1941 Aetna Timm

This World War II trainer was built by Wally Timm of Glendale, California. Wally Timm was a well respected aircraft designer and builder. In the 1930’s, along with his brother Otto, Wally designed and built several planes. In 1941, Wally Timm sold the Aetna Aircraft Corporation the rights to an airplane Timm had designed . The plane was known as the Aetna “Aerocraft” model 2SA. Six planes were built to compete for a military contract, but because they were late getting into the market, no more were built. This plane, serial number 4, is the only one still in existence as the other five have crashed or were destroyed. Pilots who tested the plane said it was easy to fly, very forgiving, and good for aerobatics. 

The engine was built by Winfield “Bert” Kinner, Iowa native, and is an R55, 160hp engine. It was built on the same field as the airplane. Kinner was a famous aviation pioneer also designing and producing several aircraft. He is noted for his radial engine designs. At his airfield in California, he hired another Iowa aviator, Neta Snook, who began giving Amelia Earhart flying lessons in one of his aircraft. 

The blue “apparatus” sticking up behind the second seat was a required feature by the military. It was designed to act as a “rollbar” so if the plane crashed and landed upside down, the pilot could get out. The plane has two-place tandem seats with solo flights being made from the rear seat. The airplane is heavy, weighing 1500 lbs. empty and has a cable operated hydraulic brake system. 

This plane was purchased by Yvonne Schildberg in Washington state in 1982. It was restored in 1984 and entered in several air shows in 1985 winning 14 awards and trophies including 6 grand champions.