Experience the Stearman
Join our Aces in this spectacular power-flight. This Boeing Stearman PT-17, open cockpit biplane, is one of our iconic WWII vintage airplanes. 70 years ago, 800 000 allied pilots got their training in this machine, before they joined in battle fighting for our freedom.
Put on your goggles! Before we rev up the engine our Aces take you through a thorough briefing with all aspects of safety. And yes, you will be wearing a parachute!
We are offering flights in Notodden with the Stearman
The total experience is 30 minutes – with minimum 20 minutes airborne. Before your flight you will be briefed on the safety equipment and the aircraft, and have to sign a waver where you confirm that you understand the risks of flying an aircraft from WWII.
The whole trip will be filmed with an action camera and footage will be made available to you after landing.
Please read the terms of service thoroughly when booking!
Boeing Stearman
Boeing Stearman Model 75 is a biplane. It was used as a military training aircraft during the 2. WW. At least 10.626 were built in the US in the 1930s and 1940s. The Stearman Aircraft became a subsidiary of Boeing in 1934. Boeing Stearman or Kaydet, worked as a primary trainer for the Army and Navy.
The plane’s body is constructed with a steel frame covered with fabric, wings and tail surface is constructed of wood (spruce) also covered with fabric.
The aircraft is a tail wheel aircraft, with a high center of gravity and a high wind resistance which makes it challenging to land especially in crosswind. The pilot sits in the rear cockpit and have limited visibility ahead at takeoff and landing. This meant that the pilots received special training in this. A valuable skill in the transition to fighters with the same challenge.
The plane was also used as an aerobatics trainer. Extremely solid built and can withstand high stress. Because of this powerful construction, the plane quickly got a reputation as a safe training aircraft, with a good chance to survive serious casualty. During World War II two planes crashed in the landing pattern and both the pilots survived. This says a lot about the aircraft construction.
During World War II 800.000 allied pilots received their basic training on the Stearman in the US. In 1941, a new Stearman rolled out of the factory in Wichita every 90 minutes.
After the Second World War, thousands of surplus planes were sold on the private market. They were used as crop dusters as well as sporting and aerobatics planes with wing walking at airshows.
Today there are about 600 operational Stearman planes in private ownership.
This particular plane is stationed at Notodden Airport and owned by Norwegian Flying Aces AS. Aircraft Norwegian registration LN-FTX.
Specifications
Type: | Boeing Stearman PT 17 |
Year manufactured | 1934-1945 |
Max speed: | 210 km/h |
Max weight: | 1200 kg |
Engine: | Continental 670-6, 7 cylinder radial engine with 220 HK |
Total aircraft produced: | 10626 |
Total aircraft survived | 1000 |
Max altitude: | 13200 ft |
Wing span: | 9.81 meter |
Height: | 3.0 meter |
Lenght: | 7.54 meter |
Number of pax: | Pilot in the back, passenger in the front |
LN-FTX facts:
- Serial number 75-4952
- Motor Continental 670
- McCauley steel propeller
- S ARMY AIRFORCE paint
- Produced at the Boeing factory in Wichita, Kansas. Accepted 13. Juli 1943 by the U.S NAVY
- July 1943 stationed at U.S NAVY N.A.S, Bunker Hill Indiana
- August 1944 stationed at U.S NAVY N.A.A.F, ST. Louise Missouri
- September 1944 discharged and sent to storage
- February 1945 resumed duty at N.A.S. Dallas Texas
- July 1945 over haul at A&R Depot, Dallas Texas
- August 1945 stationed at N.A.S Clinton, Oklahoma
- October 1945 cut from duty and sold as surplus for the price of for $ 635.20
- April 1946 bought by West Air Company Yakima, Washington
- September 1949 shut down and sent to storage
- July 1957 sold to Bruce and C´ceal Coombs, Yakima, Washington
- February 1989 sold to Wally Dier, San Diego, California – restauration begins
- March 2002 first flight post restauration
- February 2011, sold to Jon B. Roth
- March 2011 baught by Scandinavian Aircraft AS, Notodden, Norge
CEO of Norwegian Flying Aces Runar Vassbotten instructing one of our customers.
Experience the Spitfire with us
Booking can be completed instantly through the booking tab, but feel free to contact us before you make your reservation. Runar Vassbotten, CEO of Norwegian Flying Aces, will gladly handle any requests about the Harvard booking or accomodation to make sure you feel comfortable getting here, staying here and flying here.
Booking
Tickets for the 2025 season opens soon.
Price per Stearman flight is 4900 kr (Fully refundable until engine is started and ready for taxing).
The terms and conditions are listed in the checkout process. Please read them carefully!
To buy gift card or vouchers, head to the contact us tab.