History Takes Flight

With a collection of more than 200 historic aircraft, the EAA Aviation Museum is a year-round destination, combining aviation's past with the promise of its exciting future.

1936 Aeronca C-3 Master - N16291

Location: Pioneer Airport

The two-seat Aeronca C-3 was dubbed the “flying bathtub” because of its unusual fuselage shape. Following the successful C-2 Scout model, the C-3 Master was marketed as an all weather convertible, with removable door and fold-down window. The Master, inexpensive to own and operate, was popular with sportsman pilots and required only 70 feet of runway to take off. Approximately 400 were produced.

The E-113C engine used on this aircraft has a single magneto ignition system. Later, Aeronca E-113CBD engines featured dual magnetos as required by the new safety standards of 1938. The engine consumes about three gallons of gas per hour at cruising speed (85% power). The fuselage is fabric-covered welded steel tubing and the wings are fabric-covered spruce.

It has dual control wheels. The Duplex was the open cockpit configuration and sold for $1730; the Master was the enclosed version and sold for $1790. For 1936, all C-3s were built with enclosed cockpits.

Donated by Kenneth A. Cook and Fred Sanlader of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Length

20 ft. 0 in.

Height

7 ft. 6 in.

Wingspan

36 ft. 0 in.

Total Wing Area

142 sq. ft

Empty Weight

569 lbs.

Gross Weight

1006 lbs.

Maximum Speed

90 mph

Cruising Range

190 miles

Service Ceiling

14,000 ft.

Cruising Speed

75 mph

Engine

40 hp, Aeronca E-113C, 113 cubic inch, 2-cylinder horizontal opposed

Oil Capacity

3 qt.

Fuel Capacity

8 gal.

Serial Number

A-688

Price at Factory

$1,790

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