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Aeronca K and Tom Trainor Visitor Book
Please sign this Visitor Book with comments about Tom Trainor, Aeronca Ks or Aeronca E-113 engines.
Vandals have forced me to stop allowing new Visitor Book entries.
CommentsThanks to you and your father for the vision to keep this site available for Aeronca Owners. I am in progress of rebuilding a Chief and find your dedication helping me make contacts via your site. My condolences to your family. Craig Sooter 2-22-07
Commentsyou have my condoliences. It is always sad when those in our circles pass away. We will miss his friendship and all his knowledge that went with him. boyd, owner 65ca, n34429.
CommentsI'm a growing aronce fan kinda looking for a c-3 or K to fly before it's time to go .Have all kinds of Ultralights and the beginnings of a zenith ch200 but I still like low and slow.. te more i learn about the Aronca the more I like it..I heard of mr.Tom when I was up at wisconsin . sad to hear he is gone, Many will mis him I'm sure . Wish I could have met him then I need some of his knowledge about the Aronca ..Blessing be upon you and blue skies for evr...wes
CommentsI'm a growing aronce fan kinda looking for a c-3 or K to fly before it's time to go .Have all kinds of Ultralights and the beginnings of a zenith ch200 but I still like low and slow.. te more i learn about the Aronca the more I like it..
CommentsIt has been quite a while since I checked into this site and was shocked to hear of Tom's passing. My sympathy to all his family and friends. N83407 7AC
CommentsI own the unique 1937 Dart Kitten G-AEXT and often need information on my J.A.P.J99 engine (licence built Aeronca E113c). So, I was browsing in the hope of finding any info on the poor starting performance of my engine with a Stromberg NAS-2 carburettor and found your site. Todd, I was so sorry to read that your father Tom had died and please accept my sympathy to you and family. Your father's passing is a loss to all in the world-wide aviation family; just reading about Tom I see that he was an Aeronca legend.
CommentsI'm very sorry to hear about your loss. Many thanks to Tom for all the info he's gathered on Aeronca's. It has been a tremendous help to me on my 1940 65CA. God Bless. Sincerely, Bruce
CommentsSorry to hear about Mr. Trainor leaving us. I know how difficult it is to lose a loved one; I lost my wife to cancer and it still hurts every day. May God help you all with your love for him and with his absence. When I was attending an industrial high school and majoring in industrial design, I learned that they also had a A&E major. I had started flying at age 12 in a Luscombe and Culver V, and went to that class just to see what went on there. I learned that they had an Aeronca airframe and a Taylorcraft engine. Noone had considered putting the two together, so I suggested it. They took me up on it and, with the guidance of the FAA, we mated the two. I was allowed to make all of the engineering drawings, design some extra mounting pieces, and help out with the job when I could. The project was successful and we flew our basterdized Aeronca often. I can still remember that Aeronca quite vividly even though I am now 67 years old.
CommentsI am rebuilding a 7AC
CommentsI am new to aeroncas just having purchased a 7ec. i am grateful to the efforts put forth on your site. please keep up your support of these wonderful planes. his efforts are greatly appreciated by me. regards ,Kirk
CommentsTom helped me back in 1999 identify the Aeronca K pictured in the large photograph that hangs in the Office of the Lincoln Park Airport N07 in NJ where I base my 1960 Cessna 150 straight tail since 1982. The photograph shows Ed Gorski and his wife,standing next to the " K " at N07 and they were former owners of both N07 and Aeronca K's for many years. Ed Gorski was a mechanic at one time for Amelia Earhart. Ed Gorski owned N07 when I received my license in the early 1970s. My deepest regards to your family and my prayers for Tom are offered .
CommentsMost respect to a man who loved Aeronca,s god bless!
