The Restored Travel Air

A restored Curtiss-Wright 6B Sedan is at the Delta Heritage Museum in Atlanta, painted as a Travel Air S-6000-B, including the original Delta tail number NC8878.

During the 1930s, the airplane carried executives of a pipeline company. The plane was then used to fight fires in Montana for 31 years (1941-1972), hauling smoke jumpers and supplies.

Delta purchased the Travel Air in 1985, from Delta Captain Doug Rounds, who did the initial restoration with family and friends (1975-1983).

In 1997-2000, the museum aircraft restoration team made further improvements: brakes replaced, engine rebuilt, instrument panel rewired and an intercom system, Becker transponder and VHF transceiver installed. New carpet, leather sidewalls, ceiling panels and interior lighting, gave the interior a 1930s vintage appearance.

In 2000, the Travel Air visited the Experimental Aircraft Association's AirVenture OshKosh, the world's premier aviation event. The Travel Air was named Antique Transport Runner-Up for the quality of its restoration.

Pics & Video

  • Flickr: Photos of Delta's restored Travel Air – view photos »
  • Travel Air Restorers Association: Photos and info about vintage Travel Airs – web site »