Franklin Aerospace

[mike roe]

Things are looking hopeful. The website is up and running. They have ALOT of NOS parts. The 170 would be great with a smooth running 180 hp Franklin or even the 165. I am sure the nay sayers will chime in, but its a start.




To all the Stinson owners flying behind Franklin Engines, this is to announce
the formation of Franklin Aerospace, LLC to replace Franklin Aircraft Engines,
USA, LLC. Franklin Aerospace, LLC has acquired the New, Old Franklin Engine
parts formerly known as the "Baker Inventory", the Fort Collins inventory from
Franklin Aircraft Engine Company, Inc. and several other smaller New, Old parts
inventories. These inventories are substantial and will allow us to start
limited production of the 4A-235 and the 210 HP helicopter engine. It is our
intention to have new parts manufactured to produce the 150, 165, 180 and 220 HP
engines. Some of these parts are in our inventory already and in the near
future will be on our international Web Site www.franklinaerospace.us Purchase
will eventually be made directly from the web.

Franklin Aerospace,LLC has moved to a new location in a 22,000 square Foot
building on seven acres at 147 Commercial Park Drive, Thomasville, North
Carolina 27360. New phone number 336 474 1936, new fax number 336 472 4766. We
are located directly across the street from Southern Aero and Robert Still has
agreed to be our designated Overhaul Shop. Robert is available to answer any of
your questions regarding the Franklin Engine.

Franklin Aerospace,LLC now owns many of the original Franklin parts drawings for
development of new certified parts. Some parts will have to be reverse
engineered. As we assess our inventory, new vendors will be established for
cases, cranks and cams and other critical parts. This will take time as new
PMA's will be in order.

We will do everything we can to secure the Type Certificates for all the
Franklin Engines. Given the nature of dealing with the present owners, it might
be in our best interest to STC each engine. STC's for Franklin up grades for
several of the Franklin engines for the Stinson 108 and Cessna 170, 172 and 175
are currently being applied for.

Unfortunately it takes time to get production up, but as new parts become
available we will keep you informed of our progress. While we will not be
waving a magic wand and making all things right in the Franklin world. We still
have significant holes to fill. We are committed to see this process through.
Our goal is to as rapidly as possible, create the environment where the purchase
of a Stinson, or any other plane with a Franklin engine will not be shied away
from because parts are not available.

Many of you have been waiting for a long time for this to happen. We recognize
how strong the loyalty is to the Franklin Brand, in spite of no help from the
manufacturer for many years.

It is our desire to join with all other entities committed to the vision of
making the Franklin Engine the preferred American engine brand again. We
welcome your help as well as your criticisms in the future.

Any one coming to Oshkosh this year will be welcome to the Franklin Aerospace
booth #356. We look forward to seeing you there.

Feel Free to contact; Kelly Bartlett, President, Owner, Franklin Aerospace LLC
kb.franklinaereospace@... Phone 704 968 3730 or George Gillespie, Vice
President, gpg.franklinaerospace@... Phone 704 451 9807

[bagarre]

It would be nice to see this happen and get actual support for the 150, 165 and 220 motors.
Without a new airplane to put these in, it's going to be difficult to justify tho. I just don't see enough 165 Franks around to make it an affordable endeavor.

BUT, if it was to come true and 165's were reasonably priced and parts were abound...I'd consider it as a replacement to my O300 when the day comes.

[mike roe]

They are good engines. Hopefully we will see some parts start to be made. Pistons, valves, cranks. On another subject David. I am in a aviators group in Richmond. We get together once a month to tell jokes and lies. I was talking to Len Bottoms. If that is his 170 you have he raved what a nice plane it is.
Mike

[Ryan Smith]

Robert Still and his father Dale are cousins of mine. Good people with a true love for Franklin engines and Stinsons as well. I stumbled across the Franklin booth which was about three booths down from Kevin Kimball's at Sun 'n Fun this year. They seem to be very motivated to succeed. I wish them well!

[mike roe]

Robert has been up to our airstrip to pick up a engine. He is very good with the Franklins. We are fortunate to have a reputable person doing overhauls and cylinder work. This can be nothing but good for him.