Warbird Information Exchange

Does anyone have a bio on the aircraft dealer from the 1930s/1950s, Charles Babb? I have seen pictures of his hangars. Evidence of his dealings. His name on aircraft paperwork. He sold aircraft to many historical figures and rented hangar space to Howard Hughes. Just wondering where he came from and what his story was?

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Blue Skies,
Dan
http://www.flytoanothertime.com

http://www.dmairfield.com/people/babb_ch/index.html

Scott

Thanks for the link, Scott. When I Google-d I didnt find much. Your link was the most info I have read.

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Blue Skies,
Dan
http://www.flytoanothertime.com

Other than knowing his name when you started the thread, that is about all I have seen about him. I think some of the old Air Classics or Wings must have mentioned him at some time, but likely only in passing.

Scott

He was the first civil owner of ex. RCAF9742 Canso A, now N68740, the -5A at Lone Star Flight Museum in Galveston ,Tx. I was on board that boat last Saturday in fact. Babb acquired a number of PBY's in the early 50's and dealt them off to different users. N68740 went to Southern California Aircraft Co. to be converted to a luxury boat called a "Landseaire."
PBYer WIXer David Legg could probably tell us some things about Mr. Babb.

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"I love the smell of 100LL in the morning."

Try contacting the San Diego Aerospace Museum. I understand that they have a large collection of his papers donated by his son.

James

If you go on the FAA's web site under aircraft registration and search, there were still aircraft registered to him listed there but when you look at the n-number it is listed as another owner. Guess the fed never cleans up the database. He had a lot of interesting types registered. I am a Babb, no direct relation though.

AH! Thank you very much! I plan to visit San Diego Aero Museum some time this year.

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Blue Skies,
Dan
http://www.flytoanothertime.com