PT-17 Stearman
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Characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Length: 24 ft 9 in
- Wingspan: 32 ft 2 in
- Powerplant: 1 × P&W R-985 SERIES (Reciprocating)
- 450 horsepower
- Maximum speed: 124 mph
- Rated cruise speed: 93 mph
- Service ceiling: 13,200 ft
History
The Stearman (Boeing) Model 75 is a biplane formerly used as a military trainer aircraft, of which at least 10,626 were built in the United States during the 1930s and 1940s. Stearman Aircraft became a subsidiary of Boeing in 1934. Widely known as the Stearman, Boeing Stearman or Kaydet, it served as a primary trainer for the United States Army Air Forces, the United States Navy (as the NS and N2S), and with the Royal Canadian Air Force as the Kaydet throughout World War II. After the conflict was over, thousands of surplus aircraft were sold on the civilian market. In the immediate postwar years they became popular as crop dusters, sports planes, and for aerobatic and wing walking use in air shows.
Our Stearman was built in 1941, and is unique, in that it has an engine that offers double the horsepower compared to the original. It was previously owned by Baron “The Flying Innkeeper” Hilton. Upon his passing, the Hilton family donated it to the museum to ensure the plane would continue to be flown and maintained. The Stearman is one of our flagship warbirds, being our most popular seller of warbird rides!
Book your Stearman ride now!
DISCLAIMER/FAQ
- All passengers are required to complete a Participant Release.
- For safety, all passengers must wear closed-toe shoes. No sandals or flip-flops will be allowed. Long pants are recommended.
- Passengers who cannot board the aircraft without assistance will not fly.
- The P-51 has physical restrictions that are: 6’5″, and 250 lbs. or smaller
- Large backpacks, shoulder bags, duffel bags, tripods or other bulky items are NOT permitted on the aircraft.
- No Firearms, Pepper or Chemical Sprays, Stun Devices or weapons of any kind are permitted on the aircraft.
- No animals are permitted on the aircraft.
- Passengers must be 13 years of age or older. Minors who fly (age 13-17) must have their parent or guardian complete a Participant Release for Minors. The parent or guardian must be present for the flight.
- Passengers must be able to enter and exit the aircraft without assistance; and be capable of climbing and descending the equivalent of a standard ladder.
- No smoking and no vaping devices are allowed on any of our aircraft.
- No portable oxygen assistance devices are permitted.
- Flights may be canceled due to weather, mechanical, or crew availability.
All riders must sign Participant Release prior to flight.
If you have questions or concerns, please email giftshop@palmspringsairmuseum.org