Warbird Information Exchange

Lone Star Flight Museum Acquires PT-17 Stearman Should Be Available For Rides In October

The Lone Star Flight Museum told ANN Monday the facility
recently acquired a 1943 Boeing PT-17 Stearman. The World War II
vintage trainer is currently on display at the museum's Galveston,
TX facility and plans are underway to offer flight experiences to
the public within the next few weeks.

The Stearman is known for its role as a primary trainer during
WWII teaching basic flight maneuvers to the majority of American
pilots. Its simple, rugged construction and nimble handling made
the Stearman loved by those who trained on it. Over 8,500 Stearmans
rolled of the Wichita, KS assembly line and thousands were assigned
to Army and Navy bases in Texas.

After the war, many Stearmans soldiered on for decades as crop
dusters and air show performers. The remaining examples of
this classic aircraft are now sought by collectors worldwide.

"We are very excited to add a Stearman to our collection of
historic WWII aircraft," said LSFM President Larry
Gregory. "This open cockpit biplane was a staple of military
aviation in the 1940s and continues today as a classic aircraft
that symbolizes the American dream of flight."

The Stearman will join the B-17 Flying Fortress and B-25
Mitchell as part of the museum's flight experience program later
this year. "A flight in an open cockpit aircraft is an experience
to remember," Gregory said. "It's aviation in its purest form and a
great way to view Galveston as well."

The Lone Star Flight Museum contains an award winning
collection of over 40 historically significant aircraft expertly
maintained to flying standards. A few notable aircraft in the
collection include the B-17 Flying Fortress, B-25 Mitchell, P-47
Thunderbolt, F4U Corsair, F6F Hellcat, SBD Dauntless and
Supermarine Spitfire