Here's Something You Don't See Every Day!

The cover is a John Amendola painting. My stuff is inside.

 

Jim, you must have had a copy of the book to be so quick with a picture.

 

No, I just found a cover scan on Amazon!

 

I have posted this elsewhere before but here is my then 94 y/o Dad preparing to take off in a Stearman similar to one he flew in Pensacola as a Navy pilot. The owner did the take off and landing but Dad got to fly the plane himself for over a half hour. It might have been longer but it was a cold February day.

Image Unavailable, Please Login Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

That just makes me drool. Lucky man!

 

That's a nicely done 450 HP Stearman but not what this gentleman trained in when he was a student pilot. Must have been thrilling for him to have flown it. I'm 97 and I have flown the 220HP, 300HP, and 450HP Spearman's but I would love to do it again. I have flown old Wacos and old Travelaires but there is nothing like the Stearman.

 

Yes, it had been modified with a bigger engine for use as a crop duster at some point in its life. It was subsequently rebuilt after a crash. So, not original, but still a deja vu moment for my father. You have a discerning eye Bob!

 

Thanks. The trailing edge of the cowling just ahead of the forward cabane strut identifies the configuration. Really a nice restoration.