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View Full Version : I flew in a Stearman!


moose135
2007-06-17, 01:45 AM
As I mentioned in the Bayport Aerodrome thread, I got a ride in a 1943 Stearman biplane. This was my first time in an open cockpit biplane, and it was blast! The pilot (and owner) was Bob Fritts.

Taking the runway for takeoff:

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/163615700-L.jpg

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/163615941-L.jpg

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/163616325-L.jpg

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/163616452-L.jpg

Here's Bob, my pilot. The Stearman has a mirror under the upper wing so the two pilots can see one another.

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/163617953-L.jpg

We headed south from Bayport, over the Great South Bay. When we were up to altitude (about 800 feet) I got to fly her for a little - made some turns to get the feel of the airplane, and when we got to Fire Island, I turned and headed west for a few minutes, then started back. At that point, the pilot took the controls, made a diving turn back to the east and flew along the beach at about 150 feet.

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/163616677-L.jpg

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/163616874-L.jpg

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/163617032-L.jpg

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/163617173-L.jpg

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/163618100-L.jpg

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/163618314-L.jpg

How about some prop-blur? And that's not sensor dust, it's on the windscreen.

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/163618682-L.jpg

On downwind with the aerodrome off the right side:

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/163618842-L.jpg

Turning final:

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/163618973-L.jpg
nwafan20
2007-06-17, 02:50 AM
awesome shots! Lucky you!
stuart schechter
2007-06-17, 03:03 AM
Spectacular shots. The people on the beach must have thought that we went back in time!
cancidas
2007-06-17, 04:20 AM
WOW!! been so long since i was at bayport, think it's time to get some soft field practice in.
Nick
2007-06-17, 11:28 PM
I've flown from there, nice place.
flyboy 28
2007-06-17, 11:35 PM
Neat, I may be flying in a Stearman next weekend. :)
mirrodie
2007-06-18, 09:45 AM
Great shots John, Must have felt amazing up there.

Is there a picture of you though, in your helmet and goggles?
moose135
2007-06-18, 11:01 AM
Is there a picture of you though, in your helmet and goggles?

Unfortunately, this is as close as I got to a photo of myself...maybe next time :D

http://moose135.smugmug.com/photos/163625094-L.jpg
mirrodie
2007-06-19, 02:12 PM
Moooose!!! You look like Snoopy! I love it!
PhilDernerJr
2007-06-19, 02:35 PM
Unreal. Very cool.