After victory was won, many flew on spraying and dusting crops. A relative few became air show stars. A handful now reside in museums. But over the years, most of the nearly 8,500 trainers built in Wichita, Kansas, simply disappeared.
Visitors to the National Stearman Fly-In held every September at Galesburg Municipal Airport can experience the sights, sounds and smells of the old warbirds. This year's Fly-In — the 43rd consecutive celebration of the airplane — is scheduled Monday through Saturday.
Tram rides along the Stearman flight line provide an “up close and personal look at the airplanes,” says Dale Ruebner of Galesburg, who's in charge of the rides.
Trams will be operated daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., weather permitting. Cost to ride is $1 per person.
A narrated program will help riders learn about the airplanes, why the people who own and fly them are dedicated to what they do, and about the Fly-In's history, Ruebner says.
Members of Knox County AMVETS Post 8 will be hosts on the trams again this year.
The tram rides were started several years ago to provide a convenient, safe and securite way to allow large numbers of people to get closer to the airplanes. Access to the flight line is generally restricted to registered Fly-In participants.
Balsa plane competition
Youngsters from 3 to 12 can compete for prizes in a balsa airplane-flying contest during the Stearman Fly-In.
The event will be held from 1-3 p.m. Saturday in the Jet Air Inc. hangar at Galesburg Municipal Airport.
Competitors will be divided into three age groups — 3 to 5 years old, 6 to 9 years old, and 10 to 12 years old — according to Heather Godsil of Oneida, contest director.
Youngsters who successfully “pilot” their planes from 20 feet away to a landing in a 20-inch-in-diameter circle will qualify for a drawing for prizes.
First-, second- and third-place prizes will be awarded in each age group, Godsil said. The first-place prize is an airplane ride with a parent; second-place winners will get a 2013 Stearman Fly-In T-shirt; and third-place winners will get 2014 Stearman posters and buttons.
No pre-registration is required to enter the contest, and there are no charges for admittance to the airport or to compete in the balsa airplane contest. Competitors may keep their balsa planes after the contest.
The event is planned to give youngsters the opportunity to watch the Fly-In's annual formation flying contest, scheduled to start at 2 p.m.
Breakfast to wrap up Fly-In
GALESBURG — An all-you-can-eat breakfast served by the Galesburg Noon Lions Club will conclude the Fly-In.
The breakfast will be served from 7 to 11 a.m. Sept. 7 in the Jet Air Inc. hangar at Galesburg Municipal Airport.
The menu includes pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, coffee, milk and orange juice. Prices are $6 for adults and $3 for children.
Proceeds from the breakfast will benefit Lions Club projects.
Story and Photos: http://www.galesburg.com
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