CommentsSorry to hear of Mr. Tom Trainor passing. Have talked with him before, restoring a '41 65CA and had a question. He's in a better place but missed on earth. Jerry Langley
CommentsMy condlences to the Family. Tom and I spent many happy times together back in the 50,s and 60,s. We both loved the Aeroncas.(I had a C-2 and a C-3 at the time)After he bought Herm Houseman's stuff we were looking at the Ks and found that one of them had belonged to Harvey Hughes of Lsansing. So many memories. He was a Gentleman of the "first water" and I am sure he will be sorely missed by all. Roy
CommentsI was surfing the net and found your site. Anyone who loved the old Aeroncas had to be one of the good guys. Sorry for your loss.
CommentsI truly appreciate every one who contributes - has contributed to the advancement of the aviation industry. Lee Myers
CommentsWant complete E-113C for my C-3 N15733 Cell(305)773-9028.
CommentsIn 1947 in Corpus Christi TX, in Navy Av. Electronics school, my buddy, Dan La Master bouht a K. The three of us took lessons in it. Dan became a Cessna engr., Don Smith became a missionary pilot with Mission Aviation Fellowship, MAF, then later joined JAARS, Jungle Aviation And Radio Service, and made first sucessful contact with the Auca Indians, or Waudani in Equador. Dan is on Beaver Lake in N.W. AR, feliza@arkansas.net, Don in Waxauh, NC Donphylsmith@earthlink.net, two very experienced old pilots with a start in a blue K whose tail skid/wheel conversion was bent upward slightly, making it a great pain to persuade to turn off straight ahead without running into unplaned teritory. What memories!
CommentsI was surfing the net and found your site. Anyone who loved the old Aeroncas had to be one of the good guys. Sorry for your loss. Ted Kiper N36511 1941 Aeronca Chief
CommentsDear Todd and family, I just spotted the note on your webstie about Tom. It was my great pleasure to meet him in Middletown, then in Oshkosh, and on your quick trip to Big Bear to pick up the K. He was a wonderful gentleman and I know you will miss him greatly. You have my deepest sympathy. Jim Spee N81724
CommentsTom was such a wonderful man. I was fortunate to meet him several times. The last being at Oshkosh 2003. He personally did so much to keep these early Aeroncas flying. Every time we spoke, I learned something new. I will always remember his amazing energy and quick mind. I'm glad my son had the opportunity to meet him. All of us with a C3 or K owe him for every minute flight. My condolences to Todd and your family.
CommentsTodd, Thanks for the information re your dad. I enjoyed many phone conversations with him and I know that we shared the love for Aeronca Aircraft. My condolences to you and your family, your dad will be greatly missed.
CommentsDear Uncle Todd, I am really sorry that your father died. I remember way back in 2003 when he gave me the airplane pencil sharpener. He was the one that gave me the idea to make my email address "PropellerJoey". Your father sure knew a lot about planes. Love, Joey
CommentsDear Todd, Thank you for sending me this information about your father. He was the first one from our 1942 graduating class to contact me about the alumni banquet held each year. I send my condolences to you and your family.
CommentsSincere condolences to the family of Tom Trainor on his passing. As with Aeronca enthusiasts across the world, I benefitted from Tom's knowledge and his willingness to assist with restoration projects, in my case on the only Aeronca C3 in South Africa. Tom supplied parts and information to ensure that the engine could be rebuilt and thus allow this project (a trans-Africa veteran of 1936) to fly again. He will be sorely missed. RIP From: John Illsley, Pretoria, South Africa
CommentsTodd, Billy & I would like to express our deepest sympathy in the loss of your father. Having spent time with him at Middletown it was evident that no one ever left his presence without have felt the warmth of his friendship. It is reassuring to know that even though we are separate in body we remain forever joined in spirit. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
CommentsWe wanted to offer our condolences to the Trainor family on the passing of Tom Trainor. I had met Mr. Trainor several times over the years and will have a lasting impression of him as a gracious and intelligent man. Our best wishes always.
CommentsDear Todd, it's sad to lose a member of our aviation family, but your dad's legacy will live on in the knowledge and enthusiasm he shared. Condolences to the family from the members of the Aviation Museum of Kentucky.
