Today’s Top Pick is a 1941 Boeing​/​Stearman PT-17.

Many pilots dream of owning a vintage biplane, complete with open cockpits, fabric covering, bracing wires, and other details that characterize the classics.

In the end, though, they decide that such aircraft, lightly built with thin struts and spindly landing gear, are too delicate to be practical. While this notion might hold true for many biplanes designed during aviation’s golden age between World Wars I and II, it does not apply to the Boeing/Stearman PT-17.

Stearman Aircraft Inc. began turning out biplanes for commercial and personal use during the 1920s and by the mid-1930s had the eye of the U.S. Army Air Corps, which was looking for a new primary trainer.

The Stearman A75, later known as the PT-17 was a near-perfect candidate for the job because it was generally easy to fly yet still demanding enough to differentiate aspiring pilots with potential from those who would be better off pursuing a different specialty.

Perhaps most important was the aircraft’s ruggedness. This is one well-built biplane that was capable of bouncing back from the many mistakes that student pilots make.

The characteristics that made the Stearman a great trainer more than 80 years ago make it a wonderful personal airplane today.

The 1941 model for sale here offers pilots a window into aviation’s past, when airplanes had round engines and fabric covering. It also gives us a new way to see those familiar stretches of earth that we fly over regularly—from an open cockpit.

This 1941 Stearman has 3,749 hours on the airframe, 330 hours on its Continental W670-6A radial engine since overhaul, and 210 hours on its Sensenich propeller since overhaul. The VFR panel includes a King KLX 135 digital GPS/Comm, KT 76C transponder and intercom in addition to traditional analog flight and engine instruments

Pilots searching for a vintage biplane that is robust enough to handle frequent modern-day sorties including fly-ins, vacation getaways, and occasional formation flying with the owner’s club should consider this 1941 Boeing/Stearman PT-17, which is available for $155,000 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use its airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.

• FLYING Magazine: Restoration Nation: The Stearman Next Door
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• The Aviation Consumer: Antiques and Classics: Owning and Operating
• AVweb: National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Acquires PT-17
• AVweb: Pilot Completes U.K.-Australia Stearman Flight

The post This 1941 Boeing/Stearman PT-17 Is a Tough, Two-Winged ‘Aircraft For Sale’ Top Pick appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1941 Boeing​/​Stearman A75N1.

When people think of biplanes, World War I fighters and other small, fragile, lightweight, and underpowered machines often come to mind. The Boeing Stearman, however, is in a different category.

It is rugged, surprisingly large and has enough power to make flying an adventure and a joy. There is nothing quite like flying a Stearman low over a Northeastern forest during autumn, when the changing foliage is at its best, or touching down gracefully on a grass strip after a day of visiting distant airports.

While the Stearman is a charismatic antique that commands attention at just about any airport, it is not especially rare, so there are many opportunities to own one in today’s market. And while few airplanes are truly inexpensive, the Stearman is among the more affordable flying collectibles.

They still serve as great trainers as well, especially for those aspiring to fly high-performance warbirds. Just like the Army Air Corps trainees of the 1940s, civilian pilots who master a Stearman today can be ready to take the next training step toward fast piston fighters like the P-51 Mustang.  

This 1941 Stearman has 5,816 hours on the airframe and 629 on its Continental W670 radial engine since overhaul. The aircraft is covered with Ceconite and was last painted in 1987. The VFR panel includes a 720-channel comm radio, Isocom intercom and traditional analog instruments.

Pilots who wish to sample what military flight cadets experienced during World War II, or simply seek the pleasure of flying a handsome vintage biplane, should consider this 1941 Boeing/Stearman, which is available for $71,500 on AircraftForSale.

If you’re interested in financing, you can do so with FLYING Finance. Use their airplane loan calculator to calculate your estimated monthly payments. Or, to speak with an aviation finance specialist, visit flyingfinance.com.

• FLYING Magazine: Restoration Nation: The Stearman Next Door
• FLYING Magazine: Taking Wing: Stearman Patrol
• FLYING Magazine: Stearman Takes Chicago-Area Vets on a Nostalgic Flight
• The Aviation Consumer: Buying the Old Ones: Homework Mandatory
• The Aviation Consumer: Antiques and Classics: Owning and Operating
• AVweb: Pilot Completes U.K.-Australia Stearman Flight

The post This 1941 Boeing/Stearman A75N1 Is an ‘AircraftForSale’ With Military History appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Today’s Top Pick is a 1927 WACO 10.

There is something about biplanes from the 1920s and ’30s that attracts pilots, often luring them away from the high-tech piston, turboprop, or jet aircraft they typically fly. For some, the opportunity to experience the sounds, smells, and vibrations of a vintage aircraft engine and the tactile feel of direct mechanical controls is irresistible. Others seek the wind-whipped thrills of an open cockpit and the attention they receive when arriving at just about any airport.

While the airplane for sale here is certain to start conversations on any ramp, what it really offers is an escape to remote turf strips, most of which lack a defined ramp. It will transport you to an earlier era when visual references formed the foundation of flying. All you need is a chart and pilotage to find your way, though a tablet with ForeFlight loaded would serve as a reasonable backup. A rare biplane like this will urge you to add as many vintage fly-ins to your calendar as possible. It will also compel you to stop letting those sunny days with gentle winds slip by without a visit to the airport.

This WACO 10 has 2,600 hours on the airframe and 200 hours since overhaul on its Continental W670 radial engine. Its VFR panel includes a Narco 810 radio, PS Engineering 1200 intercom, and King 76A transponder.

Pilots interested in owning a classic biplane from aviation’s golden age that is far less common than the Stearmans and F-series WACOs that arrived several years later, should consider this WACO 10, which is available for $139,000 on AircraftForSale.

You can arrange financing of the aircraft through FLYING Finance. For more information, email info@flyingfinance.com.

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