Timeline Flight 11 -- Aeronca L-16A

With the approach of Civil Air Patrol's 80th anniversary Dec.1, Maj. Ronald C. Finger of the Minnesota Wing's Crow Wing Composite Squadron worked with Col. Frank Blazich of the Col. Louisa S. Morse Center for Civil Air Patrol History, CAP national historian, on a special project -- to create “Timeline Flight” paintings showcasing some of the wide variety of CAP aircraft flown over the years.

The 21 aircraft selected span the Coastal Patrol days of World War II, the postwar years and finally the aircraft Civil Air Patrol aircrews fly today. This is the 11th. Others will be posted every five days.

Aeronca L-16A N6702C

• Capacity: two
• Length: 21 feet 6 inches
• Maximum speed: 110 mph
• Cruise speed: 100 mph
• Range: 350 miles
• Service ceiling: 14,500 feet

The Aeronca L-16 was essentially a militarized version of the Aeronca Champion. Beginning in 1955, large numbers were transferred to Civil Air Patrol. The L-16 primarily replaced the similar Piper L-4 (a modified Piper Cub) in U.S. military service and afforded generally better performance, stability, visibility and comfort.

N6702C was flown by the Indiana Wing.

Sikorsky S-39B
Stinson 105-10A Voyager
Beechcraft Staggerwing B-17L 
Waco YKS-6
Fairchild 24-C8F
Grumman G-44A Widgeon
Stinson SR-9C Reliant “Gull Wing”
Piper J3-65 Cub
Culver Cadet LCA
Ercoupe 415-C
Aeronca L-16A