CommentsMy condolences on the loss of your father. I saw his obituary in this morning's (2/26/2006) Lansing newspaper. He will be missed by many, many people. Please know that he ... and you ... are in my thoughts and prayers today as he departs the pattern and heads west -- at low altitude and leisurely groundspeed -- into the sunset.
CommentsDear Todd and family, It's a privilege to visit your web page and to read about your father and his work. Your mom is a daughter of my mom's brother and our family went to your parents' wedding in 1952. I am the only one left of my family now, except for my descendants. My deepest sympathy to all of you. We never forget those we loved and lost but cherished memories of them can bring a smile to your face. Love, Judy
CommentsTodd, I really appreciate you sending the information about Tom. I spoke with him many times on the phone about my K-50 I found in Sterling Co. You are right he really new everything about the K and he will be missed very much, I realy enjoyed talking to him. My K project is on the back burner right now although am always keeping an eye out for any parts like wing struts landing gear etc. The 113 engine I have does run and has a fairly good prop--its neat to run it for our eaa club once in a while. Sounds like it is ready go Ha, Dave Johnson (K-50)
CommentsWe will all be missing so many things with Tom being gone. Whatever it envolved in our personal lives, aviation especially coming to mind for my own association with Tom, he always was such a valuable bunch of knowledge. But moreso he was a great friend as a fellow great to know and associate with. Several years ago Tom loaned me a video he had made relating to his project with a set of K wings. While watching the video I was most taken with Tom instead of the wing project. For any of you who have seen this presentation I know you can share this with me. Tom wanted the watcher to see several views of the wing subject and in order to do so he was required to traverse the wing end to end. These movements were difficult at best what with his deteriotating physical condition but he did so with only his interest in puting his points across so the watcher would understand the subject. Never once did he ever alude to any difficulty. That was the Tom we will all miss so very much.
CommentsTodd-- I am sorry to hear of your fathers passing. I met him at Oshkosh right after the EAA moved there from Rockford. We discussed Aeronca's. Your father was gracious and enlightening, I appreciated his time with me. He was the master. I am glad he passed his knowledge on to you. God Bless.
CommentsI have learned much from Tom Trainor over the years as a fellow engineer, a fellow pilot, a fellow mechanic, a fellow father and a fellow lover of antique airplanes. Todd, you are fortunate beyond words that you and your father shared such a love for each other and aviation. He and the website have been a priceless resource in my efforts to restore K 143. I commend him on a life well-lived.
CommentsI'm sorry to hear of Tom's passing. I first met him in 1957, when I purchased K-214 & needed a wing. I found his advertisement in trade-a-plane,contacted him & yes he had a wing,crated it,shipped it to me & I gained an instant friend. The K flew in 1958 & over the years he contacted me several time to ask how K-214 was doing. I purchased various items from him & asked many questions& always got lots of good advise.He will be missed & in my mind he is A TRUE LEGEND IN AIRPOWER. Roy
CommentsI first met Tom Trainor at Middletown during the 1990 National Aeronca Association fly-in. I flew my Lycoming powered Aeronca K there from Kansas. It was quite a trip. While a lot of interest was shown in pre-war Aeronca's, Tom had very keen interest in the Aeronca K. He tracked Aeronca K owners by mail. About once a year we'd all receive an updated list of K owners, including what was for sale, what was needed and status of K projects around the world. I made the mistake of calling the list a "newsletter" once and Tom corrected me, "It is just a list." Frequently we'd chip in a dollar or two to keep the "list" going. When computers and the internet came along a few years later, this "list" became the Aeronca K website. I am very sad to hear of Tom's passing and offer my condolences to the Trainor family. Todd was a good son to him and I am happy he plans to continue the K website............. or is it still just a "list?" But it is a good list that I am proud to be part of, my sincere thanks to Tom and Todd.
