Stearman lessons in Texas?

Bill Greenwood · **Posted:** Fri May 18, 2007 3:20 pm

I have a few hours in Stearmans, mainly the 3 hours I got 24 years ago before I flew my plane. I have never had a full checkout and flown one solo. I would be reluctant to solo one now whereas I'd feel fine in a T-6 etc. Does anyone know who is a good instructor; I prefer someone central to Texas or Colorado and not have to go to the coast? Thanks

STEARMAN · **Joined:** Thu Feb 03, 2005 9:25 am **Posts:** 63

Bill,

I'll post the request on the Stearman Restorers Association website. I know a great one in the Midwest, but I'm sure there's one in TX. Don't know about CO.

Greg Pfister

Bill Greenwood · **Posted:** Fri May 18, 2007 4:01 pm

Thanks, it doesn't have to be in Co. Who is the one in the midwest?

STEARMAN · **Joined:** Thu Feb 03, 2005 9:25 am **Posts:** 63

Bill,

Tom Lowe is based at 0C0, Dacy Airport, northwest of Chicago about 45 miles. The airport has three grass runways, and is a wonderful airport that hasn't changed much since 1946. I'd be glad to lend you my Stearman.

Vlado is familiar with this airport.

Greg

valdez25 · **Posted:** Fri May 18, 2007 6:21 pm

I've known Tom Lowe for 30 years. He's a great guy and nobody has more experience in Stearmans than him. He'd be the best in the midwest. Mark Clark can hook you up with him too. Greg Vallero

Eric Friedebach · **Posted:** Fri May 18, 2007 7:05 pm

What everbody says about Tom - great guy!

Bill Greenwood · **Posted:** Fri May 18, 2007 9:21 pm

Thanks for the info on Tom, I"ll keep it in mind if I don't do anything before Oshkosh. The Spitfire radio seems fixed, actually was the intercom, so I am going Waco Monday and may fly around Texas a bit. So if anyone knows of a Stearman CFI there, please post it and thanks.

hsperdue · **Posted:** Sat May 19, 2007 6:46 am

Bill Greenwood wrote:

I have a few hours in Stearmans, mainly the 3 hours I got 24 years ago before I flew my plane. I have never had a full checkout and flown one solo. I would be reluctant to solo one now whereas I'd feel fine in a T-6 etc. Does anyone know who is a good instructor; I prefer someone central to Texas or Colorado and not have to go to the coast? Thanks

Bill-

I teach in the Stearman... in yours... we can do airwork in mine.... but I don't let anyone but me land my Stearman though... it's just been in the family too long. There are lot's of great places here around Fort Worth... depending on where your airplane is.

Don't know if you remember me... we met at LSFM and again at Corsicana when you had the radio problem.

scott

Steve S · **Posted:** Sat May 19, 2007 8:46 am

Bill
There may be some folks at LSFM that could point you in the right direction. Have you talked to Gumby or Robbie.

Steve S

Bill Greenwood · **Posted:** Sat May 19, 2007 9:48 am

Scott, yes I do rememer talking to you at LSFM, always good to meet people. I don't own a Stearman, I had a little Parakeet biplane for a year or two, but Aspen in winter is not too conducive to open cockpits. I will probably give you a call and see if we can get some time. I would, of course, like to find somehwere I can do a full checkout. I think the landings would be the key part, flying it in the air didn't seem too different. I did several landings years ago, and was starting to get comfortable, but had to quit when it got windy. I know of a place that rents a Stearman after a checkout, but it is way up there wher they talk funny. The radio shop installed my new intercom and says the radio works as normal; but I have got to do a little fine tuning when I get there Mon afternoon. You can't reach the srews for volume balance or sidetone when the unit is fully in place; so I never got these set years ago when it was installed. I use David Clark mostly and they are very well made, that was the only big radio problem I've had, other than engine noise. The Spitfire does seem quieter inside than some of the other fighters. My plane is at McGregor, I was invited to Ft Worth, may visit in any case. Probably a little quiet on a weekday.

hsperdue · **Posted:** Sat May 19, 2007 5:40 pm

Bill Greenwood wrote:

Scott, yes I do rememer talking to you at LSFM, always good to meet people. I don't own a Stearman, I had a little Parakeet biplane for a year or two, but Aspen in winter is not too conducive to open cockpits. I will probably give you a call and see if we can get some time. I would, of course, like to find somehwere I can do a full checkout. I think the landings would be the key part, flying it in the air didn't seem too different. ....

Bill-

Of coruse you are right... the landings are what is different. The airpane is great in the air... just slow. For the landing sight pciture is everything.... there is a place just NW of Orlando that does checkouts in Stearmans... I'm sorry, but mine is not a commercial airplane just a cherised part of the family<g>...

scott

STEARMAN · **Joined:** Thu Feb 03, 2005 9:25 am **Posts:** 63

Bill,

I spoke with Tom Lowe today and he would be happy to check you out in my plane if you ever make it over this way. I don't see any problem with you flying solo because of your tailwheel time. My plane is a worker-bee that flies about 100 hours a year and looks good, but isn't one of those show stoppers that you are afraid to get dirty.

Like Gunny said, landing sight picture is everything, but off the grass, the plane will tolerate a lot more crosswind and ham-handed flying. Low and slow on a nice summer evening is an element of flying that can only be experienced in an open cockpit plane like a Stearman or something similar. Flying on a windy afternoon is a different matter altogether. Makes you wonder who's in control.

Greg

Bill Greenwood · **Posted:** Sat May 19, 2007 11:32 pm

Thanks everyone for all the info. Greg, If I haven't got my Stearman fix when I go to OSH, I may call Tom. I try not to do too much ham handed flying, and thanks for the offer.

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Stearman lessons in Texas?

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