Experimental Aircraft Association Ralph O Helgeby Flint Area Chapter 77

Help us restore a part of aviation history to flying condition and continue its timeless legacy of training future aviators! Our little 1941 Taylorcraft BC-12D has trained countless pilots at Dalton Airport over many decades. It suffered minor damage some years ago and we decided to restore the plane at that time and add some important upgrades to keep its relevance as a modern training aircraft. We need your help to keep this project moving forward! We have made great progress so far and can't wait to see it back in the pattern with new student pilots learning to fly right here at Dalton Airport in Flushing!

A little history, known as the “Flying Priest”, Father John MacGillvray was from the fishing village of Arisaig in Nova Scotia. He became friends with members of Chapter 77 from his involvement with the annual efficiency race sponsored by AC Spark Plug in the 1950’s. The race originated in Flint and ended in Oshkosh. He was the Chaplain for the National EAA and a member of Chapter 77.

Father John donated a total of five aircraft in his lifetime. Two are in the National Air Museum in Canada, two went to the National EAA and one, a 1941 Taylorcraft model BC-12D N77FJ was given to Chapter 77. He purchased the T-craft as a project for Chapter 77 to rebuild and recover. However, when he attempted to return the aircraft to Canada, he was refused Canadian Certification. So, he brought the plane back to Dalton, leaving it there for about a year, at which point he donated it to the Chapter in 1962. It has remained there ever since teaching many, many pilots to fly. My Mother and I both learned to fly in N77FJ with Jerry Zerbe as our instructor.

So many aviators began this way and we want to continue this into the future for our community and aviation as a whole! There is a shortage of pilots and mechanics in aviation and this is an effort to directly counter that while honoring the past and preserving history. Our work on the aircraft will include youth opportunities to help in the restoration to further STEM educational goals. After completion, the aircraft will be used to offer free rides to youth in the EAA Young Eagles program at Dalton!

The funds will go towards aircraft and engine parts, avionics and any remainder will directly benefit EAA Chapter 77 goals to further aviation interests.