L-5B 44-17087 – Ed Soderblom

[Forwarded from new L-5 0wner Ed Soderblom of Ferndale, WA.]

After two months of maintenance work my L-5 is back flying again with a new set of Dental Work Nose Art and the original insignia painted on the tail that it had during WW2.

My L-5B served in Italy with the 337th Field Artillery Battalion/88th Infantry Division (The Blue Devils).  This aircraft belonged to a longtime friend and neighbor of mine Paul Cullman.  He was the owner of this plane for the last 50 years. I bought it from his family and back in October I flew it up from the Palm Springs Air Museum with no radio or electrical power forcing me to use nothing but uncontrolled airports on the way up. Required fuel stops along the way were Bakersfield, CA,  Oakdale, CA, Red Bluff, CA, Grants Pass, OR,  McMinnville, OR, and Mt. Vernon, WA.

Challenges on this trip were California wildfire smoke bringing visibility down to 2 miles and actually, at one point, sooting-up the windshield a bit. Losing the tach 1 hour into the flight. A compass that most of the time liked to spin 300 RPM. Sucky Washington weather forcing me low and to fly around rain showers. Kelso was the worst. This was the first time I flew the L-5 since the story below.

One day probably 15 or so years ago Paul took me for a flight.  He rode back seat and essentially talked me through 3 takeoffs and landings.  He then said, “I’m getting out, you’re doing fine go take it around the patch and do some takeoffs and landings, I want to hear what it sounds like from the ground!”

“But Paul”, I stated, “I don’t have my tailwheel endorsement!”

He replied “Ah, you’re doing good go have fun”. He then closed the back door. Off I went on what would be my first solo in a tailwheel aircraft. A couple of weeks later I decided it would be wise to go out and get my tailwheel endorsement in a Piper PA-12.

So, I have good memories of my neighbor and history with this plane and look forward to being a good Steward. Thanks to everyone who help keep these great planes flying.