I am currently restoring one of the few remaining Aeronca O-58A aircraft 42-7796. None are currently flying and no museums are known to have one of the twenty built by Aeronca. The "A" is very different from the later O-58B and L-3C models having a spruce greenhouse and Learadio equipment and other substantial differences. We were very excited to find out that Ft. Rucker had a O-58A in their inventory but the aircraft was in storage and unrestored condition.
We were graciously given permission to visit the storage area in order to photograph and authenticate the aircraft. Unfortunately the aircraft they have is not a rare O-58A but a civilian "T" series tandem trainer painted in Olive Drab with tail # 42-7798 painted on it. O-58A 42-7798, an actual O-58A belongs to Blake Henderson in Tenn and was badly damaged in a crash in 2011. The Ft. Rucker "O-58-A" was acquired by the Museum many years ago in an aircraft trade.
Even though the O-58A research part of our trip was in vain we did have the experience while in the warehouse to view a substantial number of extremely rare and valuable aircraft with significant military history.
The Ft. Rucker Museum Foundation relies heavily on Private donations to fund their mission, due to budget restraints in Washington few funds are available to provide a much needed expansion of the facility and restoration of these rare and valuable aircraft. The museum foundation offers memberships to aid in their mission along with other programs for building and expansion, if you love history and Army Aviation you should visit the museum and help in any way you can, financial gifts are much appreciated.
http://www.armyaviationmuseum.org/
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