CommentsTodd, So sorry to hear about your loss. I remember your Dad from the last Middletown fly-in. He sure was proud of you. God Bless. Dion
CommentsTodd, I was there also. It's amazing how a memory of an inspired person sticks with you. Thanks for giving me the opportunity to meet your fatherand you. Steve Lawlor
CommentsTodd, sorry to hear about your Dad. I remember the Aeronca K / EAA connection. We on the left coast are a long ways away, but his name was known to us. We are poorer, but also glad to know he raised a good son to keep Aeronca research going and preserved for the future. May healing and memories be blessed in the days ahead. Mark & Elaine Peterson at Othello, Washington
CommentsWe had the privledge of knowing Tom for several years. Has not been that long since he called me and we discussed some Aeronca issues. We really appreciated his dedication to the Aeronca "K" airplane and Aeronca's in general. Tom & Todd visited us here in Marion, Indiana at the Fly/In Cruise/In and we appreciated the effort they made to fly here. Our deepest sympathy is extended to Todd and the rest of the Trainor family in Tom's passing. Sincerely, Ray & Judy Johnson Marion, Indiana www.FlyInCruiseIn.com
CommentsMy condolences to the family of Tom Trainor on your recent loss. He and my father, Roger Perreault, were friends for many years. They shared a love of aviation, and worked together on a number of airplane projects over the years. I know that my father, who passed away in 1998, cherished the friendships he made through the EAA and in the aviation community. He was always happy when he was building, flying, or just talking about planes with good friends, like Tom, who shared his passion. I extend my sincere sympathy to Tom's family and friends.
CommentsTodd, I am sorry to hear of your loss. I met your Father at the NAA convension in 98. I was lucky enough to spend a few hour with your Dad discussing the Aeronca and having lunch with him. After I found out that you were working on perserving the Aeronca drawing you and father flew down to pick up the print I have. What a joy it was to be able to spend more time with Him. My condolences to you and your family.
CommentsWe just read your father's obituary in today's Eccentric. What a beautiful tribute to your dad. Though we never really knew your father well because of his disability and not able to attend church services, we have known your beautiful mother for a long time as members and friends at CCB. It was always a pleasure to have a little chat when your dad answered the phone when I called to talk to Val. Through your mom, we knew your dad to be a very very good man. Our deepest sympathy for your loss is sent to all of your family. Sincerely, Carolyn and Roger Fruechte
CommentsTodd, I'm so very sorry to hear about your loss. I'm glad that you had the opportunity to spend such quality time with your Dad over the years. Those are memories you'll have for a long time. This year's NAA Convention just won't be the same without your Dad showing people the www.aeronca.com website and passing on his knowledge of the K and the E113. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time.
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CommentsIt's with heavy heart that I send this message of condolence. Your Dad was a long term asset to we Aeronca owners. He will never be replaced, although you, my friend, have been a tremendous help in the dissemination of "K" and E-113 knowlege. You and the family have our deepest sympathy. His memory will be forever in the preservation of the "K" . E.E. "Buck" Hilbert
CommentsTodd, I have always believed that one can measure the character of a parent by the quality of their children. By having the pleasure of speaking with you on the phone and through email about our love for flying, indeed, our love for life, I can rightfully say that Tom Trainor was one uncommonly fine and genuine human being and you are the proof. My thoughts are with you and your family.
CommentsYou have my condolences. I'm one of Terri's college buddies and met Tom just once many years ago. My daughter is a few hours shy of getting her private license with the goal of becoming a commercial pilot, so she may have an interest in the website! It's nice to see that Tom's enthusiasm for this aspect of aviation will live on through others.
CommentsVery sorry to hear of Tom's Passing. We never met personally but had much correspondence about the Aeronca "K" and the "good old days" of aviation and I visited his web site often . He was a Memberof the AMCA Aviation Magazine Collectors Association) and took my Newsletter since 1996.
CommentsTodd, your loss is felt by us all. My prayers are with you and your family.
CommentsPlease accept my sympathy at the loss of your father. I was most impressed by his enthusiasm and willingness to offer his help when I began the research for my 1/4 scale model of 19723, and I was even more pleasantly surprised when you and he drove down to Muncie for a chance to see the model flying in competition.
CommentsSorry for your loss and for all of us who have lost another fabric person!
