The Stearman (Boeing) Model 75 'Kaydet' is a biplane formerly used as a military trainer aircraft. At least 10,626 of this type 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 ll.
The Kaydet was a conventional biplane of rugged construction with a large, fixed tailwheel undercarriage and accommodation for the student and instructor in open cockpits in tandem. The radial engine was usually uncowled, although some Stearman operators chose to cowl the engine.
After World War II, thousands of surplus PT-17s were auctioned off to civilians and former military pilots. They became popular as sports planes and for aerobatics and wing walking in air shows. In addition, many were modified for crop-dusting use, with a hopper for pesticide or fertilizer fitted in place of the front cockpit. Additional equipment included pumps, spray bars, and nozzles mounted below the lower wings.
Rob Mackley owns this Stearman, and the aircraft was restored by Stuart Tantrum and his team at Antique Aeroworks at Omaka. It flew for the first time back in 2009 and headed off to its new home at Ardmore a short time later. The Stearman found its way back to Omaka, where it is based once again in a hangar recently constructed by Rob and at this stage will be the only Stearman flying at Marlborough Lines Classic Fighters 2025.
About Marlborough Lines Classic Fighters Omaka: The airshow is the main fundraising event for the Omaka Aviation Heritage Museum, located in Blenheim, Marlborough NZ.
