Assistance Is Needed To Save The Super Stearman Named 'Aurora'

The Aurora project has a goal of keeping a dream alive and remembering the person that started the dream. In 2007 Jane Wicker had a dream of creating an aircraft that would inspire young and old alike. Over the next several years she and a longtime friend Bryan Rosenstein found the perfect project in a 1941 Boeing PT-17 that became known as Aurora.

This PT-17 started its life in 1941 training World War II pilots. While the life of this airplane morphed many times in the years after the war, it finally ended up with Jane Wicker as a beautiful 450 hp Super Stearman. As Jane fulfilled her dream by displaying and demonstrating the aircraft throughout the United States, something fascinating and unexpected happened; Aurora begin to capture the hearts and minds of all who viewed her, inspiring all among the thousands of Jane’s fans, and literally becoming America’s airplane, not just Jane’s.

Then, On June 22, 2013, Jane Wicker, her beloved plane, "Aurora", and pilot Charlie Schwenker were lost in a tragic accident at the Vectren Dayton Air Show. Now, a team led by Jane's fiancé and crew member, Rock Skowbo, is working to restore Aurora and return her to the skies. The intent is to create a flying memorial to the legacy of Jane and Charlie, and continue the aviation inspiration of children and adults through display and aerial demonstration.

The Save Aurora project is looking for assistance in the form of monetary donations, technical help, and aircraft components. Assistance in the form of Stearman parts and/or aircraft mechanical experts to help with the restoration is also welcome, and greatly appreciated. Some major items needed are: Pratt & Whitney R-985 engine, Hamilton standard 2-D-30 propeller with -12 blades, new fuel injection system, new wings, new center section, new fuel tank, Garmin GPS maps/COM, mode C transponder, instrument seats, controls, etc.

More details and information about the Save Aurora project can be found on the Save Aurora website.

(Images provided by Save Aurora Project)

FMI: www.aviatorman.com/aurora/