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Don a leather
flying helmet and goggles for a flight of pure nostalgia,
whether experiencing the thrill of aerobatics or simply
flying high above the bustle of modern life, in our Boeing
Stearman it is easy to imagine it is 1940 again.
Come enjoy the
unforgettable experience of flying in an open cockpit
classic aircraft over African skies.
The Boeing
Stearman was used as a trainer for the American Air Corps
during World War Two and is now a true classic.
Scenic
Flights
Departing from Stellenbosch airfield our Boeing Stearman
flights take in a view of the spectacular Cape winelands
region and the Cape Peninsula.
About the PT17 Boeing Stearman
This famous biplane began life as a design of the Stearman
Division of United Aircraft which Boeing acquired as a
wholly owned subsidiary in 1934.
The prototype of the Stearman flew for the first time in 1936. That year Stearman delivered the first production Model 35s, as the
PT13, to the US Army Air Corps. That service immediately
found the Lycoming R680 powered PT13 to be an ideal basic
trainer, the airframe was rugged and forgiving, and the slow
turning radial engine reliable and reasonably economical.
During World War II almost all American pilots undertook
basic training on the PT13 or PT17, and the type was
exported to Canada, Britain and other nations.
Postwar, the Stearman's rugged construction and good low
speed handling saw large numbers converted for agricultural
spraying work. Many conversions involved replacing the
Stearman's fabric covering with metal, while some were fitted with
more powerful 335kW (450hp) P&W R985A61 radials. Today
many Boeing Stearmans are still flown by private owners
worldwide.
Total production 8584 Postwar more than 2100 were converted
for agricultural spraying work. Several hundred fly with
private owners to date. |
