O Canada!

We have reported in past blogs regarding Steve Noyes' "Superdog" and its performance. Steve owns the STC for the modification that transforms a standard L-19(later designated as O-1) into a "Superdog". A Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) is a document issued by the Federal Aviation Administration approving a product (aircraft, engine, or propeller) modification. The STC defines the product design change, states how the modification affects the existing type design, and lists serial number effectivity. It also identifies the certification basis listing specific regulatory compliance for the design change. Information contained in the certification basis is helpful for those applicants proposing subsequent product modifications and evaluating certification basis compatibility with other STC modifications.
The Canadian Air Force conducts a cadet program for the training of young prospective pilots by introducing the candidates to flying in gliders. The gliders are towed air born by a fleet of L-19's. The program was looking for a tow plane with increased power and quieter engines, but realized that the cost of new aircraft fitting those requirements was beyond their budget. Enter Steve Noyes and his "Superdog". After some initial inquiries and responses, Steve took his plane across the border to show the Canadians what it could do. It wasn't long before a crew flew the first birddog into Plum Island, followed by a carload of mechanics and tools. Within hours the Continental engine was removed by Captain David Bertrand(on the left)and Major Mario Deslandes from the bird to make room for a new O-540 Lycoming powerplant and the other mods that would morf this into a "Superdog".

After a few days of labor and some trips to the Starboard Galley, the Canadian team was on its way home leaving Steve to do his thing.

Standing L-R Captain David Bertrand, Major Mario Deslandes, Captain Carl Couture and Lt. Colonel Bernard Champagne.
In August of last year I flew back seat on Superdog Golf Charlie with Colonel Champagne while he put another hour on the new engine before flying it to Canada. Steve must have done something right because before the first robins showed up, our Canadian friends flew in with birddog number 2. Once more the old engine was off, modifications made, new nose bowls,cowling, lots of riveting, running wires, changing fuel lines, moving the battery etc. etc. It's obvious I have been logging "observation time".

By April 19 the midnight oil was burning to put the finishing touches on number 2. When "Team Canada" arrived on Thursday Steve had already done a run-up. On Friday Steve flew the "Superdog" around the patch a few times and brought her in for some minor adjustments with the help of Mario and Major John Cooper.


Then it was Lt. Colonel Bernard Champagne's turn to get some time on before departing north, where some "hurry up it's Friday" customs agents were waiting. With little time to spare and paper work completed, Colonel Champagne with co-pilot, Major Serge Lesage lifted off from 32 facing dark skies. Bonne chance mes amis!

Mario loaded his paperwork in the van and headed north, solo. John Cooper, who was accompanied by his wife Pat, drove off to Boston to take in the local scenery. Another great job by Steve with the help of Chief Bill Pfeiffer, Dave O'Donnell and anyone else who was caught hanging around.