MILITARY HISTORY

The Boeing Stearman Model 75 “Kaydet” occupies a unique place in American aviation history

Military

The Boeing Stearman Model 75 “Kaydet” occupies a unique place in American aviation history. One of the best-known American biplanes and presently the most numerous, the “Stearman” has had four separate and distinct major careers over a span of 60+ years and the end is still not in sight. During WW II, the Stearman Model-75 was produced in greater numbers than any other biplane in history, and probably more military pilots learned to fly in it than any other airplane.

The original U.S. Army “Kaydet” was the PT-13 with the 225 h.p. Lycoming R-680 engine. In 1940, to avoid a shortage of Lycoming’s, the Army specified an alternate engine on additional orders, the 220 h.p. Continental R-670. This resulted in a change of airplane designation to PT-13D and the Navy as the N2S-5.

 

The cost of Stearmans to the military fluctuated from the normal high of $12,291 to a low of $8,102.

 

In February 1945 the last Stearman was built at Boeing-Wichita. In all, some 8,585 model 75 Stearmans were produced between 1933 to 1945. The end of WW II virtually ended the U.S. military career of the Stearmans, although it soldiered on for many years in small-nation air forces. The U.S. Army switched to more advanced designs for primary training, but the Navy retained some N2S-5’s as late as 1948.
Three new careers for the Stearman began right after the war, when thousands were sold on the surplus market for a few hundred dollars a piece. Since the Stearman had been issued a full Approved Type Certificate before the war, it could be bought for civil use without limitation or the need to undertake extensive modifications. Many aircraft were bought by former service pilots, and others were purchased by civilians as sport planes.

Reserve your memorable tour today!

Group rates are available. We'll fly at an altitude of 800-1200' AGL with a course along the Colorado River, Rattlesnake Arches, and the Colorado National Monument.

Vintage Aviation

Offering scenic flights in our newly restored WWII era 1942 Boeing Stearman aircraft throughout most months of the year. Vintage Aviation can make dreams come true.

Experience

Your pilot, Randy Miller, started Vintage Aviation to share the exhilaration and thrill of flight in a vintage 1940's era open-cockpit, radial engine biplane.

History

The Boeing Stearman Model 75 "Kaydet" occupies a unique place in American aviation history. One of the best-known American biplanes and presently the most numerous, the "Stearman" has had four separate and distinct major careers over a span of 60+ years and the end is still not in sight.

Pricing

Book now to reserve one of our memorable tours of the Grand Valley. Your picture of you in the cockpit is a complimentary gift souvenir.

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Please call 970-261-4220 or click the link to book now for your memorable, once in a lifetime experience!

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Purchase unique t-shirts, hats (coming soon), coffee cups (coming soon), videos of your flight and other items.

View our Gallery

See some of the flights of our happy customers over the last several years. Experience a once in a lifetime opportunity.

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IN MEMORIAM

Gerald  M.  "Gerry"  Miller

October 8, 1927  -  March 6, 2022

 

Vintage Aviation Call us at (970) 261-4220 1048 R Road - Mack, CO 81525 USA 10CO