My dad took a flight on a Stearman today!

Posted by Octane2100@reddit | aviation | View on Reddit | 11 comments

To say I'm jealous is an understatement. He got to take the controls for a bit, do a few basic maneuvers. Totally amazing experience from the sounds of it.

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11 Comments

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morebikesthanbrains@reddit

When I was a teenager (mid-'90s) my dad arranged for me to have a flight in a stearman without my knowledge. One minute we were walking around a grass airfield during a tiny fly-in, the next I'm wearing the goggles and headset, sitting a few feet behind this screaming radial engine with a stranger yelling "JUST KEEP YOUR KNEES AWAY FROM THE STICK." Flying was my dad's dream and one he never got to realize. For reasons I still don't understand (well, as a parent myself today I do kinda get it) he let me fly in his stead while he waited around for my return. This was at 40I Red Stewart Airfield in Waynesville, OH. A tiny grass landing strip with lots of charm and history. I don't know who the pilot was, but I remember him vividly. No doubt he was a real professional but on the radio he played the role perfectly. One of those "I've never tried this before so hold on" guys. I haven't flown GA since the 90s, and including this only did 3 flights. But I'll never forget it and I still thank my dad (who is approaching 80) regularly.

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Octane2100@reddit (OP)

This is an awesome story, thank you for sharing! That's really a good dad you got there. He gave you a memory that's lasted the rest of your life and something you can think back on fondly. Flying was definitely a dream of my dad's as well. He had his licence back in the early to mid 80s, shortly before I was born. Claimed he gave it up because it was getting too expensive but I think that was the partial truth, with the rest of the reason being me on the way. Did you end up as a pilot eventually or working in the industry?

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morebikesthanbrains@reddit

Dads (moms too) are the best. Not a pilot, not in the industry. My dad also sent me up in a biplane ride out of KSEZ in 2001. I have 2 great stories to tell that cost probably less than $500 total. I know better than to try to chase the 3rd.

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klacey47@reddit

Flew in a Stearman this past summer at the Canadian Warplane Heritage in Hamilton, ON Canada. The open cockpit was absolutely amazing!!. Flew in the Tiger Moth the summer before - a great place for vintage flights

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Gadgetmouse12@reddit

Always my fav. Became even more fav when I got to restore them for a job. Just a solid plane build to be maintained and used.

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Life-Improvement-886@reddit

Was fortunate to go for a short flight in one years ago.. still gives me an adrenaline rush when I think about it!

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er1catwork@reddit

That’s awesome! I had the chance to fly in one a few Times but I had to pass each time. Boy do I regret that :(

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Octane2100@reddit (OP)

Yeah I know what you mean. These old birds are getting to be fewer and fewer, and flights are getting more and more expensive. To think that one day in the not too distant future, we won't have any airworthy WW2 Era planes anymore.

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er1catwork@reddit

What was the experience like? That open cockpit had to be neat…

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Octane2100@reddit (OP)

From what I hear, it was incredible. I'm on the other side of the country so I didn't get a first hand account, but my mom said he was beaming!

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Euphoric_Policy_5009@reddit

Love that airplane!