Squadron 907 History
Doylestown Composite Squadron 907 Aircraft from 1980 to 1994
Before going into the aircraft, a little back history concerning corporate aircraft at Doylestown Composite Squadron 907 is needed. In the 1980’s and before, aircraft were individually assigned to an airport-based squadron and they were basically the only ones that flew and maintained the airplane. Duty hours were required to be flown to keep the aircraft. Regulations later tightened up that required other squadrons to use the aircraft.
This history is recounted from my logbooks which I kept from 1980 through 1996. Doylestown’s first corporate aircraft was a red and white Cessna 150 tail number 19201. It was only a two-passenger aircraft so O Flights were limited. The aircraft was in service at Doylestown prior to 1980 when he joined the squadron and was retired in May of 1984.
The squadron was without an airplane from May 1984 until July 1987 when we received a tired Cessna 172 tail number 8407X. We had it a very short time when we gave it up for another 172 in a little bit better, but not great, shape. Tail number 8344U, blue and white. You can see the CAP log and and colors on the horizontal stabilizer in the picture below. As I said, it was not in great shape and it was not a joy to fly. We picked it up from Allegheny County Airport on 26 September 1987. This plane lasted until November 1988 and thankfully was retired. We did not get a replacement until June of 1989. It was worth the wait! We received an almost new Cessna 172; tan, red and white, tail number 9847L. It was the best corporate aircraft we had been issued. We flew it for over six years. The last record I have of this plane was December 1996. Shortly afterwards it was transferred to Group.
After we transferred our last Cessna to Group, CAP started issuing corporate aircraft painted in CAP colors. These aircraft were not issued for the sole use of the issued squadron. This started a new era of aircraft distribution and management.
N19201 – In service at Doylestown prior to 1980 and retired in May 1984
N8344U - Received at Doylestown September 1987 and retired November 1988
N9847L- Received at Doylestown 1989 and transferred to Group in 1996
By W. J. Stronski
Major, CAP 907 Historian
