By Wayne Paul
This HP-14 was built by M. Fisher in St. Joseph, Mich., and flown there. Modified during construction with longer ruddervators to increase stability and flaps shortened and ailerons lengthened. Based on Paul Bikle's modified HP-14, the flaps were levered to allow extension at any speed but go only 60 degrees. The ailerons have been found to be very effective, a real plus for a Schreder product. It was taken to Atlanta and stored for 8 or 9 years then purchased by Larry McDowell who took it to New York and stored it for the last 7-8 years. When Larry and Mitzi moved to Challis, Idaho N990 also made the trip. I purchase it August 1, 1999 and moved it to my hangar at the Nampa, Idaho airport. At the time of purchase, this HP-14 had only accumulated 167 hrs of flight time and the last time it was flow was June 29, 1979.
Close examination revealed many safety related items that needed to be rectified in order to consider this glider airworthy. I have fabricated and replaced two bulkheads, mixer system, wing bell crank, ruddervader pushrods, control cables, etc. The flap actuation system was returned to Dick Schreder's original crank (gear and rack) design. This allows a full 90 degrees of flap travel. In addition, I have added a new hydraulic disk brake system, upgraded gear retraction system; and, upgraded the instrumentation to include new Winter ASI and logarithmic vario, new altimeter, VP-3 flight computer/varios, Filser ART 57 UL, gear warning circuit, oxygen system, etc.
The old wood trailer had rotted beyond repair, so a old 15 meter trailer is being modified.
N990 was inspected for airworthness on September 12, 2004 and test flown on September 20, 2004. The above pictures were taken during the test flight sequence. I am happy to report that the bird's handling characteristics met my expectations.
I would like to thank everyone who has given me encouragement, advice and assistance with this restoration project.
After flying a series of tests from the Nampa airport N990 was transported to Mackay, Idaho for the annual Idaho soaring encampment. The following pictures were taken at Mackay during the first two weeks of August, 2005.
Larry McDowell happened to drive by the Mackay airport while en route to Challis after shopping in Idaho Falls. When seeing his old HP-14 tied down on the ramp, he stopped and took a couple pictures.
The pictures shown above were taken by Brian Case during the 2006 and 2007 Idaho Soaring Regatta. There were several days during the 2007 Regatta where flying was not possible due to smoke from forest fires. Smoke was present even on the good days as can be seen in the "Over the Lost..." and "Flying with Brian...." pictures.
I flew my 300 km Gold Badge Distance flight on August 7, 2007
