April 17, 2024

Number 7 of 100 in 100: The Stinson 108 Series 👨‍✈️🛫

From War Hero to Aviation Icon: Discovering the Stinson 108 Series

Conceptualization:

The Stinson 108 Series was conceptualized in the years following World War II, a time marked by significant growth and innovation in aviation. After the war, there was a surge in demand for light aircraft, driven by a variety of factors. One major trend was the increasing popularity of private aviation for both recreational flying and business travel. Pilots returning from the war had gained experience with aircraft and wanted to continue flying in civilian life, leading to a growing market for small, affordable planes.

There was also a need for more efficient and accessible modes of transportation, especially in rural areas where traditional infrastructure was lacking. The Stinson 108 Series was designed to meet these needs, offering a reliable and relatively inexpensive aircraft that could be used for personal travel, flight training, and aerial work such as crop dusting and aerial photography.

The market demanded aircraft that were easy to fly, maintain, and afford, and the Stinson 108 Series aimed to fulfill these requirements. Its design prioritized simplicity, durability, and versatility, making it an attractive choice for a wide range of pilots and operators.

The conceptualization of the Stinson 108 Series was influenced by the post-war aviation boom, the growing demand for light aircraft, and the need for accessible and efficient transportation options in both urban and rural areas.

Original Design:

The Stinson 108 Series was designed with versatility and practicality in mind, featuring several standout design elements that catered to its intended use in various roles, including training, personal transportation, and utility flying.

One notable feature of the Stinson 108 was its high-wing configuration, which provided excellent visibility for both pilots and passengers. This design choice made it well-suited for flight training, allowing instructors to have clear sightlines during maneuvers and landings. Additionally, the high-wing design offered stability in flight, making the aircraft more forgiving for inexperienced pilots.

The Stinson 108 also featured a spacious cabin with side-by-side seating, providing ample room for two occupants and their luggage. This layout made it ideal for personal travel, allowing pilots to comfortably transport themselves and their belongings over long distances.

Another distinctive design element of the Stinson 108 was its conventional landing gear configuration, with a tailwheel setup. This design choice was common in light aircraft of the era and offered simplicity and ruggedness, making the aircraft well-suited for operations in unimproved or grass airstrips.

In terms of performance, the Stinson 108 was powered by a variety of engine options, including the popular Lycoming O-360 engine. This provided ample power for its size and allowed for respectable cruising speeds and range, further enhancing its utility for cross-country travel and aerial work.

The original design of the Stinson 108 Series combined practicality, versatility, and reliability to create an aircraft that could excel in a variety of roles. Its standout features, including the high-wing configuration, spacious cabin, and conventional landing gear, were tailored to meet the needs of pilots and operators engaged in training, personal flying, and utility operations.

Design Team:

The Stinson 108 Series was primarily designed by Edward “Eddie” Stinson, an influential figure in early aviation. Stinson had a rich background in aviation design and was known for his pioneering work in aircraft manufacturing.

Before the Stinson 108 Series, Eddie Stinson founded the Stinson Aircraft Syndicate in 1920, which later became the Stinson Aircraft Corporation. Under his leadership, the company produced several successful aircraft models, including the Stinson Model A, which was widely used for airmail and passenger transport in the 1920s.

While specific individuals may not be widely known, the company had a talented team of aviation professionals with experience in designing and manufacturing light aircraft.

After the Stinson 108 Series, the Stinson Aircraft Corporation continued to produce aircraft for several years, including the Stinson Voyager and the Stinson Station Wagon.

The Stinson 108 Series benefited from the expertise and experience of Eddie Stinson and the talented team at the Stinson Aircraft Corporation, building upon the company's legacy of innovation in light aircraft design.

Production Run:

The Stinson 108 Series had a notable production history, spanning from the late 1940s to the early 1950s. It was first produced in 1946, shortly after the end of World War II, to meet the growing demand for light aircraft in the post-war aviation boom. Production continued until 1950, making it a relatively short-lived but impactful aircraft model.

During its production run, the Stinson 108 Series saw varying levels of production volume. In total, approximately 5,260 units of the Stinson 108 and its variants were manufactured. However, production numbers fluctuated over the years due to factors such as changes in market demand, economic conditions, and competition from other aircraft manufacturers.

In the immediate post-war years, production of the Stinson 108 Series was relatively high as demand for light aircraft surged. However, as the aviation market stabilized and other aircraft models entered the scene, production volumes began to decline. By the late 1940s, the Stinson Aircraft Corporation faced financial difficulties, leading to a decrease in production output.

