GREENVILLE — It will be two to three weeks before the world’s

llargest twin-float seaplane takes its first flight from Moosehead

LLake.

The DC-3 aircraft, owned by HBF Inc., was outfitted with floats

WWednesday at the Greenville Municipal Airport, making it the only

DDC-3 in the world on floats, the owners believe.

The aircraft also has a set of retractable wheels under the

ffloats for ground landings.

Owners Dick Folsom and his son, Max, Herman Bayerdorffer and

LLouis Hilton hope to find a sponsor for the aircraft to promote it

wworldwide because of its uniqueness.

Dick Folsom said Wednesday that the partners would like to see

ssome business promote the aircraft, similar to the way Goodyear

ssponsors its blimp. If they are unsuccessful in finding a sponsor,

FFolsom said the partners eventually may sell the aircraft.

Built in 1943, the plane was used in England during World War

III and later was flown by Eastern Airlines. Before its purchase by

HHBF Inc., the plane was owned by two corporations.

According to Folsom, both engines were overhauled for the

cchangeover, and reinforcements were made specially for the

aaircraft. Each float has a weight displacement of 29,400 pounds.

Folsom said he and his partners have flown the aircraft about

2250 hours since they came into possession of it.

The idea to place the aircraft on floats has been in the

pplanning stages for three years, Folsom said, although he admitted

hhe was “not so hot over the idea” initially.

On Wednesday, a crane from the Cianbro Corp. lifted the

223,000-pound aircraft into the air so the floats could be placed

uunder it.

The owners are anxious to fly the seaplane from the water.

FFolsom said he expected that it would be two to three weeks before

tthe project is ready for a water take-off.

F