Raytheon Aircraft has donated a Beech Starship to the museum that promises to “preserve and foster the Beechcraft name and heritage.”

The Staggerwing Museum, based in Tullahoma, Tenn., serves as a resource for those restoring, rebuilding and maintaining Travel Air, Beechcraft Model 17 Staggerwings, and Beechcraft Model 18 Twin Beech aircraft.

The addition of a Starship to the museum’s collection contrasts the innovative early Beechcrafts with the high-technology, all-composite Starship.

“We are delighted to have this historically significant aircraft coming to the museum,” said John Parish, Chairman of the Board of the Staggerwing Museum Foundation. “We see the Starship having great benefits in supporting our EAA Air Academy and having the latest technology alongside the earlier Beechcrafts in our museum.” 

The museum’s EAA Air Academy introduces youths aged 12-18 to various facets of aviation, from basics of aircraft construction and theory of flight to an airplane ride in which each has the opportunity to handle the controls in flight. The program is designed to be a “hands-on” experience. Instruction is provided by professionals of the EAA staff as well as volunteers versed in the various disciplines.

“The Staggerwing Museum is a natural choice to receive a Beech Starship,” said Jackie Berger, Vice President – Communications and Public Affairs for Raytheon Aircraft. “We work with the Staggerwing Society in many of our historical events, and they are dedicated to preserving our company’s aircraft. We are very pleased to be able to add a Starship to their collection.”

This is the second Beech Starship donated by Raytheon Aircraft. The first went to the Kansas Aviation Museum in Wichita in August.

FMI: www.staggerwing.com