Fleet Model 1

Specifications

Year: 1929
Make: Fleet
- Model: Model 1
Wingspan: 28 ft
Length Overall: 20 ft 9 in
Number of Passengers: 2 pax ( 1 pilot & 1 passenger)
Engine Manufacturer: Warner Scarab 145
Horsepower: 145hp
Propeller: Fahlin Wooden 2 Blade
Cruising Speed: 88mph
Maximum Speed: 113.5 mph
Gross Weight: 1,740 lb
Restored By: Paul Seibert and Nando Mendoza of West Coast Air Creations

Words of Recognition

My friend Scott Woods offered to let me share his hangar at Brodhead Airport for the 2024 flying season and I jumped at the chance. We moved the Waco UMF 3 from Sun N Fun directly to Brodhead and I showed up a couple of weeks later to check things out and found Scott’s pretty little Fleet Model 1 in the corner. I’d seen photos of it but in person it was just a very nice little plane! I say little only because sitting next to my Waco it looks small. About the size of a Great Lakes biplane, the Fleet was designed by….READ MORE

Awards

AirVenture 2024: Silver Age Outstanding Open Cockpit Biplane Runner Up

Why this Fleet?

Scott and his wife Annie, an accomplished aviatrix herself decided they wanted to sell the plane and move on to something else and Scott asked if I’d like to buy it. I’ve looked at a few Fleet advertisements and lots of photos over the years and have always liked its lines, especially the uniquely designed tail feathers. Knowing Scott, and Nando, who finished up Paul’s labor of love I looked it over carefully as it sat in the hangar next to my Waco. It’s a beautiful restoration and an intriguing airplane but I decided to pass as I’m really looking for a Waco RNF…READ MORE