CommentsCondolences on your loss to Tom's family, from all the staff of the EAA Museum in Oshkosh. Tom's passion for the Aeronca K is legendary, and his legacy will live on in the beautiful Aeronca K that he provided to be preserved and displayed at Pioneer Airport. Sincerely, Adam Smith, Director, EAA AirVenture Museum.
CommentsTodd, It was of great sadness that we receieved the word earlier today of your father's untimely passing. His knowledge and support heldped us in obtaining critical to our ongoing long-term restoration of K#16 was especially appreciated. Our thoughts are with you and the entire Trainor family. Unfortunately, we will not be able to attend the memorial service due to work-related travel. However, we will be providing a contribution to the memorial fund established in his name at the Beaumont Hospice. Sincerely, Janet and Mike Bednarek
CommentsTodd, Thank you for the call advising me of your fathers passing. I always enjoyed his company. I can't remember exactly when I first met Tom but I think it was about 20 years ago at an AAA function. I sure Les Steen was there and we must have been talking about two cylinder engines. Every so often I would get a phone call from Tom and he would ask I had time to work on a head for him. I always had time because he enthusiastic about keeping the antiques flying. I will miss his calls.
CommentsDear Todd, I'm so sorry to hear of your dad's passing; he was so helpful to so many folks over the years who shared his love of the littlest Aeroncas. You two were a great team, and I know how much you'll miss him. He certainly will be missed by so many folks across the country. I'll keep you and your family in my prayers. Sincerely, H.G. Frautschy
CommentsMy condolances on your loss. I only knew Tom by phone regarding engines etc. Anyone who loved the old airplanes as he did, will be missed. The web page is a very fine tribute to him. JA
CommentsI am going to step out of the box. I live in metro Detroit and had the pleasure of meeting Tom in the early 1980's when I did his lawn fertilizing at his house on Canary Ct in Troy. He always came out to greet me when he saw me pull up in my spray truck. We had many long talks about my business, the airplane he kept in his garage, polio, and his antique red and white Snapper riding lawn mower. He was always one of my favorite customers. He will be missed in many ways. A real class act.
CommentsI would like Tom's family to know that I share their sorrow and understand their loss. My deceased husband Dave always thought highly of Tom and spoke of him often, including anecdotes about his planes and the adventures related to them. They became acquainted while working together at Chrysler. I will keep the family in my prayers. Kathy Haubert
CommentsWonderful web site and wonderful man... thank you to the family who supported him. Steve
CommentsI met Tom at OSH'03. He left a lasting impression with me. I wish there were more like him.
CommentsDid not know him personaly, although I share some of the love for the old planes! Thanks to people like him that keep the old birds flying!
CommentsI talked with Tom, and Todd, at the NAA convention, 2002. I was very impressed by the knowledge Tom possessed, and shared with anyone that asked. Listening to his stories could keep you captive for hours, always smiling. After spending some time with Tom, you left feeling as you had known him forever. The bond he shared with Todd was very impressive also.
CommentsI met Mr. Trainor at Middletown in 1998 and again at Middletown 2004. In 2004 my wife Mary also met Mr. Trainor. Mary and I delighted in talking with him. He displayed a tremendous amount of knowledge about the Aeroncas and helped me browze through Todd's computer pictures. He was so very proud of what Todd was doing to help preserve Aeronca information. Tom Trainor will be missed by the Aeronca community. Our prayers are with his family. Dion & Mary Carr, Geneseo, Illinois Aeronca Champ N84746
CommentsTodd: This is a beautiful tribute to Dad. Thank you for making this medium possible. I'm already so proud of him, this only fills me to the top. What you have done here to honor him and your commitment to carry-on his legacy puts me dangerously closed to busting open with pride! Love, Terri
CommentsI met Mr. Trainor at Middleton during the NAA fly-in many years ago. Also met Todd at the same time and we became friends quickly. Tom knew things that only someone who lived Aeronca's would know and thankfully for us he was very happy to share it with us. At one time I was interested in buying a "K" model and of course I went to Tom for more information, which he gladly provided. We have lost a very good friend and Todd has lost a Father and mentor. I went thorough the same thing 14 years ago when my best friend and Father "went West." I feel that Jody Wittmeyer said it best when he commented that "God must have had a Aeronca K project that he needed help with and called the best there was to help him finish it." Todd, if there is anything we can do, please let us know. Prayers have been said and you and your family are in our thoughts.
