BACKTRACKING
Time & Stearman
by
Terry Hogan
ÒTime
and StearmanÓ is the answer. The
question is ÒWhat flies by in Galesburg?Ó
Yes, it has been almost a year since the Stearman Fly-in at
Galesburg. Once again the
Magnificent Men (and Women) and Their Flying Machines will return to Galesburg
for the largest collection of Stearman anywhere in the world. Get your calendars out and mark the
dates now. Are you ready? The
fly-in is from September 5 through September 11. If you want more details, you can go to the internet site,
listed at the end of this article, or you can call the Galesburg Visitor Center
at
But
you may ask why you should bother to go all that way out to the airport when
you can just look up at the sky and see and hear them fly over. I hope you donÕt really ask that
question. Watching and hearing
them fly is certainly part of the thrill.
But so is seeing over 100 Stearman lined up along the grassy areas next
to the airport runways. It is also
worthwhile to talk to the owners and pilots of these planes and hear their
stories. Most are pleased to talk about the history of their plane and how it
was restored. They are rightfully proud of this magnificent biplane of another
generation and another time.
These
Stearman fly through the air.
TheyÕre not pushed through the air by an overwhelming application of
thrust. The propeller spins around (hopefully) a few feet in front of you. The sound and the air rushing by the
open cockpit is not something to be missed. It creates a memory of a lifetime to fly in a Stearman. I believe that as long as I can
remember, flying in a Stearman will be one of those special memories that will
bring a smile. It is worth doing.
I have flown in a number of aircraft
including small private planes, private jets, commercial jets, and military
helicopters. But the Stearman is
by far my favorite. (If you wonder
what I liked least – military helicopters at treetop elevation). So, you say, ÒWell thatÕs all fine and
great for the famous and soon-to-be Pulitzer-Prize-winning columnist, but how
about us poor common folks?Ó
I
am pleased to provide another news scoop brought to you by The Zephyr. I have
confirmed through reliable sources that Blue Sky Aero, Inc. is planning to once
again return to the Galesburg Airport to provide Stearman rides for paying
customers. It is currently planned
to charge $85 for the flight, but of course with the price of fuel nowadays,
who can say for sure! The
Zephyr also understands (although it lacks two independent, credible sources)
that the wildly romantic and debonair Stefano will also likely return to do
much of the flying. So ladies, if
you want to fly out at sunrise or sunset with the worldly Italian heart-throb
Stearman pilot who brought many female hearts to racing speed, make your
reservations early. I have provided The Blue Sky Aero homepage address at the
end of the article if you want to see if Cindy will take your personal request
for StefanoÕs special sunset flight.
But,
I should note that there will likely be well in excess of 100 Stearman at the
airport, judging from the 120 or so Stearman that registered for last yearÕs
fly-in. Who knows, you might get lucky and somebody may offer you a ride. Hope springs eternal.
I
should also mention that judging from past Galesburg fly-ins, Galesburg is
usually lucky enough to have some odd-ducks also show up. The Constellation was no odd duck when
it arrived. It was nothing less
than a shiny beautiful swan as it dwarfed the nearby Stearman. A WWII vintage Mustang has been present
for several years. It has to be
one of the all-time classic fighter planes. When the Mustang does a low fly-by along the airport, it is
hard to believe that this thing is over 50 years old.
Speaking
of old. Hopefully, the fly-in will
also bring out a few WWII Army Air Corps veteran pilots. Some of these fine old gentlemen took
this first flight in a Stearman as part of their military training. From there they went on to fighters, or
bombers, as skills and needs dictated.
How can you write about what we owe these men? Perhaps if you come out
to the airport, you may meet one and hear his story while the telling can still
be told.
If
you want to make plans now, I have provided some of the event highlights below.
A more complete listing is available on the Internet at the Stearman site
listed at the end of this article.
Remember,
it is almost here. DonÕt let ÒTime
& StearmanÓ pass you by.
Selected Highlights
Thursday, September 8
Early
Afternoon - Aerobatic competition at
the Galesburg Airport
7:30
p.m. "Stearman Big Band ShowÓ at
Orpheum Theatre, Galesburg
Friday, September 9
10
a.m.-6 p.m.: Narrated tram rides
along Stearman flight line for public. $1 per person
Saturday, September 10
10
a.m.-6 p.m.: Narrated tram rides along
Stearman flight line for public. $1per person
1
p.m.: Formation Flying contest,
Galesburg Municipal Airport.
5:30
p.m.: Mass Stearman Formation Flight
Sunday, September 11
Mostly devoted to Stearman packing up and heading for
home.
References
for More Information:
Galesburg Visitor Center: 309-
Stearman Fly-in:
http://www.stearman@stearmanflyin.com
tmh
8-1-05