby general aviation airports, Allentown Queen City Municipal Airport on Lehigh Street in Allentown and Braden Airpark in Easton . Aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF)
3710-552: The pre-World War II existence of the Civilian Pilot Training Program using them in the United States — and remains so with private individuals, into the 21st century. Data from The Piper Cub Story General characteristics Performance Related development Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era Related lists Lehigh Valley International Airport Lehigh Valley International Airport ( IATA : ABE , ICAO : KABE , FAA LID : ABE ), formerly Allentown–Bethlehem–Easton International Airport ,
3780-522: The quick refueling and departure. After a mass take off from Allentown, the airplanes flew in formation over the New York metropolitan area. The formation flight was first seen over Staten Island at which point they dipped in salute to the Statue of Liberty ; then proceeded over to Manhattan and Central Park and on to the George Washington Bridge . A wide swing to the left 180 degrees brought
3850-473: The rearmost side window's shape to a smoothly curved half-oval outline and placed a steerable tailwheel at the rear end of the J-2's leaf spring-style tailskid, linked for its steering function to the lower end of the rudder with springs and lightweight chains to either end of a double-ended rudder control horn. Powered by a 40 hp (30 kW) engine, in 1938, it sold for just over $ 1,000. Several alternative air-cooled engines, typically flat-fours , powered
3920-560: The state of each aircraft was painted on its nose cowl. All Flitfires were manufactured at the Lock Haven plant in twelve days between 10 – 22 April 1941. The 49 Cubs were nicknamed "Flitfires" by Piper factory workers because of their markings, which were similar to the famed Supermarine Spitfire aircraft used during the Battle of Britain. The silver Cubs that made up the "Flitfire Brigade" left Lock Haven on Sunday, 27 April 1941. T.H. Miller of
3990-412: The war by training pilots in the Civilian Pilot Training Program and the War Training Service (WTS). The original Flitfire, NC1776, was flown all over the United States on a War Bond Tour by several pilots, including J. Raymond Worth, Leo Arany and Orville Wright . After touring the U.S., NC1776 was sold to Safair, a fixed-base operator (FBO) located in Sunbury, Pennsylvania , where it served as
4060-455: The war effort as part of the newly formed Civil Air Patrol , patrolling the Eastern Seaboard and Gulf Coast in a constant search for German U-boats and survivors of U-boat attacks. Piper developed a military variant ("All we had to do," Bill Jr. is quoted as saying, "was paint the Cub olive drab to produce a military airplane"), variously designated as the O-59 (1941), L-4 (after April 1942) and NE (U.S. Navy). The L-4 Grasshopper
4130-432: The war, all the Flitfires vanished into private hands and into obscurity. Over the next 70 years many became non-airworthy. The few still flying were repainted the traditional yellow Cub color, concealing the Flitfire's history. As more was learned about their unique story, several were restored back to their original paint scheme. In 1991 "Flitfire Wisconsin", the 22nd Cub to come off Piper's Flitfire line on 16 April 1941,
4200-449: Was 460 miles (740 km). On 26 June 1950, one day after the Korean War broke out, the Republic of Korea Air Force flew L-4s to Dongducheon to support the ROK 7th Infantry Division against North Korean military by dropping two bombs from an observer in the rear seat. A total of 70 bombs were dropped until the following day, then aircraft were switched back to reconnaissance mission as bombs were depleted. South Korea lost 25 L-4s throughout
4270-466: Was an L-4 named Rosie the Rocketer , piloted by Maj. Charles "Bazooka Charlie" Carpenter , whose six bazooka rocket launchers were credited with eliminating several tanks and armored cars during its wartime service, especially during the Battle of Arracourt . L-4s could also be operated from ships, using the Brodie landing system . After the war, many L-4s were sold as surplus, but a considerable number were retained in service. L-4s sold as surplus in
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#17328525433664340-442: Was built in 1938 as part of a Works Progress Administration project. During World War II , the U.S. Navy 's V-5 flight training program was conducted at the airport in conjunction with ground training held at nearby Muhlenberg College . The headquarters of Group 312 of the Civil Air Patrol was based at the airport. One of its activities was to provide a courier service for cargo defense plants. Allentown-based pilots patrolled
4410-487: Was handled by airport cars using two way radios. Each aircraft was equipped with a portable radio loaned by Lear Avia Inc. Control of the flights was possible through these radio sets, despite the fact the Flitfires were not equipped with external antennas or shielded ignitions. The Flitfire Brigade's New York landing was the largest mass landing ever attempted up to that time. More than 1,000 social and business leaders, stage and screen stars, and aviation enthusiasts attended
4480-438: Was held for public viewing of the SI2 aircraft. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) National Plan of Integrated Airport Systems for 2023–2027 categorizes Lehigh Valley International Airport as a small hub primary commercial service facility. In 2019 to 2023, the FAA categorized the airport as a "non-hub primary" and previous years it was categorized as a "small hub." After several years of falling passenger counts in
4550-410: Was mechanically identical to the J-3 civilian Cub, but was distinguishable by the use of a Plexiglas greenhouse skylight and rear windows for improved visibility, much like the Taylorcraft L-2 and Aeronca L-3 also in use with the US armed forces. It had accommodations for a single passenger in addition to the pilot. When carrying only the pilot, the L-4 had a top speed of 85 mph (137 km/h),
4620-460: Was often referred to as a 'Cub'. The L-4 was primarily employed in World War II for artillery spotting and training liaison pilots, but short-range reconnaissance, medical evacuation, and courier or supply missions were not uncommon. During the Allied invasion of France in June 1944, the L-4's slow cruising speed and low-level maneuverability made it an ideal observation platform for spotting hidden German guns and armored vehicles waiting in ambush in
4690-412: Was once owned by the Lehigh Northampton Airport Authority to construct its largest terminal in the country as of 2016. ABE currently has six cargo parking spots for cargo operations. Former carriers Trans-Bridge Lines runs several daily buses from ABE to Manhattan , stopping at both Newark (EWR) and New York (JFK) Airports. Travel time to EWR is about 75 minutes. United Airlines also has
4760-403: Was restored at Rickenbacker International Airport in Columbus, Ohio. It was the first Flitfire aircraft in the United States to be restored to the original 1941 colors. Since then at least three other Flitfires are known to have been restored to their original silver-doped finish: "Flitfire NC1776", "Flitfire New Jersey" and "Flitfire Indiana". After a meticulous restoration, "Flitfire NC1776"
4830-476: Was the first American plane to be shot down in World War II . The Piper Cub quickly became a familiar sight. First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt took a flight in a J-3 Cub, posing for a series of publicity photos to help promote the CPTP. Newsreels and newspapers of the era often featured images of wartime leaders, such as Generals Dwight Eisenhower , George Patton and George Marshall , flying around European battlefields in Piper Cubs. Civilian-owned Cubs joined
4900-498: Was well suited for a variety of military uses such as reconnaissance, liaison and ground control. It was produced in large numbers during World War II as the L-4 Grasshopper . Many Cubs are still flying today. Cubs are highly prized as bush aircraft . The aircraft's standard chrome yellow paint came to be known as "Cub Yellow" or "Lock Haven Yellow". The Taylor E-2 Cub first appeared in 1930, built by Taylor Aircraft in Bradford, Pennsylvania . Sponsored by William T. Piper ,
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