PHOTO PROVIDED Piper Museum President Ron Dremel thanks Lonnie Lawson for his generous donation. Pictured, from left, are Frank Swinehart, John Spencer, Ron Dremel, Lonnie Lawson and Museum Manager Ed Watson.

LOCK HAVEN — The Piper Aviation Museum recently accepted the donation of another airplane when Lonnie Lawson of Linden, Pa., donated his 1962 Piper Apache.

The Apache was Piper’s first all-metal aircraft, as well as its first twin engine. It is credited with bringing Piper into the modern era when it was first introduced in 1954.

Lonnie’s Apache, although in beautiful condition, had not flown in several years and needed a complete inspection before it could be flown back to Lock Haven.

Licensed aircraft mechanics Frank Swinehart and John Spencer donated many, many hours of their time going over the plane from tail to spinners to inspect the plane and make the necessary repairs to insure that it was airworthy.

On a beautiful Tuesday afternoon in June, John Spencer piloted the Apache on its final flight to the museum. He reported the plane flew perfectly.

It is now back in Lock Haven and on display in the first floor hangar of the museum.

The Piper Aviation Museum, 1 Piper Way, Lock Haven, is open Wednesday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m.

During this week, for Sentimental Journey, June 18 to 23, the museum will have extended hours until 6 p.m. and also be open on Tuesday of that week.