The plane ride in the book was where I needed the most help. I don't know anything about airplanes and performed a large amount of research before deciding on what type of plane I wanted to use. I was swimming at a lake near our house with my kids when a float plane flew over the Lake a few times and landed near us. My kids were facinated by this whole scene. This helped me decide to use a floatplane in the book.
This model is called a Beaver and was built in the 1950's and is actually for sale. Even though it's from the 1950's they are still worth about $200,000 which is more than some people pay for a house!The plane ride in the book was where I needed the most help.
I chose this plane because it looks old like something that Johnny's Dad would enjoy working on and restoring. Plus it is a simple plane to fly and is considered a classic. The book takes place in northern Michigan near the Canadian border and these planes are quite common among the people who live and vacation along the lakes and rivers.
This plane also caught my attention because it has two steering wheels or control sticks. In the story Johnny's Dad is teaching him how to fly and this plane would suit that purpose well.
