The Aeronca L is a 1930s American cabin monoplane designed and built, in small numbers, by Aeronca Aircraft. It differed significantly from other Aeronca planes by the use of radial engines, streamlining, and a cantilever low wing.Harris, Richard, "Aeronca: Birth of the Personal Plane ," AAHS Journal, Summer 2007, vol.52, #2, American Aviation Historical SocietyHarris, Richard, "Aeronca/Champion History: Beyond the Bathtub -- Chiefs, Champs & Citabrias," from articles first appearing in In Flight USA, 2003-2004, condensed on author's website, retrieved Jan. 31, 2016.
Design and construction Quite unlike other Aeronca designs, the Model L was a "cantilever" (no external struts for bracing) low-wing monoplane, that featured side-by-side seating in a completely enclosed cabin. The design reflected the greater attention being paid to aerodynamics in the period, including large wheel spats for the fixed undercarriage and a Townend ring for the engine. The aircraft was of mixed-construction with a welded steel fuselage and wings with spruce spars and ribs, all covered with fabric.
Initial attempts to use Aeronca's own engines proved inadequate, and the company turned to small radial engines from other suppliers, particularly neighboring Cincinnati engine manufacturer LeBlond.
Operational history The Model L was mainly flown by private pilot owners. The plane was not a big seller. Difficulty with engine sources, and a destructive flood, in 1937, at Aeronca's factory at Cincinnati's Lunken Airport, took the energy out of the program, and Aeronca went back to high-wing light aircraft.
With the end of sales to Aeronca, LeBlond sold their engine-manufacturing operation to an Aeronca-rival planemaker, Kansas City-based Rearwin Aircraft, who resumed production of the engines under the brand name "Ken-Royce," largely for use in Rearwin planes.
Variants LA Fitted with a LeBlond 5DE engine, 9 built LB Fitted with an LeBlond 5DF engine, 29 built LC Fitted with a Warner Scarab Jr engine, 15 built LCS A single LC, [NC16289], was fitted with floats to become the LCS, carrying a load of for at . LD Fitted with a Lambert R-266 5-cyl. radial engine
Surviving aircraft The EAA AirVenture Museum in Oshkosh, Wisconsin has a 1937 Aeronca LC in its collection.
The Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum of Hood River, Oregon, has an airworthy Aeronica LC. Aeronca LB N16271 was in final stages of restoration as of January 2015; Aeronca LC NC17442 (cn 2056) is also on display in the museum.
The Kelch Aviation Museum of Brodhead, Wisconsin has an airworthy Aeronca LB, NC16262 s/n 2016 as of February, 2026 and is on display.
Specifications (Model LC)
Notes
References
Taylor, J. H. (ed) (1989) Jane's Encyclopedia of Aviation. Studio Editions: London. p. 31 Holcomb's Aerodrome