Warbird Information Exchange

Info? Thanks.

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"There are old pilots and bold pilots but few old, bold pilots."

Founded by Gene Packard back in the 60's (I think...) and is now operated by Ed Packard (Gene's son) and Billy Packard (Ed's son) and the family as well as a host of talented mechanics and restorers who are still keeping the round engine and classic birds in the air. Their experience comes from years of maintaining the B-17 and C-54 tanker/sprayer fleets in the area. They always have some projects in process as well as some flyers in for maintenance.

They are located at Falcon Field (FFZ) at 4949 E Falcon Dr, Mesa, AZ 85215 (right on the corner Falcon and Roadrunner) and their phone is (480) 844-0800 but they don't have a website (as far as I know). I am pretty sure Billy reads WIX and is a recent member, so he might be able to elaborate...

http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&ie=UT ... 17&iwloc=A

(even though the map points at one spot, their hangar is the one that has the PV-2 next to it in the map.)

And they are highly recommended for radial overhauls as well... again, Billy can add more.

Great folks. Pure and simple.

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Ryan Keough
Stow, MA

I met Gene and his crew back in the fall of 1996, when I landed at Falcon Field to overnight at the Arizona Wing facilities flying the CAF A6M2 Zero back to Midland from Mohave and discovered a serious hydraulic leak in the right flap actuator. The fitting should have been metric but wasn't and whatever had been used to seal it up to then had failed. The folks at the AZ Wing called Gene and he came over and took a look and said to give him a day to see what he could come up with.

I spent an extra day visiting and then Gene showed up with a new fitting. As I remember the story, he had first borrowed a fitting off of a George from the Champlin Museum folks, found it was the correct fit, measured the threads and then went and found a brass, I think, drain plug with the same metric threads and drilled and tapped it to take an AN fitting. It worked and Gene wouldn't take a dime for his help, so I sent them some Zero t-shirts when I got back to Midland. Very nice folks. Just wanted to share that and, yes, the Zero was in the experimental category.

Randy

Randy is correct! They are very nice people, and craftsmen in the Warbird community. They complete our engine overhauls on the R1820-97 for the B-17 Sentimantal Journey, and the R2600 for the B-25 Maid in the Shade. They have helped us for years with the B-17.

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Scott Apple
Experience on the following aircraft: B-17, B-25, He111, T-6/SNJ, C-45/D18S, O2A, L-19, Various General Aviation, and Corporate Aircraft.

Thanks guys, what would you like to know ? I guess I'm the head guy for now, Gramps has pretty much retired and with my dad going through cancer treatment I'm running the show. If I can be any help just let me know. Right now we are restoring a Stearman Art Scholl leased from my Dad for are good friend Jack Fedor, overhauling A wright R-2600-20 For a TBM, and trying to get Kermits PV-2 flying. And always helping the guys at the AZ wing CAF out.

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Billy Packard

Anderson Aeromotive
Pratt & Whitney and Wright engine Overhaul and service
Warbird maintenance

Hi Billy!
You could start by rounding up some pictures of the aircraft that your family has owned and worked on! Oh yeah!, I think we here at WIX can keep you busy posting pictures!

Do you know if Gene or Ed have ran across the engine mounts for the PV-2?

Give my reguards to your dad...
Gary

Yeah I've got alot of pictures, I dont know about the mounts. I know their is still alot of stuff at gramp's house thanks Gary.

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Billy Packard

Anderson Aeromotive
Pratt & Whitney and Wright engine Overhaul and service
Warbird maintenance

Billy,
I know it's hard sometimes but you have been doing this same routine for a while now! We go back to way before you were born so the Packard's were a big part of my growing up in the warbird industry! All my respect, love and prayers go out to you, your family and crew at Air Response! I'm here for you anytime!!

Respectfully,

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John Lane, Jr.