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Love Affair with a Stearman
The primary reason I fly a jet is because I need to get where I am going quickly. Is it fun to fly? Absolutely! But what if I didn't need to go anywhere? What airplane would I fly? I, like most pilots, have a very long list. Some I have rented or 'borrowed,' and some I have owned, flown for a while, had a little fun with, then passed them on to their next 'caretaker.' I have always had a soft spot for airplanes with round engines and lots of character. I am a World War…Sort type: [Top] [Newest]
I would give anything to experience flying a Stearman.
Anson,
Plan yourself a trip to Northern California, Columbia Airport (O22) for the ride of your life! See:http://letsgofly.com/
There is a 1943 Stearman PT-17 just waiting for you there!
Plan yourself a trip to Northern California, Columbia Airport (O22) for the ride of your life! See:http://letsgofly.com/
There is a 1943 Stearman PT-17 just waiting for you there!
David, you have tempted me beyond all reason. May just kick such an adventure to the top of my bucket list. Thanks for the tip.
But wait until the Rim fire is out. You might want some scenery visible.
..or if the east coast is closer, visit the "Battle for the Airfield." Absolutely epic. Have gone two years in a row (first year we went both days). Search youtube for videos. http://www.collingsfoundation.org/cf_OpenHouseEvents13.htm
As a Navy cadet in 1943 my instructor landed the Stearman at a grass field, left the engine running, set the brake, and we climbed out for a cigarette and talk. "Cadet Brown," he said, "that is probably the safest plane ever built, but if you try hard enough it will kill you."
I miss those stalls, loops, inverted spins, snap rolls, night flying, crosswind landings in that honest bird.
I miss those stalls, loops, inverted spins, snap rolls, night flying, crosswind landings in that honest bird.
thank you for your article, it helps bring the stearman to life. My uncle Lt Henry Rosine already had a pilot license (age 15) before WWII but one of my favorite photos is of him standing in front of a USAAF stearman. He grew up on a 7 acre farm with four brothers and our family stories tell of grandma chasing him with a hoe after he landed once on the farm (no one knew he was taking flying lessons). grandma was mad that he had wasted money. He flew 35 missions as a/c commander of b17 with 100th bomb group (12 O'Clock High) then became an Eastern Airlines pilot after the war. Google him (to honor him) for link to 100th bomb group website