Going Flying Tomorrow Morning --

[john2]

in a 1942 Stearman biplane.  " Dream Flights"  will be here to fly veterans  and I will be one of Riggs Manor's lucky 3 to get a ride.  It is cold here,  with a rain last night, so I am hoping they don't  cancel.

I love airplanes in general, old ones particularly, and Stearmans specifically.

[Brian Conn]

... So I Googled "1942 Stearman biplane" just to see what you are talking about.  That looks like its going to be quite a memorable flight for you...try your best to stay warm!

[john2]

Thanks, Brian.  It will be quite a treat for me.

[john2]

 Anne and me with the biplane. 

The flight was made possible free of charge by Ageless Aviation Dreams which is a non-profit foundation that  flies seniors and veterans living in retirement homes and assisted living facilities.

The pilot was a crop sprayer from Nebraska, and the owner of the plane was from Columbus MS, and flies for Fed Ex.  He is a former air force instructor pilot.  He said the Stearman has been in his family since 1946.  He also said they bought it for $ 1400, and have just put a new engine on it that cost $ 53,000.

It was great fun, but was also very cold. as the ground temp was 44 degrees with a pretty good wind.  Quite a day for me.

IMGP3410 by john gorday, on Flickr

[sentsat71]

COOL pic (no pun intended) of the two of you and the plane!!

[TarheelRick]

Sounds like a lot of fun John.  Did you walk the wings? 

[john2]

lol   No wing walking.  No loops,  no rolls.  I was ok with that !

Start up to shut down was about half hour.

[Dirtman]

Really happy for you John! I may get my ride around Daytona one of these up and coming birthdays or something!

Rett

[john2]

I hope you do, Rett.  I'd be scared. 

[Bob P.]

Looks like a lot of fun John. I'm glad you had the opportunity to take that flight.

Bob

[Gary Davis]

What an AWESOME picture of you two and a great Plane. The Stearman is one of my favorite Bi-Planes also. it looks as though you folks had a good time in spite of the chilliness.