Travel Air 6B Sedan

Travel Air 6B Sedan

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Unique Plane

Restored 1931 Curtiss-Wright 6B Sedan painted in International Orange and black of the earlier 1929 Travel Air S-6000-B. Tail number NC8878 celebrates the Travel Air that flew Delta’s first passengers on June 17, 1929. Curtiss-Wright acquired the Travel Air Manufacturing Co. in August 1929.

One of only four 6B Sedans still intact. Built in 1931, and carried executives of a pipeline company for the next decade. Fought fires in Montana for 31 years, from 1941-1972, hauling smoke jumpers and supplies.

Video

Travel Air SB Sedan Image Gallery

Restoration

Delta Captain Doug Rounds completed initial restoration with family and friends from 1975 to 1983. Delta purchased the plane in 1985, and put it on display at headquarters in Atlanta.

Our aircraft restoration team made improvements in 1997-2000: replacing brakes; rebuilding engine; rewiring instrument panel; installing intercom system, Becker transponder and VHF transceiver. New carpet, leather sidewalls, ceiling panels and lighting gave interior a 1930’s vintage look.

Special Events

Flew to EAA's AirVenture in 2000. Awarded “Antique Transport Runner-Up” for excellent restoration.

Recreated Delta's first flight to celebrate 70^th and 75^th passenger service anniversaries in 1999 and 2004. Flew from Dallas-Love Field in Texas, to Jackson, Mississippi, with stops in Monroe and Shreveport, Louisiana.

Travel Air S-6000-B Air Facts

Learn More

Aircraft Make & Model:

Travel Air SB Sedan

Registration No.:

NC8878 (current), 477W (original)

Serial No.:

6B-2040

Manufactured Date:

April 11, 1931

Manufacturer:

Curtiss-Wright Airplane Company in St. Louis, Missouri

Occupants:

5 passengers and 2 pilots

Maximum Weight:

4,420 lbs.

Propeller:

Hamilton Standard, Ground Adjustable

Fuel Capacity:

90 gallons

Materials:

Steel frame covered with a “skin” of linen and epoxy.

Price when New:

$12,435

Range:

550 statute miles

Speed:

95 mph

Length:

31 ft., 5 in.

Wingspan:

48 ft., 7 in.

Height:

9 ft., 3 in.

Engines:

Wright Whirlwind R-975-28

HP or Thrust:

450 hp

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