Despite its relatively short production run, the Stinson 108 Series left a lasting legacy in general aviation. Its rugged construction, versatile design, and reliable performance made it a popular choice among pilots and operators for many years. Today, the Stinson 108 remains a beloved classic aircraft among aviation enthusiasts and vintage aircraft collectors.

Evolution:

The Stinson 108 Series underwent several evolutionary changes and introduced variants to address evolving market demands and technological advancements. Some significant upgrades, modifications, and variants introduced include:

Stinson 108-1: The initial production model introduced in 1946, featuring a Continental O-200 engine and a fabric-covered fuselage.
Stinson 108-2: This variant, introduced in 1947, featured a metal-skinned fuselage, providing improved durability and weather resistance compared to the fabric-covered version.
Stinson 108-3: Introduced in 1948, this variant incorporated several refinements, including a redesigned instrument panel, improved cabin heating system, and optional wheel pants for the landing gear.
Stinson 108-4: In 1949, the Stinson 108-4 was introduced with further refinements, including a larger baggage compartment, improved soundproofing, and optional auxiliary fuel tanks for extended range.
Stinson 108-5: This variant, introduced in 1950, featured a redesigned fuel system, improved cabin ventilation, and optional electrically operated flaps for enhanced control during takeoff and landing.
Stinson Voyager: A military version of the Stinson 108, designated as the L-5 Sentinel, was produced during World War II for liaison and reconnaissance duties.

These upgrades and variants improved upon the original design of the Stinson 108 Series in various ways. The transition from fabric to a metal-skinned fuselage improved durability and weather resistance, while refinements to the instrument panel, cabin heating system, and other systems enhanced pilot comfort and safety. Optional features such as wheel pants, auxiliary fuel tanks, and electrically operated flaps provided pilots with greater flexibility and performance capabilities for different missions and operating conditions.

The evolutionary changes and introduction of variants throughout the production run of the Stinson 108 Series reflected the manufacturer's commitment to continuous improvement and adaptation to the needs of pilots and operators in the evolving aviation market.

Specifications:

Manufacturer: Stinson Aircraft Corporation
First Produced: 1946
Production Ended: 1950
Variants: Stinson 108-1, Stinson 108-2, Stinson 108-3, Stinson 108-4, Stinson 108-5
Type: Single-engine light aircraft
Crew: 1 pilot
Capacity: 3 passengers
Length: 24 feet 2 inches (7.37 meters)
Wingspan: 34 feet (10.36 meters)
Height: 7 feet 11 inches (2.41 meters)
Empty Weight: 1,050 lbs. (476 kg)
Maximum Takeoff Weight: 1,800 lbs. (816 kg)
Powerplant:

Continental O-200-A flat-four engine (Stinson 108-1)
Franklin 6A4-165-B3 flat-six engine (Stinson 108-2 to 108-5)

Engine Power:

100 hp (Stinson 108-1)
165 hp (Stinson 108-2 to 108-5)

Fuel Capacity: 36 US gallons (136 liters)
Cruise Speed:

100 knots (115 mph, 185 km/h) (Stinson 108-1)
120 knots (138 mph, 222 km/h) (Stinson 108-2 to 108-5)

Range:

400 nautical miles (460 miles, 740 km) (Stinson 108-1)
500 nautical miles (575 miles, 926 km) (Stinson 108-2 to 108-5)

Service Ceiling: 13,500 feet (4,115 meters)
Rate of Climb: 700 feet per minute
Takeoff Distance: 850 feet (260 meters)
Landing Distance: 700 feet (215 meters)
Avionics: Basic instrument panel with optional upgrades available
Payload: Approximately 750 lbs. (340 kg)

In comparison to other aircraft in its class:

The Stinson 108 Series offered competitive performance and payload capacity compared to other single-engine light aircraft of its era, such as the Piper J-3 Cub and the Cessna 140.
Its cruising speed and range were comparable to or slightly better than many other aircraft in its class, making it suitable for both short-distance hops and longer cross-country flights.
The Stinson 108 Series stood out for its robust construction, spacious cabin, and versatility, making it a popular choice among pilots for personal transportation, flight training, and utility flying.

The Stinson 108 Series held its own against its contemporaries in terms of performance, reliability, and versatility, earning its place as a beloved classic aircraft in general aviation history.

