1991 Gary A. Waugh Skybolt I: A Pristine Example of Aerobatic Excellence
The 1991 Skybolt I originally built by Gary A. Waugh is a standout in the world of biplane aerobatic aircraft. This aircraft is in excellent condition, clean airframe, and thrilling performance, this Skybolt offers the perfect balance of value and capability. With a sliding canopy for flexibility, reliable Lycoming power, and well-maintained components, this aircraft is ready for its next owner.
If you’re looking for an aerobatic biplane in very clean condition, N91GW is an excellent choice. This aircraft will be available at auction from April 2, 2025, to April 9, 2025, with a starting bid of $28,000.
The History of the Skybolt
The Skybolt is a two-seat tandem biplane, originally designed by Lamar Steen in 1970 as a high-performance aerobatic aircraft. It quickly gained popularity among homebuilders and aerobatic enthusiasts for its rugged construction and exciting flight characteristics.
This particular example, built by Gary A. Waugh in 1991, carries on the tradition of excellent craftsmanship and performance. Waugh, known for his dedication to experimental aviation, constructed this aircraft with precision, ensuring its continued reliability and structural integrity.
The Purpose and Uses of the Skybolt
The Skybolt I is designed primarily for aerobatics and sport flying. It excels in:
- Aerobatic Training – With its sturdy airframe and responsive controls, the Skybolt is an ideal platform for pilots looking to hone their aerobatic skills.
- Recreational Flying – Whether with an enclosed canopy or in open-air configuration, this aircraft provides an exhilarating flying experience.
- Airshow Performances – The aircraft’s striking patriotic paint scheme and aerobatic capability make it an eye-catching performer.
With a cruise speed of 125 mph, a useful load of 539 pounds, and a stall speed of just 55 mph, the Skybolt balances high-energy aerobatics with practical performance.
Airframe
The 1991 Gary A. Waugh Skybolt I, registered as N91GW, is a meticulously maintained example of this classic aerobatic biplane. With only 592 total hours, the airframe remains in excellent condition, reflecting its careful upkeep and limited use. Built for both thrilling aerobatic performance and smooth cross-country flights, the Skybolt I features a robust steel-tube fuselage with fabric covering, ensuring both strength and light weight. The aircraft’s fuel capacity of 38 gallons provides a solid range for adventure, while its stall speed of 55 mph and cruise speed of 125 mph make it a well-balanced performer in the sport aviation category. The recent condition inspection, completed on May 23, 2024, ensures that this aircraft is in top shape and ready for its next owner.
Engine
Powering the Skybolt I is a Lycoming IO-360-C1D6 engine, a proven and reliable 200-horsepower powerplant known for its strong performance and aerobatic capabilities. With 467 hours since its major overhaul, completed by Barrett Performance Aircraft in 1993, this engine has plenty of life remaining for high-energy flights. Its fuel-injected design provides consistent power delivery, while its reputation for dependability makes it a preferred choice among aerobatic pilots.
Propeller
The aircraft is equipped with a Hartzell HC-C2YK-4CF constant-speed propeller, featuring FC7666A-2 blades. This setup allows for optimized performance across different flight phases, whether executing tight aerobatic maneuvers or cruising efficiently. The propeller’s durable design and well-matched aerodynamics contribute to the Skybolt’s smooth handling and reliability.
Avionics
The avionics suite in N91GW provides essential flight information while maintaining a lightweight and straightforward panel. The front seat is equipped with an airspeed indicator and altimeter, ensuring the pilot has critical data at a glance. The back seat features a more comprehensive setup, including a Garmin G5, Garmin GTX 327 transponder, Garmin 296 GPS, and a BendixKing KY97A TSO comm radio. Additional instruments include a manifold pressure gauge, turn coordinator, heading indicator, tachometer, cabin climb indicator, suction gauge, and accelerometer. While the aircraft is not IFR-capable and does not include ADS-B, its avionics setup provides clear and effective navigation and communication tools for VFR flight.
Interior
The Skybolt I’s interior blends function with classic styling, featuring wood flooring, seat backs, and control stick handles that add a vintage touch to the cockpit. The simple yet well-crafted design provides a comfortable and practical flying experience, ensuring that both pilot and passenger can fully enjoy the aircraft’s aerobatic and cross-country capabilities.
Exterior
The aircraft’s striking exterior features a patriotic red, white, and blue color scheme, with bold blue accents adorned with white stars. This eye-catching design not only enhances the aircraft’s aesthetic appeal but also makes it stand out on the ramp or in the air. The paint remains in great condition, with only minor touch-ups performed under the top wing to prevent future flaking.
Additional Features
The Skybolt I includes several desirable features, such as a cabin heater for cold-weather flights and a fuselage cover for protection during storage. The aircraft also comes with a removable windscreen, allowing for the option of open-cockpit flying. Importantly, there are no known corrosion issues, missing logbooks, or incident history, further underscoring the aircraft’s clean condition.
Auction Information
This very clean 1991 Gary A. Waugh Skybolt I will be available for bidding from April 2 to April 9, 2025. The auction will start at $28,000, with a required $2,000 deposit and a 6% buyer premium. Located in Jacksonville, FL, this well-maintained aerobatic biplane is a rare opportunity for pilots seeking a beautifully kept and exciting aircraft.
Why This Skybolt Stands Out
- Extremely clean and well-maintained example of the Skybolt I
- Low total time (592 hours) on a solid airframe
- Strong-performing Lycoming IO-360 engine with 467 SMOH
- Sliding canopy and open-cockpit options for versatile flying
- Eye-catching patriotic paint scheme
- Proven aerobatic capabilities with a smooth, responsive flight profile
If you’re looking for a high-performance, very clean, and well-kept aerobatic biplane, N91GW is an excellent choice. This aircraft represents a rare opportunity to own a Skybolt in outstanding condition at a competitive auction price.
Get Ready to Bid
Mark your calendar for April 2-9, 2025, and prepare to bid on this exceptional aerobatic aircraft. With its proven reliability, excellent condition, and thrilling performance, this Skybolt is sure to attract attention.
Don’t miss your chance to own a truly clean and well-maintained Skybolt I—bid with confidence and take home a piece of aerobatic history.
