Pancho and NC539C reunited.

Pancho played with enthusiasm by Leslie Dinius.


From "Legend of Pancho Barnes" site.

http://www.legendofpanchobarnes.com/

"Florence "Pancho" Barnes was one of the most important women in 20th Century aviation. A tough and fearless aviatrix, Pancho was a rival of Amelia Earhart's who made a name for herself as Hollywood's first female stunt pilot. Just before WWII she opened a ranch near Edwards Air Force Base that became a famous -- some would say notorious -- hangout for test pilots and movie stars. Known as the "Happy Bottom Riding Club", it became the epicenter of the aviation world during the early jet age. Chuck Yeager celebrated breaking the sound barrier there in 1947, and Howard Hughes and Jimmy Doolittle caroused in the bar. The Club's destruction by fire in 1953 is seen by many to mark the end of a Golden Era in post-WWII aviation. In the same fashion Pancho herself has become something of a legend, a fascinating yet enigmatic icon whose swagger is often celebrated, but whose story has been largely unknown."


Little History on NC539C

The 39th model 108-3 manufactured by the Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Corporation. Delivered to the W.H. Coffin Air Service, Vail Field, Los Angeles in September 1947. Purchased by Eugene “Mac” McKendry of Rancho Oro Verde, Muroc, California, in January 1948.
“Mac” McKendry, together with Florence Lowe “Pancho” Barnes and her son, Bill, operated Pancho’s Fly-In, also know as he Happy Bottom Riding Club. Pancho’s Fly-In was located in the desert some 50 miles north of Pasadena, offering year round activities such as Horse back riding, wagon rides, Old California barbeques and desert picnics. A buckboard and stagecoach were available for airport to ranch transportation.
Flown regularly from the ranch by Mac and Pancho’s son Bill, NC539C was also used by Pancho and others including Chuck Yeager.