NOTE:  This aircraft has been sold and now has new owners

1943 Taylorcraft L-2M  N49555

A Tribute to the L-2 and other Liaison Aircraft in WWII by Vince and Roxane Palone For those  interested in hunting and conservation take a look at our other site as well: www.skunkinthewoodpile.com

Liaison aircraft such as this one, as well as the  Piper L-4, and the Aeronca L-3, were used for many missions in WWII.  One of their main missions was to direct artillery fire upon the enemy from their vantage point in the sky.  Recently, the discussion in the news of "up-armored" Humvees should remind all of us that, not that long ago, we  sent soldiers into battle in tube and fabric aircraft carrying only a sidearm.  That statement is not one of disrespect for our present day army, perhaps the finest America has ever fielded. It is an observation that modern day America has higher expectations for the well being of those in combat, as it should be. The L-4 was by far the most widely used observer aircraft  in that period of history, followed in numbers by the L-5 Stinson.  My name is Vince Palone, and this page is for all of you interested in this type of aircraft.      Click on any picture to see a larger image.

On  long final for Arnold Palmer Airport. Yes named after the golfer.  Time for a fuel stop.

My wife, Roxane Palone and the previous owner Dan.  He had mixed feeling about selling it. I understood since I recently sold my experimental.  You can get attached to an airplane, and it is nothing to be ashamed of.

Leaving Clearfield PA.  We had to divert here for a few days due to weather.  Found a nice safe hangar for the L-2.

Picking up the L-2 in Lock Haven PA,  the home of Piper aircraft for many years.  While climbing out over the old factory, one had to wonder how may Cubs and L-4s left the airport on their way to their new owners, or off to war.  Pictured are Joe Zieglar and me (I'm the one with the beard).

The former home of the L-2 was Cooperstown NY.

Known history of  Army Air Corps service.  N49555 most likely served with a Civil Air Patrol unit during the war

L -plane nose art, depicting the common nickname for this type of plane, Grasshopper.

Louis Palone.  He saw many L-planes in action over the American lines, as well as P-47s, B17s, P-38s, and just about every plane in both the Axis and Allied air forces as he walked and crawled across Europe with the Third ID. Click for a bio.

Too many mothers got  this from the War Dept.  Please remember the freedom you have to fly around the country was not without cost.

The American cemetery near Nettuno Italy.  The Anzio beach landing took place a few kilometers away.  Over 8000 American graves from the Southern Italy campaign alone (the British have their own cemetery). There is another American cemetery near Florence. It is tempting to comment on the price of freedom, but the pictures explain it much better than I could ever hope to. Many graves are that of airmen

Original transfer of our plane to civilian use.  It was sold as surplus.  The prop, or an annual  would cost more today, and back then it was almost new!  Note: Near the top of the page the L-2 got its first "N" number, written in by hand.

Some picture of the L2 in flight. Left to right, Roxane, Roxane, Rebecca Smith, me, and the plane.

Roxane on final for 27 at way (in the grass).

Left to right. The L2, me and Roxane, then  again but after "mainstreaming" mysef a little, then the L2 again.  Last is our niece Rebecca.  I like to take her when Roxane is away since she too loves flying, and like the L2, is very low maintenance.

The L-2 as it was designed to fly, low and slow over the trees.  Got to keep concealed from the Bf 109!

Roxane finally gets her turn at the controls, she  previously soloed a J-3

Two pictures above from Air Venture.  The USO girls were all over me but I suffered and  got a picture with them.  Roxane with an exquisitely restored Piper L4

Video Click on a link below to open  a  video,  all are You Tube links. L2 Takeoff and landing L2 History and specs L2 1/2 turn spin Roxane flies the L2 Pro video shoot

Click on the links below for more information

Link to Taylorcraft foundation page

Left to right, Roxane, her brother Tuck, her niece Laurin, and their friend Mike, a helicoptor pilot.  Personally I like my wings to stay in one place and not rotate around my head!

International Liasion  pilot association

The first Officer and his clan. Left to right;dad, mom, aunt and uncle.  Uncle got his hands on the controls as PIC.  He had some prior flight time but never in a "war bird".  The FO's first flying lesson to uncle, the low pass for the crowd.  Uncle did a fine job, must run in the family!

War bird alley

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Last Update 1/8/2011