Gainesville's INK now has an airplane

GAINESVILLE - 'GrandPappy Airlines' made its debut at INK, the Interactive Neighborhood for Kids, in Gainesville on Monday, New Year's Eve.

The polka dot painted 1952 Aero Commander 560A aircraft was unveiled in a special room in INK's museum and little Ryan Balch was all set at the controls.

"I like the little levers because they can pull down," he said.

The airplane was housed at a local private hanger under restoration over the past several months before making its trip up I-985 to its permanent home at INK according to museum founder and executive director Sheri Hooper.

"It just adds one more great exhibit to all kids to roll play in different areas and figure out what they want to be when they grow up," she said.

The refurbishing project was compliments of a group of local aviation enthusiasts guided by businessman and entrepreneur Alan Wayne of Flowery Branch.

The restoration project took many hours of dedication, determination and research according to Wayne.

The airplane is complete with real instruments, aircraft sounds and
will eventually be made handicapped accessible.