Performance:

Maximum Speed (Vne): 140 knots (161 mph, 259 km/h)
Cruise Speed: 120 knots (138 mph, 222 km/h)
Stall Speed (Vs):

Clean Configuration: 45 knots (52 mph, 83 km/h)
Full Flaps: 40 knots (46 mph, 74 km/h)

Maneuvering Speed (Va): 105 knots (121 mph, 194 km/h)
G Load Limitations: +3.8 to -1.52 G
Takeoff Distance: 850 feet (260 meters)
Landing Distance: 700 feet (215 meters)
Rate of Climb: 700 feet per minute
Service Ceiling: 13,500 feet (4,115 meters)

Approved maneuvers:

Normal flight operations including takeoff, climb, cruise, and landing
Steep turns
Stalls (both power-on and power-off)
Spins (if approved for specific models)
Chandelles
Lazy eights
Emergency procedures including engine failure drills
Crosswind takeoffs and landings

How the aircraft's performance suits its roles in training and personal aviation:

The Stinson 108 Series offers a well-balanced performance envelope suitable for both training and personal aviation. Its relatively low stall speed and maneuvering speed make it forgiving and easy to handle, ideal for student pilots learning basic flight maneuvers.
The aircraft's stable flight characteristics and predictable handling make it suitable for conducting various flight training exercises, including steep turns, stalls, and emergency procedures.
Additionally, its modest cruise speed and range make it well-suited for personal aviation, allowing pilots to comfortably travel short to medium distances for leisure or business purposes.
The Stinson 108's rugged construction and relatively simple systems also make it easy to maintain, reducing operating costs and ensuring reliability for both training operations and personal flying adventures.

Safety Record:

The safety record of the Stinson 108 Series is generally regarded as favorable, with the aircraft earning a reputation for being reliable and well-built. However, like any aircraft, it has had its share of incidents and safety concerns over the years.

Common safety concerns or notable incidents associated with the Stinson 108 Series include:

Structural Integrity: Some early models of the Stinson 108 Series, particularly those with fabric-covered fuselages, are prone to corrosion and structural degradation if not properly maintained. Inspections and corrosion prevention measures are essential to ensure the continued airworthiness of these aircraft.
Engine Reliability: While the engines used in the Stinson 108 Series, such as the Continental O-200 and Franklin 6A4-165-B3, are generally reliable, issues related to maintenance, wear, and aging components can affect engine performance and reliability. Regular maintenance and thorough pre-flight inspections are crucial to identifying and addressing potential issues before they become safety hazards.
Spin Characteristics: Like many light aircraft of its era, the Stinson 108 Series is approved for spins under specific conditions and with proper training. However, improper spin recovery techniques or failure to recognize and prevent spins can lead to loss of control incidents.
Weather Considerations: The Stinson 108 Series is a relatively small and lightweight aircraft, making it susceptible to adverse weather conditions such as strong winds, turbulence, and icing. Pilots should exercise caution and avoid flying in marginal weather conditions or beyond the aircraft's limitations.

In comparison to other aircraft in its category, the safety record of the Stinson 108 Series is generally favorable. While incidents and accidents have occurred, they are not disproportionately higher than those of similar aircraft of its era. Like any vintage aircraft, the safety of the Stinson 108 Series largely depends on factors such as proper maintenance, pilot training, and adherence to operating limitations and procedures.

With proper care and attention, the Stinson 108 Series can be operated safely and reliably for both training and personal aviation purposes. Pilots should be aware of its limitations and characteristics and take appropriate measures to mitigate potential safety risks.

Acquisition Cost:

The original acquisition cost of a Stinson 108 Series varied depending on factors such as the model year, configuration, and optional equipment. However, historical data suggests that the price of a new Stinson 108 in the late 1940s ranged from around $5,000 to $7,000 USD.

In comparison, current day values for a Stinson 108 Series can vary widely depending on factors such as the aircraft's condition, maintenance history, avionics upgrades, and market demand. The price range for a well-maintained Stinson 108 Series aircraft in good flying condition typically falls between $25,000 to $50,000 USD. However, prices can fluctuate based on individual aircraft listings, location, and other market factors.

It's worth noting that vintage aircraft values can be influenced by various factors, including rarity, historical significance, and popularity among collectors and enthusiasts.

While the acquisition cost of a Stinson 108 Series has increased significantly since its original production era, it remains an accessible option for pilots and aviation enthusiasts seeking a classic and reliable aircraft for personal flying or restoration projects.

Bibliography:

Some authoritative sources to learn more about the Stinson 108 Series include:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Registry: The FAA's aircraft registry database provides information on the registration, airworthiness, and ownership history of individual aircraft, including the Stinson 108 Series.

Website: FAA Registry

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA): AOPA offers articles, forums, and resources on various aircraft types, including the Stinson 108 Series. It also provides information on pilot training, safety, and regulatory issues.

Website: Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)

EAA Vintage Aircraft Association: The Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) Vintage Aircraft Association focuses on preserving and promoting vintage aircraft, including the Stinson 108 Series. Their website offers articles, forums, and events related to vintage aviation.