Sat, Jan 20, 2024

Classic Aero-TV: Profiles in Aviation – Ed McKeown’s Rearwin Cloudster

From 2010 (YouTube Version): Ed McKeown Introduces His Award-Winning Rearwin Restoration

Inspired by the world’s newfound aviation intrigue, Raymond Andrew Rearwin, along with his sons Royce and Ken, started Rearwin Airplanes in 1928. Bursting into the industry scene during the “Golden Age of Aviation,” the company designed and built more than 400 aircraft before closing in 1946.

Among the instrument trainers and gliders, Rearwin Airplanes debuted the Rearwin Cloudster in 1939; featuring strut-braced high-wings, the aircraft included an enclosed cabin and fixed, tailskid undercarriage. Though the Cloudster’s commercial success was poor, the airplane has remained a namesake among antique aviation enthusiasts.

Approximately 124 Rearwin Cloudsters were built, with four variants on the market. Designed to be a larger, more commanding successor of the Rearwin Sportster, the Cloudster marked the progression from tandem seating to side-by-side seating for Rearwin Airplanes. The 8090 and 8125 models featured side-by-side seating, while the 8135 model featured a three-seat arrangement. Shortly after their debut, an estimated twenty aircraft, designated as 8135T, were modified to tandem seating for Pan Am instrument flying trainers.

Today, an estimated six Rearwin Cloudsters remain airworthy. One of them, however, to the excitement of enthusiasts, arrived at the 2009 Antique Aircraft Association’s annual gathering.

Ed McKeown debuted his authentic restoration at the Blakesburg Fly-In nearly 70 years after its first test flight. Chosen for Chapter Choice at the AAA’s Fly-In, McKeown’s Rearwin Cloudster also won the 2009 Classic Grand Champion and the Rearwin Family Award.

Episode Date	Airborne-Monday	Airborne-Tuesday	Airborne-Wednesday	Airborne-Thursday	Airborne-Friday
Airborne On YouTube	Airborne-Unlimited-05.05.25	Airborne-NextGen-05.06.25	AirborneUnlimited-05.07.25	Airborne-Unlimited-05.01.25	AirborneUnlimited-05.02.25

Airborne Unlimited -- Most Recent Daily Episodes

Episode Date

Airborne-Monday

Airborne-Tuesday

Airborne-Friday

Airborne On YouTube

Airborne-NextGen-05.06.25

AirborneUnlimited-05.07.25

Classic Aero-TV: Profiles in Aviation – Ed McKeown’s Rearwin Cloudster

From 2010 (YouTube Version): Ed McKeown Introduces His Award-Winning Rearwin Restoration

FMI: www.antiqueairfield.com, www.rearwin.com/index.asp, www.aero-tv.net, www.youtube.com/aerotvnetwork, http://twitter.com/AeroNews

Advertisement

More News

ANN's Daily Aero-Term (05.07.25): Terminal Radar Service Area

ANN's Daily Aero-Linx (05.07.25)

Classic Aero-TV: Anousheh Ansari -- The Woman Behind The Prize

NTSB Prelim: Bell 206B

Airborne-NextGen 05.06.25: AF Uncrewed Fighters, Drones v Planes, Joby Crew Test

Change Display

Advertisement

Top Videos

Advertisement

Podcasts

Advertisement