The Stearman Soars Again!
By: Forgottonia Times™ Report
The skies over Galesburg Municipal Airport will come alive once again this Labor Day week as the 53rd Annual National Stearman Fly-In takes flight. From September 2nd to the primary event day, September 7th, aviation enthusiasts, pilots, and community members will gather to celebrate one of the most iconic aircrafts of World War II, the Stearman biplane. With a history dating back to 1972, this year’s event promises to be a spectacular showcase of aviation heritage, community spirit, and the enduring legacy of the Stearman.
The National Stearman Fly-In, founded by Jim Leahy and Tom Lowe in 1972, began as a modest gathering of 27 Stearmans. The idea was simple: to welcome as many Stearmans as possible to Galesburg, fostering camaraderie among pilots and preserving the legacy of these remarkable planes. Over the years, the event has grown exponentially, now drawing between 75 to 100 planes annually. The 50th anniversary in 2021, which featured the famous Clydesdale Horses, marked one of the largest turnouts for both spectators and pilots in the event’s history, setting a high bar for future gatherings.
The story of the Stearman biplane begins with Lloyd Stearman, an aviation pioneer whose vision and innovation left an indelible mark on American aviation. Born in Wellsford, Kansas, in 1898, Stearman developed an early fascination with flight, a passion that would eventually lead him to establish the Stearman Aircraft Corporation in 1927. After gaining experience as a mechanic and pilot during World War I, Stearman honed his engineering skills at Swallow Airplane Company and later at Travel Air, where he collaborated with aviation legends like Walter Beech and Clyde Cessna.
In the late 1920s, Stearman’s company produced several successful aircraft, but it was the Model 75, better known as the Stearman, that became iconic. Designed as a rugged and reliable primary trainer, the Stearman was adopted by both the U.S. Army and Navy during World War II. Its sturdy construction, featuring a steel-tube fuselage and fabric-covered wooden wings, made it ideal for training new pilots. Over 10,000 of these biplanes were built, with the PT-17 version becoming the most widely recognized.
The Stearman’s design emphasized simplicity and durability, allowing pilots to master the basics of flying before moving on to more advanced aircraft. Its open cockpit, tandem seating, and responsive controls made it an ideal trainer, earning it the nickname “The Pilot Maker.” After the end of the war, many Stearmans were sold off as surplus and repurposed as aerobatic sport planes or crop dusters, with some being restored to their original military configuration for museums to house. Today, just over 1,000 Stearmans remain airworthy, each a testament to Lloyd Stearman’s enduring influence on aviation.
Cherished by enthusiasts and collectors worldwide, the planes are known for their distinctive bright colors—yellow wings and blue fuselage for Army trainers, and all-yellow for Navy trainers—designed to indicate that the pilot was in training. The bright training colors, however, earned the Stearman another nickname– “The Yellow Peril,” as other pilots knew to give these trainers a wide berth when flying. Though many Stearmans today have been personalized by their owners with custom paint jobs and modifications, they all retain the timeless charm and rugged reliability that made them legendary.
As the main events held on September 7th approach, anticipation is building for what promises to be an unforgettable experience. The day will kick off with a community breakfast in the hangar from 7:00 am to 11:00 am, hosted by the Lions Club. This will be followed by a series of family-friendly activities designed to ignite a passion for aviation in the next generation. For those looking for thrills, the afternoon will feature formation flying contests, where pilots will showcase their skills in synchronized maneuvers high above the crowd. For only $1 per person, visitors are able to take a tram ride available from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm for a ride along the flight line where they will learn about the history of Stearmans and be able to see them up close. Food and souvenir vendors will also be available weekly to fuel bellies and lift spirits.
One of the highlights of the entire week will be the opportunity for attendees to take a ride in a Stearman. Two options are available: an aerobatic flight with David Brown, who will recreate the exhilarating climbs, dives, and loops reminiscent of World War II dogfights, or a more serene, level flight with Robert Preston in the Heritage Biplane, offering breathtaking views of Galesburg from 1,000 feet in the sky. These flights are available all of Labor Day Week and can be booked in advance through the Stearman Fly-In website at the bottom of the “Schedule” page or by calling the Jet Air Office. Limited spots are available by walk-up too.
The evening will culminate in an awards presentation and a silent auction from 8:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Phillip Wolford, president of Jet Air and former president of the National Stearman Association, recommends that if visitors can only attend one day, Saturday is the day to experience the full spectrum of activities, community engagement, and the magic of Stearmans.
Three weeks before the Fly-In, The Forgottonia Times news team was invited by Phillip Wolford to experience the thrill of flying in a Stearman firsthand. Phillip, Stu Olmsted, and Scott Delawder, all proud Stearman owners, welcomed us at the Galesburg Municipal Airport for a day we won’t soon forget.
Matt, Emma, and Hannah took to the skies with one of the pilots. Matt flew with Scott, whose 220-horsepower Stearman gave him a classic experience in the open cockpit. Emma joined Stu, whose plane had been beautifully redone in 1995, showcasing the craftsmanship and care that goes into maintaining these vintage aircraft. Hannah, riding with Phillip, had the privilege of flying in his 450-horsepower Stearman, a powerhouse in the sky. As Phillip and Hannah took off last, they quickly caught up with the other planes, cruising at 115 mph before settling into a more relaxed 85 mph. Josiah, who had stayed on the ground to capture photos during the first round of flights, waited for Scott to perform a few pre-flight checks and re-fuel, finally got his chance to experience the exhilaration of flying in a piece of WWII history.
During our post-flight interview with Stu, he shared his journey into flying, which began with his childhood fascination with planes from attending the Stearman Fly-In himself. Now an active Board member of the National Stearman Foundation, Stu is dedicated to preserving the history of these planes and passing on the passion to future generations. He noted that many Stearman owners are either current or retired airline pilots who enjoy the simplicity and joy of flying a smaller, more intimate aircraft.
As we soared above Galesburg, Phillip shared a remarkable story from his own aviation history. His family once owned a Stearman flown by George H.W. Bush during World War II. The plane, which had been converted into a crop duster and later restored, was owned by the Wolford family for 12 years before being bought by the Military Aviation Museum in Virginia Beach, where it is now being fully restored to its original wartime condition. This connection to a former U.S. president adds an extra layer of significance to the Stearman’s legacy and its role in American history. Jet Air also houses a restored blue and yellow Army Stearman that was formerly a trainer at the University of Illinois after WWII.
The National Stearman Fly-In is centered around the celebration of history, community, and the enduring spirit of aviation. Whether a seasoned pilot, an aviation enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun and educational family outing, the Fly-In offers something for everyone. The Forgottonia Times had an incredible day visiting with the pilots who gave us a tangible connection to a piece of what may be the world’s most well-known war. As the planes take to the skies over Galesburg, they carry with them the stories, memories, and dreams of generations past and present.
Join the Forgottonia Times Team at the 53rd Annual National Stearman Fly-in and experience the captivating allure of the Stearman for yourself.
