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HELP SUPPORT THE
THANK
YOU!
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My fiancé-pilot, Paula, and I purchased N3760K s/n 1453 on December 18, 2000 from one of my best friends, Ralph Mallicoat (who is now building an RV-8). I had previously been flying numerous Swifts across the country doing check-outs and ferry work. I had a good idea of most of the popular mods and engines being put to use and had a good idea of what I was looking for in a Swift when it came time to buy. Ralph found this airplane listed on the bulletin board in Athens for sale by Lou Leftwich (owner of NC33336 s/n 2). We hopped a Southwest 737 down to Orlando to take a look at what Lou had to offer. The plane had been completely restored to Super Swift status (except for a big engine) and was a beauty. The restoration of 60K was begun by former owner, Jimmie Hunt, back in the early 90’s and the plane was on it’s gear and had the bubble canopy (installed by Mr. Nagle himself) in place. Work was progressing on the restoration by Vaughn and Scott when Lou Leftwich purchased the plane in early ’96. Lou had the plane shipped over to Jim Thomason in South Carolina for completion of the work. Jim replaced the O-300 in 60K with a great running O-320 w/ CS prop from N3802K (which was getting a bigger engine), put in Lischer sticks, extended length gear doors, and lots of other goodies. Jim gave his A&P/IA blessing and the plane was returned to airworthy status on July 11, 1997.
The plane received a top-notch paint job and suede leather interior. A custom VFR panel was installed with a canted radio stack. Ralph struck up a deal with Lou in October 1999 and we flew it back to Lebanon, TN. I told him on the flight back, if he ever sold it, that I had first dibs. After flying it a year, he got to wanting to build an RV-8, so Paula and I graciously took 60K off of his hands in December 2000.
As of the beginning of May, 2001, 60K has only 1191 hours total time on the airframe, and 432 SMOH and is as tight as a drum and light as a feather. My fiancé and I are happily flying it all over and look forward to taking it to Athens (the week before our wedding) to hopefully win something. We look forward to many happy hours and years of flying 60K. Sam Swift
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