Loops, rolls and hammerheads! The crowd can’t keep their eyes off the graceful 1946 Taylorcraft flown by Dr. Frank Donnelly. 

 

Donnelly’s Taylorcraft, N6588C, was originally flown in the Southeast, where it was eventually underwent a Swick conversion that turned the humble taildragger into a more mighty aerobatic mount. N6588C has shorter wings (clipped-wing conversion), one seat rather than the original two seats; larger control surfaces; 120-hp Lycoming engine rather than the stock 65-hp Continental; and experimental rather than standard category licensing. (The Taylorcraft also qualifies as a Light Sport Aircraft, the newest and most exciting licensing category approved by the FAA.)

 

Over the years N6588C deteriorated, and when Donnelly purchased it in 2000, the plane needed a total overhaul. It took him three years and approximately 800 hours to complete the transformation. Today, it is a red, white and blue reminder of old-time aerobatics and the kind of show that still has the grace and power to entertain!