Waco set for full return to flight in Idaho

A rare 1937-built Waco EGC-7 Cabin class biplane has been donated to The Spirit of Flight Foundation museum in Nampa, Idaho

Arizona’s Mike and Sherrie Walton purchased the project in 2020, intending to restore it to flight. “We really like what the Spirit of Flight Foundation is doing to save history and felt like the Waco would be a great addition to their collection,” Mike said. The Walton’s opted to donate the Waco to the Idaho attraction, which will now carry out the restoration.

“I think every pilot or enthusiast who has ever seen a Waco Cabin biplane falls in love with them,” said the museum’s Gordon Page. “I never thought we would be able to add one to Spirit of Flight, but thankfully Mike and Sherrie made a wish list item come true.”

He added: “It’s like a big, wooden jigsaw puzzle, but we have all the plans and some skilled restorers on our team to help get it back it the air. I’m looking forward to flying it and thinking about the aviation pioneers who flew it before me.” With thanks to Gordon Page

The Waco’s wings at their new home in Idaho
The Waco’s wings at their new home in Idaho Courtesy Gordon Page
The project’s radial engine has also been safely delivered
The project’s radial engine has also been safely delivered Courtesy Gordon Page