Another WW Full Restoration is under way!

Welcome to the 553MW blog.  This blog will capture the full restoration project of another Nanchang CJ-6A by Worldwide Warbirds, Inc.  This aircraft is one of only 2 in the country that has undergone a thorough airframe overhaul in China to U.S. specifications.  This "IRAN" (Inspect Replace As Necessary) process was undertaken exclusively for Worldwide Warbirds, Inc., working in conjunction with Doug Sapp, LLC to provide an airframe with an unprecedented level of refurbishment for customers looking for the highest restoration level possible.  The scope of work prior to entering the US includes:

• All systems removed from aircraft and tested.  
• All pneumatic lines replaced with new
• All fairings replaced with new
• All damaged skins replaced
• Landing gear removed from aircraft and overhauled
• All bushings and bearings replaced with new
• All damaged hardware replaced with new
• All rubber hoses replaced with new
• All flight control fabric removed and control structure inspected (left uncovered)
• Stainless Steel firewall doubler installed
• All Chinese Radios and associated equipment removed
• Entire aircraft stripped of paint inside and out

This level of refurbishment would cost over $100,000 if done at our normal shop rate...these airframes were sold for $74,000, or less than 3/4 of US labor alone!

The airframes were shipped to us without engines as we anticipated most folks interested in this level of refurbishment would also want the upgrade to the M14P Russian 360 h.p. motor....and we were right!

Once the planes arrived here in the U.S.  We uncrated them, stood them on their "legs"and began work on them while they were awaiting buyers.  The work included:

• Disassembly of landing gear for paint and Cad hardware
• Painting of wheel wells and cockpits in light grey
• Addition of 3 axis electric trim to control surfaces and recover in Ceconite fabric.
• Detail work on all control knobs
• Painting of all pneumatic lines
• Bringing exterior up to primer and ready for paint.
• Removal of all Chinese electrical in preparation for new U.S. wiring to show quality standards (combed and laced).
• Wings removed and fuel bay sheet metal work begun in preparation for our extended range fuel tanks.

It doesn't look like much, but that's a ton of work!  When time allows, we will detail the hours involved in the above, but it's estimated at over 500 hours....which brings us to today.

The customer has requested the following scope of work.  Obviously, there is much to be done...check back often to see this story unfold, right before your eyes!

M14P engine with MT Prop and Slip joint SS exhaust (no heat)

Whelan Strobe, A600 (wing tips)

Electric fuel prime / boost pump

Garmin 430

Advanced Flight Systems 3500 EFIS w/ engine monitoring

Tru Trak Stand by 2 ¼” ADI

Becker 2nd Comm

GTX327 Transponder

PS Engineering 4000 Intercom

Cockpit Lights for front cockpit (none in rear)

WW Inc cockpit restoration

Upgraded canopies (Malcolm hood)

Powder coated baggage compartment

5 point Hooker Harnesses in both cockpits

Smoke System

CO Reduction Kit

US Nose Wheel conversion

High Quality recovered controls w/ 3 axis trim

Shine Package

Extended range fuel tank package

Chrome brake handles and sticks

Schrader strut adapters

Manifold intake drains

Oil Tank Shut Off Valve

Strong Parachutes

US Ground power  receptacle (wired for trickle charge)

Infinity Stick Grips (with adapters)

Horizon 336 Tach (for rear cockpit)

Caution Warning Press to test lights

CI-106 Comant Marker Beacon antenna

Comant VOR/LOC/GS antenna