1918 Curtiss JN4-C “Jenny” N3177B s/n 1321

What we have here is the rarest of the rare: a flying 1918 WWI Curtiss JN4-H “Jenny” trainer. The aircraft registration number is N3177B and the Serial No. is 1321. Thousands of WWI pilots were trained in the various Jenny models, and after the war the Jenny became the airplane of choice for the barnstormers that fanned out across America in the early 1920s. Powered by the ubiquitous Curtiss OX-5 water-cooled V-8 90 hp. engine, the Jenny flew low and slow as it won its place in aviation history.

This Jenny was lovingly restored by the late Gene Frank of Caldwell, Idaho in the late 1980s and early 1990s. In order to show the excellent woodwork of the WWI era and the Jenny’s unique method of construction using miles of turnbuckle tightened wires, Gene got FAA approval to cover the aircraft in clear Mylar plastic. Gene flew the aircraft for several years and won awards at West Coast fly-ins before the Jenny was parked in 1997 due to Gene’s declining health.

Gene fabricated a wing trailer (as have some other Jenny owners) that allowed him to trailer the aircraft cross country to fly-ins, then reinstall the wings and fly the Jenny at locations far from home. The wings are currently on the trailer and are ready to ship, as are the fuselage and tail surfaces. Though the Mylar looks very presentable, it should probably be replaced before the next flight either with new Mylar or with fabric covering due to the ultraviolet deterioration that occurs with clear Mylar.

The OX-5 engine is in excellent condition, as are the propeller and tires.