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WACO TAPERWING A.T.O.

GUS CORUJO (GUSAIR) PHOTO

Michael U. Potter Historic Aircraft Collection

WACO Taperwing A.T.O.

Arguably one of the most beautiful interwar biplanes, the Vintage Wings Taperwing was a regular performer at airshows around Ottawa until released from the collection in 2012

The WACO (for Weaver Aircraft Company) Taperwing is one of the true classics of the golden age of biplane flying, air-racing and barnstorming leading up to the Second World War. With elegant namesake tapered wings, large narrow wheels, classic open cockpit and rakish good looks, The Vintage Wings of Canada Taperwing ATO seems meant for air racing or aerobatic flying.

The Taperwing was one of the most successful of many models and variations designed and built by Advance Aircraft Company based in Troy, Ohio. A Taperwing was flown to victory in the 1928 National Air Derby by Johnny Livingston a well known aviator, WACO dealer, airline operator and daring air-racer of the day. While he is no longer a household name, Livingston is the namesake of Richard Bach’s unforgettable novel - Jonathan Livingstone Seagull a story about the passion of flying.