WACO F-2

We all too often get caught up in appearances, especially in aviation. Appearance and standards are a good thing but what about how it flies? I have flown lots of different airplanes of the antique sort and as you may know, it is no fun to fly a aircraft that flies poorly, no matter how good it looks! Now about the WACO F-2. The F-2 is what happens when form and function come together perfectly. Sure there are a few things that you must adjust to but every antique airplane does. If you are going to whine about comfort, toe brakes vs. heel brakes etc. etc. you don't belong near vintage aircraft, period. The F-2 has a shorter cockpit and heel brakes with a non adjustable seat, works fine for a local hop or a 1,500 nm trip. It is a fairly comfortable aircraft. WACO built both the QCF-2 and UBF-2, both of which we have restored and flown. Folks seem to prefer the UBF because of the lower wings sweep into the fuselage and the tail is bigger but, when you park a UBF next to a QCF the UBF tail starts to look large and out of place. The QCF has lighter controls since the linkage from the stick to the ailerons is direct rather than around and about to accommodate the swept in wings on the UBF. Both are great flying airplanes but given the choice I would go with the QCF despite I might not quite fit in with folks that are able to say, with a puffed out chest, I have a UBF-2 and its more rare! In reality there are about the same of each out there and most, are recreations or homebuilts rather than the originals that are restored. Each and every one is a great airplane that holds a special place in someones heart. So in short it is what makes you happy. For those who go tit for tat and this and that and nitpick what original I say this......go build your own.

Consider this; An airplane that can hop off the ground in about 300' and land in the same distance. Cruises at 110+ mph. It is at home with light aerobatics. Looks like none other and, like a million bucks on any ramp. Has balanced and light controls and NO bad habits. In short this is the happiest and lightest little airplane I have ever flown. This is pure WACO. The F-2 has become a holy grail of sorts of the WACO breed. It is simple, light, looks great and flies perfect. It is what every WACO was before they were purpose built and some weight was added here and more gas there and a bigger gear and strut etc. etc. They all fly great but the F-2 takes the cake.

The photo at the bottom of this page is our most recent F-2 restoration. I will be adding some more photos of our other F-2's as well. Enjoy!!