Like a hot rod auto shop , customers get the opportunity to select unique paint schemes , avionics , upholstery , and airframe modifications . Owners also choose whether the aircraft will be equipped with amphibious floats ( amphibs ), straight floats , skis , or wheels . Graham , for example , opted for amphibs . Introduced in the early 1920s , these dual-purpose floats provide more versatility , allowing the aircraft to operate on land and water .
A Kenmore Beaver requires more than 10 specialists and 4,000 hours of hands-on time to complete .
Next to landing gear , the avionics have the most impact on how the aircraft will be used . Because owners have a wide variety of options , it ’ s important to define how they plan to use the ty edwards photo
When it came to restoring Jimmy Graham ’ s Beaver he kept the military paint scheme and the avionics remained as true to the Beaver ’ s origins as possible .
aircraft as early in the rebuild process as possible .
In some instances , customers select the latest technology such as glass panel displays for primary and secondary instruments in place of the traditional round “ steam ” gauges .
“ We ’ ve installed electronic engine displays and iPad mounts . We typically install Garmin avionics , autopilots , and even infrared camera systems ,” says Kenmore Air ’ s Avionics Manager , Robert Hammond . “ You name it , we ’ ve done it . But , we also have customers who like to stick with old school components ,”
For Graham , it was old school all the way . In keeping with his military paint scheme , Graham ’ s avionics remained as true to the Beaver ’ s origins as possible .
Ultimately , a Kenmore Beaver requires more than 10 specialists and 4,000 hours of hands-on time to complete . It ’ s not a simple project , but as Ellison points out , Kenmore ’ s “ standards are very high .”
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Beaver History
From 1947 to 1967 , de Havilland built a total 1,676 radial-engine Beavers . Designed to be rugged and reliable , Beavers are known as the workhorse of the backcountry . From their earliest days , Beavers have transported passengers and cargo to every off-airport location imaginable , including remote beaches , mountain lakes , and glaciers .
But , wasn ’ t until the final years of production Kenmore purchased their first of this iconic aircraft . Since then , Kenmore ’ s Beaver fleet has grown to more than 12 birds , and the Maintenance Department has completed more than 150 rebuilds . kenmoreair . com
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