No matter what you call it— Stearman Biplane, Boeing-Stearman Model 75, PT-17, or Kaydet—one thing remains the same: it’s one of the best-known biplanes in history. The Stearman Aircraft Co. manufactured the Stearman Model 75 from 1934 through 1945 in Wichita, Kansas. During this time, they produced around 10,000 aircraft. 8,584 aircraft were completed while [...]
Routine certified aircraft maintenance is an important aspect of owning a plane. This makes owning an aircraft different from any motor vehicle. What really distinguishes plane maintenance, though, is the required use of FAA-approved parts. Various aircraft parts and materials may be “standard parts,” which the FAA defines as “a part or material that conforms [...]
Sometimes, you want an aircraft that is all sleek and modern—a plane that might as well transport you into the future while it takes you to your destination. If that’s you, then the Cessna 195 is certainly not the plane you are looking for. Rather, this classic bird is the embodiment of retro nostalgia. The [...]
If online dating has taught us anything, it’s that people lie. Some by using decades’ old photos while others lie about where they live (or who they live with). It’s not also that uncommon to find people lying about their credentials or work experience. There are some professions you would think would be harder to [...]
When the Third Reich invaded Russia on June 22, 1941, they brought with them more than 3 million soldiers in a matter of hours. The Germans were expecting an easy victory against the Untermensch— the Russian people they believed were inferior. However, what the Germans faced was a ferocious army not just of strong men [...]
How the first cat got to cross the Atlantic Cats are no strangers to notoriety. Ancient Egyptians worshipped a cat Goddess and held felines in the highest esteem. Today, there is no shortage of internet-famous cats, to the point where we are essentially worshipping them on social media. Given cats’ status ranging from our ancient [...]
Take yourself back to the early days of aviation. Just how far back you go is really up to you. Mankind's been fascinated with flight for centuries before we ever got into the air by means of a plane. You can start in 1903, as we are so inclined to do, when the Wright Brothers [...]
The British Hawker Hurricane was one of the most important fighters for the Royal Air Force early on in WWII. It, along with the Supermarine Spitfire, earned victory laurels during both the Battle of Britain and the defense of Malta. While the Spitfire was the more popular of the two, the Hurricane served in all [...]
National Business Aviation Association The National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) is an organization that focuses on supporting business aviation interests. In doing so, the organization and its members work to foster an environment that allows the business aviation industry to thrive both in the U.S. and around the world. FBAA was founded in 1947 and [...]
Why yes, there is something better than new car smell, and it's that feeling of a brand new (or overhauled) piston engine. You may never get to experience breaking in a new engine, no matter how long you've been flying. But if you do ever have the chance, it's important to do it properly. Whether it's fresh from the [...]
