Sport Flying September 1968

 

John McCulloch and N36Y.

Bob Buck and Skyrider

88 years ago today ... Bob Buck and his cousin, Lee Bellingrath flew a tired Model 90, NC193K SN 527 "Skyrider", non-stop for 1987 miles, setting an International class record for light planes on 5-6 May, 1936.

Flying across the United States would easily provide the distance record, he just needed to figure out how to get the Monocoupe to carry enough fuel and the required passenger greater than 1809 miles non-stop. 

To stow 105 gallons of fuel aboard the 'Coupe and leave room for a passenger was a real problem.  The solution was to drop the landing gear after takeoff.