Ballance Restored: A Stunning Stinson Flies Home

Sparkling like a jewel in the midsummer sun, a stunning 1934 straight-wing Stinson SR-5A Reliant was proudly poised in front of the VAA Red Barn during #OSH19. Its striking profile was unmistakable, with its angular, vee-type windshield, wide-stance main gear, and large, rounded rudder. This Stinson is more than a beguiling sentinel of the golden age; it’s also a sentimental tribute to the Ballance family’s longtime love for aviation.

[KathyLuhta]

My father owned this airplane in the 1970's. He got it as a basket case and rebuilt it to flying condition. He never painted it or finished the interior. He didn't care how it looked, he just liked to fly it. I was heartbroken when he sold it. I am so happy to see it flying and beautifully restored.

[greghelms]

I believe it’s one of the most beautiful airplanes ever built. I didn’t know it existed until I saw a foam RC version. I loved that airplane.

[steven-tbeq]

I'll be 62 years old soon and I just don't know where the younger generation is going to find craftsmen like these in the future. Beautiful work!

[redsalamander]

When I was a young man a parachute jump club owned a Stinson Reliant and they would come in at Browns Airport, Aero Country Club in South Miami. I would be asked to top off the tanks and they would toss me the keys and ask me to taxi it to the tie down spot. Wow, when I cranked that Jacobs 680 up and taxied it, what a big deal I thought I was. N69U was the airplane. Great memories!

[jackbego]

I had my first airplane ride in this at Roscoe Turner Aviation in Indianapolis !

[bobdyer]

Just one beautiful Stinson, actually just one stunning plane. I do like how the IP came out, excellent detail through out. Congrats!

[kittyhawk]

Any Stinson lover is a friend to me! Well done!

[nancychace]

Wonderful restoration - a true work of art. Thanks for sharing 🙂

[mikenichols]

They don’t get any prettier than that! 👍🏻

[CCitis]

I hope these guys pass this knowledge of a dying art form on. Fantastic stuff

[joe-xknl]

I wish I had the money to see this stuff...