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.

FMI: www.lsfm.org