1932 Monocoupe 110

The Monocoupe was the brainchild of pilot Donald Luscombe, who set out to design an airplane with an enclosed cabin.

By the 1930s, Monocoupes became popular for both their comfort and their speed and efficiency, and were a popular sight at airshows and air races at College Park Airport.

Specs

Year: 1932

Capacity: One pilot, one passenger

Empty weight: 991 pounds

Wingspan: 32 ft.

Length: 20 ft. 8 in.

Maximum speed: 47 mph

Engine: Warner Scarab, 165hp

Design and Operation

In the 1920s, Donald Luscombe flew a Curtiss Jenny to further his advertising career. He became frustrated flying the open-cockpit airplane, which required flying gear like goggles, helmet, and heavy clothing. Luscombe decided to design an airplane with an enclosed cabin. When completed, he called the plane a Monocoupe by blending “monoplane” with “coupe,” the enclosed two-door cars replacing open top roadsters and touring cars in the 1920s.

By the 1930s, Monocoupes became popular for both their comfort and their speed and efficiency. In 1928, nearly 90 percent of all the light airplanes produced and sold in the United States were Monocoupes. Their side-by-side seating. They were spirited and fun to fly, but not necessarily easy. Depending on the engine, their top speeds ranged from 120-148 mph. The number “110” denotes that this Monocoupe originally had an 110hp radial engine. Buyers could also have a Monocoupe 90, a Monocoupe 125, or even a Monocoupe 145.

Airshows at College Park Airport

Monocoupes were a popular sight at the College Park Airfield. In the 1930s, the airfield hosted numerous air shows and air races, garnering front-page news. Many well-known pilots raced in the speedy Monocoupe, including Phoebe Omile and Helen MacClosky, both who were frequent visitors to the airfield.

Phoebe Omlie

Phoebe Omlie was a famous barnstormer, or stunt pilot, and the first woman in a federal aviation position. In high school, she convinced a pilot to bring her on a flight. He tried scaring her by flying in loops and diving, but instead of scaring her these stunts inspired her to become a barnstormer. Barnstorming was very popular, and it offered women opportunities to fly and earn money. Phoebe did stunts such as walking on wings while in flight and biting the wing and hanging from the plane! She frequently performed at College Park Airport, where she flew in a speedy Monocoupe similar to the one on display.

Our Monocoupe 110

This aircraft was made in 1932 in the Monocoupe factory in Moline, Illinois. It has been owned by over at least 24 separate individuals. It has flown in Oklahoma, Missouri, Ohio, and Texas.
It was purchased by the museum in 1997 from owner Jack McCarthy, from Washington DC who flew and kept it in Hyde Field and Kentmoore Airport in Maryland.