CommentsMy condolences on Tom Trainor's passing. I met Tom at the 1998 NAA convention in Middletown, after flying from Santa Barbara to get there. Tom was welcoming and very excited about the information he had gathered about Aeronca K's. I had a whole new Aeronca world opened up to me as a result of Tom's kindness. I also saw how close he and Todd were, and it gave me encouragement that my relationship with my son could have that same quality over the years. I know you will all miss Tom terribly, but you will not miss him in isolation: a large community also mourns with you. But in mourning, I'm sure that your hearts are filled with the good memories of Tom as he was, as he loved you. May your grief be turned ever so gently to peace. John (poobah) Rodkey founder, the Fearless Aeronca Aviators
CommentsMy first contact with Tom Trainor was more years ago than I care to count yet they seem so near in memory. I was rebuilding a 113 engine for my C-3 and multiple searches proved empty til Tom Trainor responded, not only with needed answers but with parts as well. Personal encounters were limited to the Aeronca homecomings at Middletown but each preserved sharp memories of a man and his son who not only loved aviation but lived it. Only his time on this ground has passed, for his flight will last through eternity.
CommentsTodd, I was honored to meet your Dad at Middletown. I was always impressed with his knowledge – and with the love for the old Aeroncas that you were fortunate to share with him. My thoughts are with you. John Baker Damascus, Maryland Aeronca11AC N86176
CommentsTodd, I am so sorry to hear about your fathers passing. I will miss him. I met him through his aeronca K web site 8 years ago. He helped me with the first airplane prodject that I had owned. I wish you and your family well. Bob Beck
CommentsMy father Tom Trainor peacefully passed away at home on Friday February 17th. He died shy of 81 years old from respatory failure complicated by Post-Polio Syndrome. He was a wonderful man, father, husband, and Aeronca enthusiast. Dad spent half his life working on Aeronca K and E-113 engines. He knew more about the K and the Aeronca engine than anybody else I know. He has owned Aeroncas since 1953. I tried to learn as much from him as I could. I plan to continue his legacy of helping others restore and fly the old Aeronca airplanes and engines. Eight years ago I created this Aeronca website, www.aeronca.com/k, to capture my father's knowledge and experience with the Aeronca. I will miss him, dearly. Todd Trainor
CommentsMerry Christmas! And a happy New Year!! www.team69.cz(Parkett)
CommentsGreat old pics. I have pics of my Uncle's Welch with Aeronca engine circa 1938 and am looking at engine details for Welch scale RC model.
CommentsI am the former owner of Aeronck 15 ac and wonder the condition and if it is for sale
CommentsI have started looking for a AERONCA airplane that my Father rebuilt after it was ground rolled some were around Danville VA. He sold the aircraft and the man flew it on its first flight from the local airport to some were in the middle of the U.S. My email is jselliott64@yahoo.com if any one has records of there plane coming from danville VA. Thanks for any info.
Commentsgreat site i enjoy,very good information
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Commentsprevious owner k-129 N18863 which is now living in/around/near kelso WN. last heard that the fabric on top of the rear body had become too tight and started to break the top corner stringers. that was several months ago. havent gotten any new info about same. old fabric was grade a but still tested good in the green.guess it was always kept in out of the weather. would like to hear from you tom even though dont own the k anymore. project am working on is a fairchild 24-c8c,am installing a W165 instead of the old unreliable 145. keep your website going and i will try to keep in touch, so i dont forget merry xmas for2005 carl.
CommentsThis is the first Guest Book entry for 2005 (although I actually did this Dec 28, 2004) Please tell us what you think about this Aeronca K web site or any experience you have flying, owning, or seeing Aeronca Ks. /Todd
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