Update: Jim sold his Baby Ace in late 2010, but is
now working on rebuilding a clipped wing Taylorcraft. He says he may also
purchase another aircraft at some point, perhaps a Luscombe.
Jim Herpst
is shown below with his Corben Baby Ace, Model C. Jim was Vice-President of our
chapter in 2009.
His
passion for flying was kindled by his father, a WWII Army Air Corps pilot,
who owned a Taylorcraft in the 60s and 70s. He is married and has
a son in college. He owns Palmetto Bay Builders, LLC, based in Lexington SC.
Click on the photos below to enlarge them.
This
aircraft was purchased as a basket case from the widow of the original builder,
the late Ernie Carlson. Prior to its maiden flight in renewed condition in May of 2008,
the plane had not flown in just over 34 years. Of course, Jim has had much work
done to the plane since then.
