Classic aircraft maker spices up customers’ lives

WACO Classic Aircraft Corp. is cruising at a steady altitude thanks to its sales and restoration work, says owner Peter Bowers.

WACO, founded in 1983 as the Classic Aircraft Corporation, operates out of a 35,000-square-foot building at the W.K. Kellogg Regional Airport in Battle Creek. The company builds vintage-model, three-seat biplanes with a starting price of about $250,000.

Last year, the company announced the introduction of a newer model vintage biplane, the YMF-5D version, powered by a Jacobs R-755-A2 300 hp (224 kW) engine. It features a new Sensenich propellor, a deluxe leather interior, new lightweight carbon fiber wheel pants and fairings, an upgraded avionics package and a cup holder.

And it sells for about $395,000.

“Our planes appeal to people who want something a little spicier in their lives,” Bowers says. “None of our customers are average people.”

His crew of 25 employees produces about four vintage biplanes each year and is performing restoration and service work on four or five planes at any given time. Despite the media attention, including articles in leading aviation magazines, Bowers said orders for the upgraded aircraft haven’t met his expectations.

“In a stronger economy, four years ago we would have been overwhelmed with orders,” Bowers says. “Even the people with the (financial) means to buy our airplanes are cutting back on their discretionary spending.”

Until the economy rights itself, Bowers says he’s watching his expenses.

“We’re taking this as an opportunity to find better ways to make the product,” Bowers says. “We’re developing new manufacturing processes on the production side to minimize costs.”

Writer: Jane Parikh
Source: Peter Bowers, WACO Classic Aircraft Corp.