Beechcraft 18 (N506PA)

It is always a special thrill for me when I come upon an old airplane such as this one because there is usually quite a bit of history visible on them -- and the story that comes along with them is often very interesting. That is the case with this old skin and bones Beech Expeditor (US Reg. N506PA - now deregistered and reg number reassigned // original Canadian military Reg 1392 // original US military Reg 44-47216).
After coming off the production line in August, 1944, this Beechcraft Expeditor II was sent to Canada as part of the Lend - Lease Act. In Canada, it was assigned Canadian military reg # 1392. It ended up being assigned to the Royal Canadian Air Force Training Command. One of the most interesting markings on this old bird is the Canadian Red Ensign flag with the Canadian Coat of Arms Shield. That particular flag had just been placed into use by Canada in January of 1944 and the Canadian military forces had been directed to use it so when it was painted on this aircraft it was a very new version of the flag of our neighbors to the north.
In 1968, this Beech was acquired by Mr. Charles Wentworth in Paso Robles. It was modified to an Mk-3T model and registered as N506PA. That registration eventually expired and was not renewed so today the Reg number N506PA is assigned to another aircraft.