A 1929 Waco CTO Taperwing has been listed for sale by Platinum Fighter Sales, adding another example of the early Waco biplanes to the current warbird market. The aircraft is part of the wider Waco 10 series, a line of three-seat, open-cockpit biplanes first flown in 1927 and produced in large numbers through the early 1930s. Originally built by the Advance Aircraft Company, later known as the Waco Aircraft Company, the type became the firm’s most widely produced design, with more than 1,600 aircraft completed between 1927 and 1933. As production evolved, Waco introduced a new designation system. In the case of the CTO, the “C” refers to the Wright J-6 engine, the “T” indicates the tapered wing configuration, and the “O” identifies it as a development of the original Model 10.
The aircraft listed, registered as Waco CTO Taperwing NC657N, carries serial number 3166 and shows 579.5 hours total time since new, including 79.5 hours since its most recent restoration. Power comes from a Wright R-760-8 radial engine with 79.5 hours since major overhaul, paired with a Hamilton Standard 1639/1519 propeller. The aircraft is fitted with Bendix wheels, BT-15 brakes, Cleveland master cylinders, and a Scott 3200 tailwheel, along with an Eclipse starter. Avionics are limited to an ACK E-01 ELT. It has been fully recovered in Ceconite fabric with a multi-layer dope finish as part of its restoration.
The aircraft was restored by Frank Pavliga between 1996 and 2003, with the work focused on returning it to its original CTO Taperwing configuration in line with its type certificate. As part of the project, a new tapered wing assembly was built, including all four wing panels, the center section, and ailerons, using original hardware and bracing. New wood components were used throughout, primarily Sitka spruce. The fuselage was rebuilt to original specifications, retaining the original control system. A large number of structural components were fabricated during the restoration, including the tail surfaces, struts, landing gear assemblies, seating, and both fuel and oil tanks. The original Wright J6-7 engine is no longer fitted, having been replaced during the restoration with an approved R-760-8, a later unit also used on similar Waco models.
Some updates were made to support operation in modern conditions, including the replacement of the original tailskid with a tailwheel and the use of modern wheel bearings. The fabric finish was completed using the Ceconite system with a nitrate and butyrate process, following the original paint and trim scheme as closely as possible. The aircraft completed a conformity inspection on May 21, 2003, and was issued a standard airworthiness certificate as a Waco CTO. If you want to get your hands on a 1929 Taperwing, now is the time. The aircraft is listed for $219,000 on Platinum Fighter Sales. Click HERE to learn more about this aircraft.
