Ben Eielson's "Jenny"

The Jenny at FAI. Photo by Theresa Bakker

In the fall of 2007, members of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), Chapter 1129, helped to lower Ben Eielson’s Curtiss JN-4D (Jenny) from the ceiling of the Fairbanks International Airport. She had hung there since 1981, but with wings that belonged to another type of biplane, a Swallow. Practically from the day she was put on display in the airport, aviation historians and pilots alike cringed at this inconsistency and desired to have the true wings placed onto the historic fuselage. Through the efforts of dozens of Fairbanks community members, the necessary money and know-how came together to make this dream a reality.

On October 28, 2013, the Jenny was again raised above the baggage terminal at FAI. Her newly built wings reach the full 44-feet span originally intended and her fabric covering sports a new yellow paint job. Thanks go to the EAA members and volunteers who spent thousands of hours researching and crafting, by hand, the»Jenny’s wings. Led by Roger Weggel, UAF Assistant Professor of Aviation Maintenance Technology, every detail was documented and executed with skill and precision.

Our ongoing thanks to EAA volunteers:

Craftsmen: Leland "Corky" Corkran, Pete Haggland, Eric Leif Johansen, Ted Kegler, Rick Kreofsky, Joe Michalski, John Morack, Jeffery O’Bryant, Al Renfroe, Phil Schad, Walter Weese; Roger Weggel, and Stan Zielinski.

Workers: Diane Choate, Rick Crisenbery, Bruce Dunkle, Jeffery Gilbert, Stan Halverson, Louis Knapp, Jerry Kreofsky, Larry Lysne, Francis O’Connor, Doug Peterson, Abigail Seaver, Robert Sullivan, and Mike Talbert.

Financial Contributions: Randy Acord, Bettisworth and Corp., Leland “Corky” Corkran, Davis Construction, Everts Air, Jon and Phyllis Goldenbaum – Consolidated Aircraft Coatings, William Green, Ivar Halverson, IAAAF (Interior and Arctic Alaska Aviation Foundation), Ike Jensen, Lynden Transport, Bill O’Bar, Francis O’Connor, Parsons Brinckerhoff, Usibelli Foundation, Matt Shaw, Spenard Builders Supply, Syd Stealey, Erin Talbott, John and Fran Zarling.

NEWS COVERAGE:

Museum of the North

Ethnology & History

Ben Eielson's "Jenny"