McCall Pilot Sells His New Found Aircraft!
By Richard G. Wissenbach
(Fall 2010)
It’s common this time of year to look overhead and see a tight formation of Canada Geese. A quick glance above however, determined this was a solo flyer. It commanded an equal level of attention however, as it suddenly began to begin a descent .The graceful bird banked left, flew straight momentarily, and then turned again, before executing a perfect landing, alighting itself on both feet. It traveled quickly over the ground and a few seconds later revealed its true identity, a Canada Bush Hawk.
The beautiful blue bird hurriedly moved alongside a couple of buildings and suddenly stopped, seemingly un-noticed. It had however been spotted, and the birdwatchers closed in quickly.
The high wing strut less aircraft felt at home, next to the blue and white hangars of Stevi. Like the field in which it came to rest, everything about it gleams with engineering, organization and pride. Every detail in its creation important, nothing has gone unplanned, and the result is a thing of beauty.
Mike Chapman of Flying Brokers is continually and literally on an Expedition. The pilot and owner of the Canadian built aircraft, a Found FBA-2C2 Bush Hawk XP, ended this particular flight at the Stevensville Airport. The Town of Stevensville, home to the historic St. Mary’s Mission, is where Montana began. It traces its roots to the hands of Father Anthony Ravalli.
Chapman greeted the aviation enthusiasts as though they were fellow members of his own flock, like he had known them forever. He needed little prompting to espouse the redeeming qualities of the plane that screams utilitarian comfort. It was his own handiwork that had created the dance from the sky, onto this particular parcel of real estate.
Mike’s love for his aircraft takes on a religious zeal. He speaks of his airplane with reverence and conviction. Like a missionary promoting his faith, Chapman professes the respect he has for her. “I feel like I’m unworthy to own this aircraft”, he confesses. The praise flows, and one indeed feels as though they are attending a worship service, hearing the continuing testimonials of the Bush Hawk’s unwavering strengths.
The men quickly become converts, mesmerized by the bountiful information they have received. They too have become believers, having seen and witnessed firsthand the craftsmanship and the beauty of The Bush Hawk XP. They are grateful to Chapman for his gracious enlightenment.
The sale was made, Mike’s testimony was sufficient enough, but the bird had spoken a silent language of her own. She made no apologies, she made no excuses. Seeing was believing. This aircraft speaks for herself! She will always be N669BC.
The Canada Hawk received some liquid nourishment from Mother Earth. Her rest was sufficient and it was time to resume her journey. As she leaped from the earth the decibels rose to the occasion. She soared above with her flying tail and her balanced controls. Confident with her sense of direction, she headed for the hills, a return to Idaho’s backcountry. She had spoken again; this time with actions much louder than words.
The birdwatchers were not disappointed. They were made aware of a new species. Like Mike Chapman they are ecstatic to have found a new aircraft. The Bush Hawk XP however was never lost nor will it be. It will always be in the right place and for today, that was Montana, The Last Best Airspace.
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