March 2005-
California has been our home since 1960. After high school and college in Michigan, the U.S. Navy sent me to San Diego for duty in 1959—in February. When I arrived the temperature was 70 degrees compared to 20 at our Michigan home. Need I say more about our move to Southern California in 1960?
We have been flying 5EB, our 1956 Piper Apache Geronimo for over 35 years, about 100 to 150 hours each year. Echo Bravo has several modifications and, according the invoices—an increase in airspeed by 30 mph. This increase has not appeared on the a/s indicator, however. The airframe has over 10,000 hours of flight time (5,000 hours as a trainer in Orange County, Calif.)
Our 5,000 hours have taken us to many airports and towns. We try to plan our trips so that we can land at different GA airports. We like to meet new people and see new things. We land at mostly small GA airports across the country, but also large airports in Boston, Washington, D.C., Washington State, Tulsa, Kansas, LAX, of course Detroit and Orlando, as family lived nearby.
The Apache is easy to fly, comfortable and solid in turbulence. It is also rightfully known for roominess, predictability, and economy. I always thought it would be great if we had 108 gallons of fuel for more range, but now that we have become older (along with 5EB) the 72 gallons is more than our personal range. After 2 to 2 ½ hours, we’re looking for the nearest airport. Isn’t GPS great!
We spend a lot of time camping in the Apache. Echo Bravo can be configured for camping quite easily. It has an extended baggage area, remove the center seats, spread the 4-inch foam mattress—all the comfort of home!
We’ve spent many enjoyable times at OSH and other fly-in airshows. We spent 10 days in the plane one time because of weather—two days of wind, four days of thunderstorms, four days of sunshine.
One time coming home from Idaho a huge, black, thunder cloud blocked our course, we landed at Milford, Utah. Found no transportation to town (over 10 miles), so out came the seats—six of us spent the night, quite comfortable, two kids in the rudder wells, two in extended baggage, two adults on the floor.
The family has five children living in the Southwest: Utah, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada and Idaho. The plane allows us to make regular visits now that we’re in the (semi) retirement years. Returning from OSH in 1979, via Michigan, included a dual engine failure near Champaign, Ill. Can you imagine what the problem could have been? (But that’s another story!) University of Illinois Department of Aviation had us repaired and on our way the next day.
Production for the apache was 1954 to 1961 then continued as the Aztec, 250 hp engines. At the Rialto airport (L67) the Southwest “Apache Group” meets every four months. There are 150 registered aircraft in this part of the U.S. We usually have 25 to 30 visitors. The historical, vintage, antique aircraft meet the second Saturday of each month; its good to see what is stored in the hangars. The public enjoys the display of aircraft, just like at the old car shows.
On several occasions we thought of trading 5EB for another aircraft, then realized the Apache does all we ask, plus provides a place to sleep.
N105EB Equipment List 1956 PIPER APACHE GERONIMO Serial No. 460 Lycoming 150 HP, A3 A Engines • TT airframe, 10,000 hrs +/- • Engines 1400 SMOH • New Hartzell “top props” no ADs • Polished spinners • S/S exhaust pipes • Exhaust silencers • HD “Sky-Tec” starters • Dual alternators • Oil quick drains • Recent hoses, eng & gear • Also engine baffles • Hobbs meter—eng & htr • “74” Seguin Geronimo • 1/4 inch tinted windows • Long windshield visors • Dark glass frameless vent windows • Extended baggage hat rack • Venetian curtains • 6 hi-back chairs • Oxygen • Auto gas STC • Strobes, double flash • Flush camlocks s/s cs • Washers & screws “t” • Instrument panel glareshield & map pocket • Map & post lites map storage • Pitot heat • Jumper cables & recpt’l • Horizontal-situation-indicator. • ILS TAS & turn coordinator • EGT & cylinder temp gauge • Davtron—5 function Astro-tech lc-2 timer • Dual rpm & mp gauges • “G” meter • Nut plates (no Tinnermans) • Flap seals • Power pak-overhaul • Radio master king 24, • Audio panel w/ marker • Beacons • King DME 62 • King 155 w/ glide slope • King ADF 87 • King 76 Xxponder. • Mode C EDO 720 with g/s ELT— • Amer-king remote PTT & dual mikes a/p • Coupled—Century VOR-ILS • Blade antenna • Removable entry step • Inflatable door seal • Baggage door opener • Landing gear mirrors wheel • Covers with door nose • Baggage & storage strobe • Stall fences • Original logs
Apache owners Bill & Elna Gerth have been flying their 1956 Piper Apache Geronimo for over 35 years. They reside in Southern California.
